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Tior.A Point Valley, i-rom PR..-i;.^i 

I'aiiited by Montalaiit. 1856 



A HISTORY OF 

OLD TIOGA POINT 

AND 

EARLY ATHENS 

PENNSYLVANIA 



'This shall be written for the generations to come. 




'The Indian calls it TE-A-O-GA— where the loving waters meet." 



LOUISE WELLES MURRAY 



ATHENS, PENNA. 
1908 






LiBRftRY of congress! 
Two Copies Received j 

NOV 16 1908 j 

CoPi'rt«nt entry 
CLASS CL '^Xc, No. 



Copyright, 1907, by 
I^OUISE WELLES MURRAY 



»."i^' 



THE RAEDEB PRESS 
WILKES-BARRE, PA. 



TO 

EDWARD WELLES, 

IVHO HAS BEEN MY INSPIRA TTON, 

CONSTANT COUNSELLOR, AND WISE CRITIC, 

THROUGHOUT THE YEARS OF THEIR PREPARATION, 

THESE ANNALS OF MY BIRTHPLACE 

ARE DEDICA TED 

WITH SINCERE AFFECTION 



L' EN vol 

• In every community there are those who scoff at any attem^pt to preserve 
local history. For them are here recorded some wise words of great men ; many 
of which were collated by the late Dr. John Hawley, and used in his writings for 
the Cayuga County (N. Y.) Historical Society, of which he was the first Presi- 
dent. Dr. Hawley wrote, "Why do we want to know history? Simply because all 
of us and every one ought to know how we have come to be what we are." 

Daniel Webster w-rote, "The Man who feels nO' sentiment of veneration for 
the memory of his forefathers, who has no natural regard for his ancestors, or his 
kindred, is himself unworthy of kindred regard or remembrance." 

Max Muller says, "What history has to teach us before all and everything, 
is our own antecedents, our own ancestry, our own descent." "He does wisest and 
best for himself and for others who takes closest heed to the lessons of the past. 
Love for the old is not inconsistent with the things of to-day. Whatever tends to 
unravel the true motives of men and their deeds, clothes the past with living 
interest. A faithful record of the pioneer generation should mirror forth its man- 
ners, customs and principles ; and serve to increase our veneration for the men and 
women who won for us this fair heritage. We can not know too much of the 
influences which have made and controlled the conditions of society, as they have 
hindered or advanced its welfare. Therefore we should collect and preserve the 
memorials of our local history, while the incidents of its early settlement are yet 
fresh in memory or tradition." 

Brodhead, the historian, said, "A decent reverence for the past must always 
be an ingredient of the highest patriotism. The more that is known of the history 
of a locality, the more the people will love it, and stand up for it, not only for 
what it is, but for what their predecessors have done and suffered to make it 
what it is." 

"There are many ways of learning history; we read it not only from written 
documents, records, traditions, monuments and coins ; but also from ethnological 
and geological remains." In all these "one needs to be well versed to discover 
the thread of fiction from the warp of truth, in the mingling of romance which 
certain writers choose to adopt, for the day is past in which romance can be 
accepted as history." 

Schiller well calls history "The tribunal of the World." 

Hesitatingly we send forth this work of our hand to be judged in the tri- 
bunal of our own world, the Valley of the Susquehanna. 

Louise Welles Murr.w. 
December, 1907. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



L'Envoi Introductory Chapter 

PART I 

HISTORY OF TIOGA POINT BEFORE THE 
SETTLEMENT BY WHITES 

1614-1791 

PAGE 
CHAPTER I. — Tioga Point: — Geographical and Scenic Description — Ath- 
ens Toumship and Borough — Some Observations on the Physiography 
and Geology of the J 'alley — fossils of the Manunalian Era Found Along 
the Tioga River 3 

CHAPTER II. — The American Indian : — The Aborigines of the Upper 
Susquehanna before the coming of the White Man — Indian Xames for 
Tioga Point — Its Importance as Key of the J'alley — Indian Customs and 
Modes of Living 20 

CHAPTER III. — Early Explorations: — The Results as Shozi'n in Old 
Maps — First Visits of White Men to the Vicinity of Tioga Point — The 
Susquehanna and its Discoverers 29 

CHAPTER IV. — The Andastes: — The Car-an-tou-ans and their Toicns 
on the Upper Susquehanna ; Car-an-tou-an, Os-co-lu-i, Go-hon-to-to. 
0-noch-sa-c, Tenk-gha-nack-e and Others — Spanish Hill; Location. 
Description, Origin, Occupation, Name and Traditions — Some Curious 
Relics Found on Tioga Point and Nearby 43 

CHAPTER V. — Aboriginal History Continued: — From Expulsion of 
Andastes to the Revolutionary Jl'ar — The French and Indian JVar 
Teedyuscung and the Treaties TO 

CHAPTER VI.— Old Sheshequin :— T/ir Tivo Ton'ns—The Moravian 

Mission — Queen Esther and Her Toz'^ni 103 

CHAPTER VII.— Early Temporary Settlements :—T/!f White Settlers 
in this Vicinity Prior to the Revolution — Tories on the Upper Susque- 
hanna — Tioga Point and Neighborhood During the Revolutionary War 
Preparations for the Descent on Wyoming — Flight of the Fugitives 
Indian Dances or Festivals 115 

CHAPTER VIII.— Revolutionary Campaigns in This Valley :—r/u' Sul- 
livan Expedition, and Its Forerunner, Commanded by Colonel Hartley 
Some New Lights on Their History — Life in Fort Sulliz'an — Cherry 
I 'alley Massacre 127 

CHAPTER IX. — Conditions After 1779: — Border Raids Continued — Nar- 
ratives of Scouts and Captives — Teaoga Abandoned by the Red Men 
The Narrative of the Indian Girl JJ^ay-Zi.'ay 166 



vi TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

CHAPTER X. — Indian Councils: — The Pickering Treaties at Tioga 
Point, Nezvtozvn and Canandaigua — Colonel Proctor's Mission and 
Journal — Indian Traders and Trading Posts at and near Tioga Point.. 171 

CHAPTER XL — Results of Archaeological Research: — Indian J'illage 
Sites, Burial Places, Potteries and Flint Factories in the Tioga Point 
Region — Accounts of the Investigations of Messrs. Wright, Murray, 
Ercanbrack, Lang and Others 195 

CHAPTER Xn. — Visitors to Old Tioga Point: — Early Travelers 

Through the Valley — Their Impressions and Observations 210 

PART II 

THE CONNECTICUT CLAIM 

1734-1798 

CHAPTER XIII. — The General Land Controversy: — A Feiv Outlines, 

Queries, Answers and Reflections 221 

CHAPTER XIV. — The Permanent Settlement of the Valley: — Penn- 
sylvania Titles Under Province and State — The Coming of the First 
Settlers — Matthias Hollenback and "Hollenback's Store" — Lockhart's 
Lottery Warrant — The Establishment of the State Line — Effect of the 
Decree of Trenton — John Franklin — The Half-Share Men or "Wild 
Yankees" — Cause of the Settlement of Ulster and Athens — Tlie Netv 
State Project — The Intercepted Letters — Franklin Imprisoned- — The 
Connecticut Gore 235 

CHAPTER XV.— The Pioneers :—T/!r Original Proprietors of Athens 
The Beginnings of the Settlement — Excitement Over Indian Murders 
First Suit in Local Controversy — Erwin's Claim — Many Newcomers 
Franklin Released — Renezved Activity of Susquehanna Company — Sec- 
ond New State Scheme — Agitation Over tlic Intrusion Lazu — Condi- 
tions of Trade — General Town History to lygS .300 

PART III 

THE PENNSYLVANIA CLAIM 

1798-1830 

CHAPTER XVI. — The Pennsylvania Claim : — The Coming of the Penn- 
sylvania Claimants to Tioga Point — Their Various Experiences and 
Experiments — Another Epoch of Anticipated Greatness as Told in Old 
Letters — Effect of the Compromise Lazv and Preznous Acts — The Con- 
troversy that Grezv Out of the Enforcement of Lockhart's Claim 353 

CHAPTER XVII. — Adjustment of Titles: — Tioga Point at the Opening 
of the Century— Agitation Caused by Attempted Enforcement of the 
Intrusion Law — Work of the Commissioners Under the Compensation 
Law — History of Ulster Township — Rejection of Bedford, Ulster and 
Athens — Last Efforts of the Susquehanna Company — The Satterlee- 
Matthezvson Controversy — The Bedford and Ulster Act — Work of the 
Commissioners of i8io — Final Adjustment of Connecticut Claims — Con- 
ditions of Trade— War of 1812— Militia 397 



TABLE OF CONTENTS vii 

PAGE 

CHAPTER XVIII. — Settlement of Claims: — Catoii's Interest and Its 
Adjustment — Many Propositions for the Indian Arrozv — Erection of 
Bradford County — Polities and Parties in New Bradford — The Wash- 
ingtonian and Its Career — Renewal of W elles-Mathewson Controversy 
as a Party Issue — Seven Years Before the Legislature — The Final Set- 
tlement in 1827 — Disposition of Caton's Lands 440 

PART IV 
GENERAL HISTORY 

1785-1860 
CHAPTER XIX.— Annals of Early Athens -.—1813-1860 481 

CHAPTER XX. — Development of Highways and Transportation : — In- 
dian Trails — Bridle Paths — Waterivays — Post Routes — Stage Coaches 
Roads — Canals — Railroads 519 

CHAPTER XXI. — Pioneer Life: — Homes of the Pioneers — Old Time 
Sports, Hunting, Fishing — Social Entertainments — Early Industries, 
Distilleries, Sazu Mills, Grist Mills. JVoolen Mills — Fires and Fire 
Companies 537 

CHAPTER XXII. — School and Church History: — School Lands — Early 
Schools — The Athens Academy — Church Organization — Some Early 
Pastors 545 

CHAPTER XXIII. — Early Professional Men : — Early Physicians — Early 

Lazuyers — Rural Amity Lodge. No. 70 — Early Nczi'spapers 562 

CHAPTER XXIV.— A Summary:— .-i/o;;g the Old Stage Road— The 

Neighbors 575 

Bibliography 587 

Note of Thanks 590 

APPENDIX 

A. Remonstrance of Henry Welles 591 

B. Constant Mathewson's Letter 622 

C. Henry Welles' Speech 627 

D. List of Taxables in Tioga Tozvnship, 1796 632 

E. List of Taxables, Tioga Point and Athens, 1808 635 

F. List of Revolutionary Soldiers Who Lived in this Vicinity 636 

Index 639 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Cover design, after pottery from the garden of the author, draz^'ii bv Gilbert 
S. McClintock. 

Tioga Point Valley, northward from Prospect froiitisfiece 

We are indebted to the skill of Mr. Irving K. Park for this fine re- 
production of the landscape painted by Joseph O. Montalant in 
1856, nozv in the xvriter's possession. Montalant ivas a French- 
Virginian. He eventually drifted to Europe and attained some 
note as a landscape painter. 
Tioga Point Valley, northward from the Turn-o'-the-Rocks, from an old 

print of 1841, artist unknown Title Page 

PAGE 

Tioga. Point to-day, pJwtographed by Irving K. Park Facing 3 

Tioga Point Valley from Round Top, photographed by I. K. Park. ..Facing 6 

Fossils from Chemung Rocks 10 

Tioga Point fossils 11 

The Chemung near Wilawana. photograplicd by E. C. Tracy 19 

"Figurative Map" of Block and Hendricksen, original found at The Hague 
hy T. R. Brodhead in 1S51, copied by Jessie IV. Murray from JJ'insor's 

Narrative and Critical History, by courtesy Houghton and MUHin 31 

Section of Champlain's Map of 1632, copied by J. W. Murray 37 

Section of Lewis Evans' Map of Middle British Colonies, 1743, sketched 

by Rev. David Craft 38 

Section of map from Reading Howell's Atlas, 1795, copied by J. W. Murray. 40 

Along the Susquehanna, photographed by Irving K. Park 42 

Spanish Hill from southeast 51 

Spanish Hill from northeast, photographed by Isaac P. Shepard 56 

Diagrams of Spanish Hill, showing contour and line of fortifications, drazi'ii 

by I. P. Shepard 58 

Relics found at or near Tioga Point ; cntcifi.v. medal, insignia, szvord 67 

Brass crucifixes, found at Oivego by Henry E. Kingman 68 

Section of map showing location of "Esther Town." made by surz'cyor zcith 

Sullivan Expedition 107 

Page homestead, opposite Queen Esther's Town 110 

Site of Queen Esther's Town 110 

Col. Thomas Hartley, from a miniature in possession of the family, copied 

by the courtesy of Rev. Horace E. Haydcn 129 

General John Sullivan, from an old portrait, copied for Tioga Point His- 
torical Society, by the courtesy of Charles F. Murray, 145 

Sketch maps of Fort Sullivan and Tioga Point, from pen and ink drazving 
in Col. Adam Hnblcy's diary, by courtesy Historical Society of Pennsyl- 
vania 151 

Sketch of camp on Tioga Point. 1779. made by Nukerck, z^'ifh Sul- 
livan's army 152 

Boulder marking Fort Sullivan, erected by Tioga Chapter, D. A. R., in 1902. 165 
Timothy Pickering, from a portrait hy Gilbert Stuart, reproduced by courtesy 

of Oscar J. Harvey 175 

Red Jacket, from a portrait painted for Thomas Maxwell at the instance 

of chief, reproduced for this book by courtesy of Hosnier H. Billings. . . 179 



ILLUSTRATIONS ix 

PAGE 
Map, showing Indian villages, camps and burial sites, sketched by Percy L. 

Lang, copied for this book by Charles D. Park 197 

Indian Pottery from M. P. Murray's garden, in Tioga Point Museum 199 

Turtle shell rattles from Murray garden, reproduced by courtesy of JVyo- 

ming Historical and Geological Society Facing 200 

Bronze bracelet and bone comb from Murray garden, in Museum of Wyo- 
ming Historical and Geological Society, reproduced for this volume 

by courtesy of Society 201 

Open grave of Indian chief in Murrav garden, photographed by Mrs. Dana 

J. MacAfee ' 203 

Pottery from Queen Esther's Flats, found by Arthur Williams. Plate HI.. 205 

Pottery from grounds of C. S. Maurice, Plate IV 205 

Pottery from site of Museum-Library, Plate V 205 

Pipes, tubes, totems and gorget in Tioga Point Museum Facing 206 

Miscellaneous Indian implements in Tioga Point Museum 207 

Map showing Connecticut Claim, reproduced by courtesy of Tioga County 

Historical Society 222 

Autographs of Trenton Commissioners, from original of secret letter, in 

possession of Herrick heirs 228 

Fac-simile of Half Share Certificate, from Tioga Point Museum 231 

Patterson's location, made by first "zdiite settler in Athens Township 238 

Portrait of Abraham Snell, the first zuhite child born in Athens To7cnship. . 240 
Portrait of Matthias Hollenback, reproduced for this history from a Zi'oter 

color sketch by Jacob Cist, courtesy of Andrezc H. McClintock 242 

Portrait of John Shepard 245 

Map of Athens Township, showing original subdivision of Pennsylvania 
warrants, drazvn by Zephon F. Walker to illustrate his manuscript 

history 254 

Fac-simile of Lockhart's warrant, reproduced for this history Facing 258 

Fac-simile of first survey of Tioga Point, made for Lockhart by William 
Maclay. D. S., reproduced for this I'olume from original in the Land 

OMce at Harrisburg 259 

Letter and sketch map of Lockhart, from original in possession of z^'rifer. . . 262 

Inscription on above 263 

Col. John Franklin, from only known portrait 265 

Autograph of Gen. Ethan Allen, from a paper of Samuel Bartlett's, presented 

to Tioga Point Museum by Louis T. Hoyt 274 

View on "Tioga Creek." corresponding with description in first Connecticut 

survey 276 

Portrait of Zephon Flower, earliest resident surveyor 27S 

Map of Athens, according to first Connecticut survey by Col. Jenkins, first 

published fac-simile copy, drazvn for this volume by N. F. Walker. .Facing 278 
Historical Map of Athens Township, made by Z. F. Walker; carefully cor- 
rected and redrazi'n for this volume by N. F. Walker Facing 302 

Autograph of John McKinstrv. one of the York Lessees under Connecticut 

Claim ■ 303 

Autographs of first permanent Connecticut settlers 306 

Autograph of Betsy Matthewson 309 

Portrait of Chester Stephens, by courtesy of Lodge No. 70 309 

Portrait of Mrs. Elisha Satterlee. painted by Kittell, by courtesy of Mrs. 

Helen Good 310 

Portrait of Mrs. Elisha Matthewson, by courtesx of Mrs. Annie Washburn 

Lee ^ 311 



X ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

Portrait of Daniel McDuffee 314 

Portrait of John Spalding, 2nd 320 

Autograph of Ebenezer Backus 321 

Fac-simile of pardon of Colonel Franklin 323 

Portrait of Noah Murray, Sr., Justice of 1st District of Luzerne, 1789, 
cof^icd by his great great granddaughter, Jessie U'. Murray, from a 

ivater color sketch by nnknozun artist 324 

Autograph of David Alexander 329 

David Paine, from an oil portrait in possession of family of Charles Paine. 332 

Autograph of Clement Paine 332 

Autograph of Ananias Conkling 339 

Portrait of Julius Tozer, Sr 340 

Silhouettes of David and Clement Paine 341 

Paine homestead, erected 1797 342 

Silhouette of Elizabeth, daughter of Noah Murray, Sr., by courtesy of Iter 

grandson, George McConnel 345 

Silk coat of Ferdinand McDuffee, in Tioga Point Museum ; viaterial spun 

and ivoven by Daniel McDuffee, a noted weaver and pioneer settler. . . . 346 
Ashbel Welles, from a portrait in possession of Jiis descendants, the Cook 

family, of Clarksville, Tenn Facing 353 

Autographs of George and Ashbel Welles 353 

Richard Caton in youth 354 

Richard Caton in old age, both reproduced for this history by the courtesy 

of Mrs. Charles Carroll McTavisli, wife of a grandson of Caton 355 

Charles Carroll of Carrollton. ^3' courtesy of Maryland Historical Society. 359 

Autograph of James Irwin 359 

Portrait of James Pumpelly, by courtesy of L. Jl'. Kingman 365 

Portrait of Henry Welles, reproduced from a portrait by S. A. Mount, iS^O. 369 

House built by George Welles in 1809 380 

Autograph of Thomas Overton 384 

The famous writ served on Mrs. Matthewson 390 

Autograph of Job Irish, an early pettifogger 391 

Autograph of Stephen Tuttle 398 

Silhouettes of Mary Ann and Stephen Tuttle 398 

Three grants of Ulster, from Col. Jenkins' map of the Seventeen Townships. 400 

Upper Athens from Round Top, showing Satterlee's location 422 

Isaac Morley, 3rd, by courtesy of Mrs. Celcstia Morley Ovenshire 425 

House built by Abner Murray in 1807 426 

The old sign of Murray's Inn 426 

Certificate of Militia Company 438 

Militia uniform of Colonel Welles 439 

Portrait of Celestia Hopkins (Herrick), painted by her son Curran 445 

Portrait of Charles Fisher Welles 447 

Portrait of Constant Mathewson 460 

The Old Stone House 462 

"Map of the allotment of Tioga Point under the Susquehanna Company," 

drawn by Zephon Flower Facing 469 

Portrait of Mrs. Sarah Spalding Welles 475 

Silhouette of John Grififin, Sr 482 

Silhouette of Elizabeth Matthewson (McKean) 483 



ILLUSTRATIONS xi 

PAGE 

Portrait of Julia A. Shepard (Perkins) 485 

Portrait of George A. Perkins 486 

Portrait of Edward H. Perkins ' 487 

The Exchange Hotel 488 

Portrait of Lemuel S. Ellsworth 489 

House built by L. S. Ellsworth 489 

Portrait of Zephon Flower Walker 493 

Portrait of General Horace Williston 495 

Clover Croft, erected by Chauncey N. Shipman, 1841 497 

Patrick's first brick block, erected in 1841 500 

Hayden homestead, erected by Sidney Hayden. 1840 501 

Portrait of Rebecca McDuffee ( McGeorge) 502 

Portrait of Joshua R. Giddings 505 

Portrait of Colonel Charles F. Welles 508 

Main Street in 1845, east side, shozving Park's store, Toser's store, Patrick's 
frame block, Irn'in's tavern or Pike's hotel, and Mathezvson's Mansion 

House 508 

Davies' Cofifee House 509 

Democratic banner, awarded to Athens in 1S44 511 

Main Street in 1840, from a painting made for John E. Canticld. noti' /';; pos- 
session of Mrs. C. S. Maurice Facing 512 

Residence erected by Col. Charles F. Welles. 1854 517 

Fac-simile of letter from Guy Maxwell to Stephen Tuttle 522 

Silhouette of William Parry 526 

The old Susquehanna bridge, photographed by Miss E. Laing. 1898 527 

Autograph of John Vangordon 529 

Copies of old bridge and turnpike seals, found among the papers of Clement 

Paine 529 

A group of old pewter from Tioga Point Museum 537 

Before the days of matches 538 

Invitation to a dance 540 

The first Athens fire company 543 

The first fire engine 544 

Handbill advertising Athens Academy in 1840 552 

Athens Academ}-. second building, erected 1843 554 

Spalding Museum Library, erected 1897 555 

Soldiers' Monument, erected by Joseph and Charlotte Snell Stickler 555 

Portrait of Rev. William Wisner 556 

Portrait of Rev. Charles C. Corss 558 

Portrait of Rev. Curtis Thurston 558 

Portrait of Judge Herrick 563 

Portrait of Judge Williston and homestead erected 1825 564 

Portrait of Judge Wm. Elwell 565 

Portrait of Henry C. Baird. copied from a group photograph in Tioga Point 

Museum 066 

Edward Herrick, Jr 566 

The old doctor's saddle bags 567 

Elm Cottage, erected by Dr. Amos Prentice, 1797 569 

Dr. Huston's turnkeys 570 

Portrait of Dr. William Kiflf 571 

Log house built by Ludovick Greene, 1803 576 



INTRODUCTORY 



WHY AND WHENCE THIS HISTORY 



The history of Tioga Point has long waited for consecutive and 
full narration. Although many memoranda and memories are irre- 
trievably lost for want of a collector a century ago, a wealth of ma- 
terial, unsuspected by writers of the past, lay hidden and inaccessible 
until recent years. Many important documents supposed to have been 
destroyed at the time of the Wyoming Massacre, or by overzealous 
Connecticut and Pennsylvania pioneers, have come to light in Wilkes- 
Barre, Harrisburg. Philadelphia and Hartford. 

From the very organization of the Tioga Point Historical Society 
in 1895, a growing desire was apparent for an exhaustive and accurate 
early history of this valley, and various appeals were made to us to 
undertake the task. The collections of the society soon revealed quan- 
tities of unused material, and from that time everything available has 
been carefully collected. At first it was disheartening to learn how 
much had perished from ill fortune or lack of care, that had been col- 
lected in the early days of the Bradford County Historical Society; and 
some of the most interesting early journals, etc., of this region were 
gathered up by the late Steuben Jenkins, whose collection is now lost 
to sight. Much valuable though desultory work was done thirty years 
ago by the late Edward Herrick, Jr., who contemplated writing a com- 
plete history of Tioga Point. Having abandoned the project, Mr. 
Edward Welles induced him to transfer most of his material to Rev. 
David Craft, who was urged to undertake this work. No definite work 
was done, although some notes and memoranda were added by Mr. 
Craft, who already had at hand a mass of data unused in his history 
of Bradford County. On the establishment of a fire-proof museum at 
Athens, Mr. Craft, at the suggestion of Mr. Welles, the Herrick family 
and others interested, presented these papers, with many of his own, 
to the Tioga Point Museum, where they are known as the "Craft Col- 
lection." Additional papers gathered by Mr. Herrick were also depos- 
ited in the museum by his son, or have come to hand from other 



INTRODUCTORY xiii 

sources. Quantities of letters and documents of great historical value 
have been loaned by the family of one of the most active pioneer set- 
tlers, Clement Paine. Were it not for these, and the work of Mr. Her- 
rick and Mr. Craft, these annals would have been practically impossible. 
It has been entirely from these papers that isolated facts have been 
grasped, inciting to further research, which has always been rewarded ; 
therefore we have compiled more than we have composed. At a very 
late date access was obtained to the papers of the late Matthias Hollen- 
back. an invaluable collection, with stores of interesting information. 
The manuscript prepared by the late Zephon F. Walker has also been 
placed at our disposal by his heirs. A lifelong surveyor himself, and 
possessing all the memoranda of his uncle Zephon Flower (who. was 
the first resident surveyor in this region), Mr. Walker's w^ork, as to 
maps, titles, etc., could have been accomplished by no other person. Un- 
fortunately he has not noted his sources of information, thereby ren- 
dering much of his manuscript valueless for reference. His many excel- 
lent biographical sketches are too voluminous to use, for while, as has 
been well said, "Every person that has lived in this town has had more 
or less to do with the shaping of these events, yet it would take far 
too many pages to record each individual's share." 

As the work has advanced we have often lost sight of the doer in 
recording the deeds done; therefore this book is in no sense biograph- 
ical, although great pains has been taken to make family records 
accurate. 

We have endeavored to avoid drawing upon our imagination for 
conclusions, and not to offer bias for facts, always giving our readers 
all the evidence at hand. It was enjoined upon us in beginning the 
work "not to make much use of conjecture, even when facts were 
scarce ;" though we agree with an ancestor, who observed in an old 
letter, "to be accurate is a great additional trouble." 

The masses of material revealed to us, and the effort to corrob- 
orate statements, have prolonged the task far beyond expectation. The 
endeavor has been to make an exhaustive and unimpeachable history, 
valuable for reference, and yet sufficiently interesting to attract readers, 
young and old. We have borne in mind John Hay's remarks on his- 
torical writing : 

"I don't try to remember anything. I have read reminiscences 'written 
from memory,' which crowd events occurring in different years into a single 
day. My experience is that you cannot zvritc ten lines of history without refer- 
ence to memoranda or a reliable record." 

We have aimed to take an impartial stand in the many vexed ques- 
tions of early days, presenting both sides whenever possible, and leaving 



xiv INTRODUCTORY 

the reader to judge for himself. This has been dififiicult, but "the true 
historian must try to suppress his individuaHty as far as he can, and 
must criticise the events of a remote period from the standpoint of 
that period, not from his own." Omissions and inaccuracies there will 
doubtless be, but we have searched diligently that we might avoid them. 
Beginning in 1895, at the suggestion of the late George T. Ercanbrack, 
our first enthusiastic supporter, we have traveled many miles in the 
last twelve years, notebook in hand. Then, ranging farther afield, we 
have visited the libraries of the most active historical societies, or cor- 
responded with their most prominent officials. Considerable personal 
work has also been done in the various State departments at Harris- 
burg, and in the State Library. Almost invariably we have met with 
courtesy, prompt response and kindly encouragement, for which we 
here return sincere thanks. It has been purely a labor of love, the 
compiler of local history having no returns except the satisfaction of 
best endeavor. It has been far more difficult than others realize, for, 
as Ibsen says, "If one feels called to a great task, one must forget that 
one has friends." Yet it is the generosity of many interested friends 
that has rendered possible not only the publication of the book, but 
the numerous illustrations with which we have endeavored to make a 
complete picture of early times. 

And now, voicing our sentiment in the beautiful words of Whittier, 

"Lift we the twilight curtains of the Past, 

And, turning from familiar sight and sound. 

Sadly and full of reverence, let us cast 

A glance upon Tradition's shadowy ground." 



IN MEMORIAM 



DAVID CRAFT. 

October 3, 1S32 — September 17, 190S. 

As we go to press, David Craft, instructor, pastor, chaplain, con- 
scientious historian, faithful friend, has "crossed the bar." To-day it 
has been our sad privilege to witness the last civic and military honors 
paid to him. Let it be ours to add a tribute to the historian, from whom 
we have often imbibed wisdom. For what he had gleaned by pains- 
taking research was given free-handed to the seeker after knowledge. 
Long years ago this history was his appointed task ; and, though laid 
aside in the press of greater duties, his garnered sheaves were preserved, 
and ready for our hand. Indeed, but for his work, ours would have been 
almost impossible ; for. when groping in the dark, a ray of light fre- 
quently came from his manuscript, memoranda, or many a turned-down 
page. He rejoiced in our efforts, and it was our privilege to read to him 
from advance sheets until he was weary of the task. Other hands may 
tell the story of his life and ancestry ; ours but to pay tribute to a friend. 

September 23, 1908. 



PART I 

HISTORY OF TIOGA POINT BEFORE THE 
SETTLEMENT BY WHITES 

1614-1791 




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CHAPTER I 
TIOGA POINT 

'Geographical and Scenic Description — Athens Tozvnship and Borough 
Some Observations on the Physiography and Geology of the Valley 
Fossils of the Mammalian Bra Found Along the Tioga River 

Midway between the Hudson and Lake Erie lie the beautiful val- 
leys of the North Branch of the Susquehanna and of the Chemung 
Rivers, fertile and productive. The Susquehanna has its source in 
Otsego Lake, in central New York, whence it flows southerly, crossing 
the line dividing the 42nd and -iSrd degrees of latitude ; then west, 
northwest and west, making what is called the Great Bend ; it then 
turns again south. The Chemung, or old Tioga, rises in Tamarack 
Swamp, near Armenia, Bradford County, and describes a course some- 
what resembling an elongated letter C, receiving the waters of the 
present Tioga and the Conhocton. 

At the boundary line between New York and Pennsylvania, both 
these streams bend sharply to the south ; the Susquehanna at the 56th 
milestone, the Chemung at the 64th milestone ; and their waters meet 
live miles below, less than twenty miles from the source of the 
Chemung. 

The chains of hills which have marked the river valleys here fall 
back a little, leaving a triangular plain, with nearly equal sides of eight 
miles each, the rivers forming two of these, and the north boundary be- 
ing the low line of hills not far above the State line. This plain is 800 feet 
above tide water, and the encircling hills rise some 500 feet higher. The 
slopes and valleys are divided into farms, rich with grain fields, through 
which the rivers find their way in curves and links of silver, occasionally 
varied by wooded islands. Now the streams flow almost together, then 
suddenly spread out again, forming the peculiar peninsula just above 
their confluence, long ago called Tioga Point. The whole valley is 
one of unusual beauty — "no lovelier spot between the Atlantic and the 
Great Lakes," says one ; and, though smaller, it rivals the far-famed 
Wyoming Valley, of which, in early days, it was a part, in name at 
least. ^ The receding, yet encircling, hills, only their tops crowned with 
the forests which once clothed their sides, fade into soft shades in the 
distance, recalling the title of "the city of the violet crown" given by 
the ancients to Grecian Athens, and doubtless to the little hamlet of 
the long ago by a traveled pioneer. A recent traveler of old Athens 
stock, "the real Athens," as he is pleased to call it, thus writes from 
the Hellenic Athens : 

"All my life I have wanted to come here, and after years of trying — at last 
here I am in Athens ! — There probably could not be two places on earth more 

1 "In January, 1774, the General Assembly of Connecticut adopted measures to bring 
the Susquehanna settlement under her immediate jurisdiction. An act was passed erecting 
tne territory within her charter limits, from the Delaware to a line fifteen miles west of the 
Susquehanna, into a town, to be called Westmoreland, attaching it to Litchfield County, and 
from the Lehigh north to five miles above the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chemung 
Rivers." — Miner. 



4 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

utterly different in their situations and surroundings than the two Athenses that 
I have known, and yet no man could justly say that one was distinctly more 
beautiful than the other. Statues and Parthenons and Theseions are here — but 
there are only firs and olives and cacti ; — the skies and seas are of a most won- 
derful sapphire — but there is no Round Top, no wooded hills and fertile plains 
and luxuriant gardens." 

Another enthusiastic achnirer of our Athens says : 

"Here the people of the valley will recall the noble inheritance of our 
classic title. These rushing streams will be the Ilissus and Cephesus of our 
modern Athens ; these shadowing trees will form our grove of Academus." 

There are many points on the surrounding hills from which to 
view this charming valley. Those most frequented are Prospect, a 
hill overlooking the Point Farm (see frontispiece), the favorite picnic 
resort of the last generation ; Round Top, west of the town ( which was 
cleared by the late Charles F. Welles. Jr., that all might enjoy the view 
therefrom — Plate 3) ; and Spanish Hill, that ctirious freak of nature, 
standing alone in the plain, jestingly called the Parthenon. 

What is there about this valley that has so endeared it to every one 
who has lived within its charmed circle? Who can forget the reveren- 
tial air with which those oi the past two generations always spoke of 
"the Valley" F To visit it again was their greatest joy ; to live in it, aye 
to die or to be buried in it, the supreme desire of many who have long 
since quitted their beloved environment. 

In this valley four contiguous villages, Athens, Sayre, South 
Waverly and Waverly, form one vast "City of the Plains," as it was 
long ago named by one who saw it only in prophetic vision ; the air 
castle of his dreams, through a long life begun, spent and ended here ; 
a life devoted as none other has been, solely to the interests and ad- 
vancements of "the Valley." We often wonder, could he who loved it 
so return, would not his City of the Plains far exceed his hopes and 
dreams ? The prosperous towns, the many railroads, the busy shops, 
the connecting trolley lines, the electric lights, gas, water, all the mod- 
ern conveniences, would surely astonish, if not our dreamer, the sturdy 
New Englanders who first peopled the Valley. 

At hois Borough. 

The curious peninsula first known as the Tcaoga of the In- 
dians, has been in turn Westmoreland,^ the Indian Arrow, Lock- 
hartzburg. Old Ulster, Athens, Tioga, New Tioga, Lower Tioga, 
Old Tiog Pint, Tioga Point. There have been various stories about 
the change of name. The truth is this : The Connecticut people took 
out the grant as Athens (1/86) ; the Pennsylvania settlers (1798) gen- 
erally gave it the name of Tioga Point, corrupted from the Indian ap- 
pellation. Letters were addressed for years to Athens, Ulster, Lock- 
hartzburg and Tioga Point. 

Prior to 1803, as there was another township named Tioga at the Iiead 
of the river of same name (Chemung), an application was made to the court 
to have the town established as Athens. It was not attended to at the time, if 
ever, and the settlement was still generally known as Tioga Point,' but finally 
incorporated as Athens in 1S31." 

-This statement was found in an old letter of Gen. Henry Welles, 1815. 



ATHENS. SCENIC DESCRIPTION 5 

WouUl tliat the City of the Plains might be included in one, to be 
called by the old Indian name Teoka. Teaoga or Diahoga, which, inter- 
preted, means a space or point between the forks of a river or road ; 
"Point." therefore, being an unnecessary addition.'' 

The finest descriptions known of this region are found in the es- 
says of X. P. Willis, written in 1849, when he v;as a resident of Owego. 
Of his home, "Glenmary," he writes in "Letters from Pander a Bridge" : 

"I have chosen a spot on one of the loveliest of our bright rivers. Here 
is all that goes to make an Arcadia, except the friendly dwellers in the shade. — 
Let us have an old man's Arcady. — I have strings pulling upon one or two—If 
they draw well, — the Owaga and the Susquehannah will join waters within sight 
of an old man's Utopia. The Susquehannah ! This delicious word in the Indian 
tongue describes its peculiar and constant windings, and I venture to say that 
on no river in the zvorld are the grand and beautiful in scenery so gloriously 
mixed. This road (from Binghamton to Owego) follows the valley rather than 
the river, but the silver curves are constantly in view ; and from every slight 
elevation the majestic windings are seen — like the wanderings of a vein, gleam- 
ing through green fringes of trees, and circling the bright islands which occas- 
ionally divide these waters. It is a swift river, and singularly living and joyous 
in its expression. * * * 

"The ^arrozi's of the Susquehannah. That is a word nota bene, which refers 
not at all to the breadth of the stream. It is a place where the mountain, like 
many a frowning coward, threatens to crowd its gentler neighbor, but gives 
room at its calm approach, and annoys nobody but the passerb3\ The road be- 
tween them looks etched with a thumb-nail along the base of the cliflf, and as 
you come on you would think it a pokerish drive, but there is a smooth single 
track, and, if you meet Farmer Giles or the stage, you have only to set your 
hub against the rock, and 'let them go by as likes.' The majestic and tranquil 
river sweeps in to the peaked shadow, and on again, with the disdain of a beauty 
used to conquer. It reminded me of Lady Blessington's 'do if you dare,' when 
the mob threatened to break her chariot windows. There was a calm courage 
in Miladi's French glove that carried her through, and so. amid this mob of 
mountains, glides the Susquehannah to the sea. * * * 

"Since I wrote you I have added the Chemung River to my list of acquaint- 
ances. Its beauty is a subject with which I am, just now, something enamored. 
I think you share my passion for rivers — we will visit this new Naiad in 
company." 

He thus describes this valley : 

"A !" "Imagine this capital letter laid on its back and pointed south by east, 
and you have a pretty fair diagram of the junction of the Susquehannah and the 
Chemung. The note of admiration (exclamation point) describes a superb line 
of mountains at the back of the Chemung valley, and the quotation marks express 
the fine bluflfs that overlook the meeting of the waters at Athens. The cross of 
the letter (say a line of four miles) defines a road from one river to the other, 
by which travelers up the Chemung save the distance to the point of the triangle, 

^ The name of Athens has often roused indignant protest, as evinced by the following, 
published Feb., 1889: "The writer looks forward in fancy to a time (Heaven speed it) when, to 
the beautiful and historic valley at the confluence of the Susquehanna and the Chemung shall be 
restored the good old Indian name of which the stupidity and pseudo-classicism of ninety years 
ago deprived it. Could anything be more ridiculous than Rome, .\thens, Troy? Poverty 
of resource could by no means apply in the case of the famous old Tioga Point. The true 
name was traditional and unmistakable. The 'Gateway of the South' was as well known 
by its Indian title as Wyoming, Shamokin or Niagara. In the oldest AIss. the name was 
generally written Diahoga or Dyahoga. Which form more nearly expresses the aboriginal 
sound is a question for reference to the best authorities in Indian history, and the name 
agreed upon by such a commission'' should by all means, by both general consent and 'legis- 
lative enactment, be substituted for the present tasteless and pretentious 'Athens,' to the 
delight and satisfaction of some old fogies, and many besides. The old new name will be 
historical, aboriginal and euphonious as well, while for mere antiquity it will be outdone only 
by the everlasting rocks and hills that surround the valley. Xow, that an effort is on foot 
to collect and embalm the early history of "Diahoga,' cannot something be done to awaken 
the public conscience and interest on this long-neglected question?" — E. W., in Athens News. 



6 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

and the area between is a broad plain, jnst now as fine a spectacle of teeming 
harvest as you could find on the Genesee. 

"As the road touches the Chemung you pass under the base of a round 
mountain, once shaped like a sugar-loaf, laut now with the top o' the fashion 
of a schoolboy's hat punched in to drink from ; the tloor-worn edge of the felt 

answering to a fortification around the brim of the hill, built by 1 should 

be obliged if you would tell me whom ! 

"I can in no way give you an idea of the beauty of the Chemung River 
from Brigham's inn to Elmira. We enter immediately upon the Narrozi's — a 
spot where the river follows into a curve of the mountain, like an inlaying of 
silver around the bottom of an emerald cup — the brightest water, the richest 
foliage — and a landscape of meadow between the horns of the crescent that would 
be like the finest park scenery in England, if the boldness of the horizon did not 
mix with it a resemblance to Switzerland." 

Athen.s, or Tioga Township, lies in a territory which has been 
successively a part of Northumberland, Luzerne, Lycoming, Ontario 
and Bradford Counties ; these subdivisions have been made as increase 
of population rendered it necessary. As an illustration of the necessity, 
when this locality was first settled, voters had to go to Northumberland 
to cast their ballots. Bradford County was erected in 1810, the matter 
having been under discussion for several years previous. The first 
mention of the township is recorded at Wilkes-Barre : 

"At the March sessions, 1790, the court ordered the county of Luzerne to 
be divided into eleven townships. No. 1 tO' be Tioga, bounded on the north by 
the north line of the State, on the east by the east line of the county, on the 
south by an east and west line which shall strike the Standing Stone, on the 
west by the west line of the county." 

As described, it was seventy-six miles in length from east to west, 
and a trifle more than eighteen miles from north to south. At the April 
sessions, 1795, a petition was presented asking for a division of Tioga 
Township by an east and west line, southwest of Breakneck ; the north 
part to be called Tioga, the south, "Wisocks." The petition was granted. 
January 17, 1797 (by reason of petition presented at November ses- 
sions previous), the commissioners reported in favor of dividing- the 
township on dividing line between Athens and Ulster (Connecticut 
surveys). The north township reccwcd the name of Athens, the south, 
Ulster, and thus, says Craft, the name Tioga, which for centuries had 
been given to the confluence of the two rivers, Vv'as lost. In 1801 Rush 
was taken from the western part, in 1807 Mt. Zion, now called Orwell, 
in 1809 Smithfield, in 1813 Wells and South Creek, in 1818 Ridge- 
berry, and in 1821 Litchfield. 

"As the lines now run, the township is about six miles square. It is bounded 
on the east by Litchfield, on the west by Ridgeberry, south by Sheshequin, Ulster 
and Smithfield, on the north by Barton, Waverly and Chemung, New York State. 
It contains the boroughs of Athens, incorporated 1831,'' South Waverly, incor- 
porated January, 1878, and Sayre, incorporated January, 1891. The natural divis- 

* An act, approved March 29, 1831, erected the village of Athens into "a Borough 
with the following bounds, to wit, beginning at Satterlee's Landing or Ferry on the Susque- 
hanna River (Ferry Street, 1906), extending down to Henry Welles' line, including all that 
is between the rivers. The electors are to meet at the house of D. A. Saltmarsh to elect 
one Burgess, Five Town Council, one High Constable, Two overseers of the Poor, one super- 
visor, one assessor and two assistant assessors." As originally incorporated the borough of 
Athens included all the land from the old white gate or north line of Point farm to Ferry 
and Paine Streets, and north line of Herrick plot on Chemung. The limits were first ex- 
tended on the south to confluence of rivers; next north to Mile Hill, or boundary of old 
(/Ister, and again extended, 1886, to include the old Tozer farm and new cemetery. 



< 

> 3 
-J < 

B - 

CO ^T- 

o 




ATHENS TOWNSHIP 7 

ion by the rivers is into three unequal parts ; the broad flat on the east, with the 
high hills of Litchfield behind; the level triangular plain between the rivers; and 
west of the rivers a belt of level, alluvial land, from half a mile to a mile and 
a-half in width. To the west and south of this the surface rises into hills and 
broken lands. 

"The township is now divided into four parts, exclusive of the borough, 
with acreage as follows : E^st of the river, 4,344 acres ; northeast corner between 
rivers, 693 acres; adjacent to Sayre and South Waverly, 824 acres; west of 
rivers, 20,264 acres ; Athens Borough, 1,214 acres ; Sayre, 1,420 acres ; South 
Waverly, 478 acres; total, 29.437 acres. The township is surveyed as follows: 
Beginning on the west bank of the Susquehanna at State line, 110 rods east of 
the .57th milestone; thence along State line N. 88^ 10' W., crossing Chemung 
River three times, eight miles and 110 rods to 6.5th milestone; thence south 6^ 
miles to the original old line of Athens ; thence east six miles to centre of Sus- 
quehanna River; thence northerly in said river one mile, crossing to the east 
side, to the northwest corner of J. Hancock tract ; thence on north line of said 
tract S. 43i° E., one mile 31 rods ; thence east 314 rods ; thence north five miles 
72 rods to the south bank of the Susquehanna River ; then up said river, crossing 
to west bank, 196 rods to beginning. The Chemung River receives Orcutt Creek 
from the south, Tutelow Creek from the west, and Murray Creek from the west. 
The Susquehanna River receives Cayuta or Shephard's Creek from the west, 
one mile below the State line. Wolcott's Creek from the east, one-fourth mile 
below the State line ; Satterlee's Creek from the east, four miles below ; Frank- 
lin's Creek from the east, one-half mile below the south line of old village plot ; 
Reddington's Creek from the west, a little below the junction, and Buck's Creek 
from the west, near the south line of the township. 

"The high hills and rolling lands were once covered with a dense growth 
of White Pine. Hemlock, Beech, Birch and Maple, which, if now standing, would 
be worth millions of dollars. The peninsula, except the Indian meadows, was 
timbered on the flats with Buttonwood, Black Walnut, Butternut, Hickory and a 
few oaks and white pine. The higher ground, called the "Pine Plains," was 
covered with a dense growth of Pitch pine, with some Yellow pine and scrub 
oak ; was a great resort for deer and other wild animals, and was not considered 
worth clearing. The flats along the river had a dense growth of various trees, 
including Elms and Maples." — ^\Valker. 

Some Observations on the PJiysiography and Geology of the Valley. 

It is a fact, as the late James ^IcFarlane"' has said, that while every 
one is taught geography ; geology, which is just as well worth know- 
ing, is neglected ; and while every child can give the name of town, 
county and state in which he lives, few grown persons know even the 
names of the geological formations on which they have spent their life- 
time. A familiarity with the physical geography and geology of his 
location would be invaluable to every farmer, and could be easily ac- 
quired with a little book knowledge to guide him. For geology is a 
science which must be gathered by observation, both of rock forma- 
tions and fossils. 

The region about Tioga Point is one deserving careful study from 
geologists for various reasons. It is perfectly apparent that Tioga 
Point is at present the focus of the drainage system of the country 
north of it,'^ although it may not have been so in the past, and probably 
was not. A geological observer traveling northward from the Point 
to the range of hills north of \A^averly might well be astounded at the 
varying conditions discovered within the area. 

5 Commissioner of Second Geological Survey of Pennsylvania. 

" Roughly estimated as 5,000 square miles of southern New York and northern Penn- 
sylvania. 



8 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

The proximity to the coal fields, and the absence of that mineral ; 
the wealth of fossils, showing that the tops of the highest hills were 
covered by the ocean ; and certain other remains and conditions have 
led to many conjectures among the uninformed. In digging or drilling 
wells, excavating for cellars, etc., observations have been made as to 
the varied soils in dift'erent parts of the valley. For instance, from 
Mile Hill down tO' the Point there is a iiiic fertile soil with gravel 
underneath. Yet all over the Plains there is a gravel top, varying in 
depth from 10 to 40 feet ; also there are great beds of sand, curiously 
irregular in stratification, with quicksands, clay, etc. Throughout 
Sayre (as is now, 1907, most evident in laying sewers) there is no bed 
rock, the gravel being underlaid by a heavy deposit of fine silt, some- 
times to a depth of one hundred feet or more. There are many clay 
beds in the valley ; there is a curious conglomerate, cemented with a 
carbonate, which is held in solution in hard water, and deposited when 
the water evaporates, which underlies the Point from river to river, 
sometimes three feet thick, and of an unusual hardness. The pebbles 
in this are whole and round ; the workmen call it "cement gravel." 
It shows on the Chemung bank back of the residence of W. H. Allen, 
and on the Susquehanna a little farther north, and appears, in a diag- 
onal streak, at intervals to the property recently occupied by Charles 
Kellogg. Repeated efi^orts were here made in past years to drive a 
well near Main Street. Occasionally great masses of this crop out in 
the big sand bank northeast of Sayre. which cannot be broken with 
the pick. 

Said sand bank is one of the curiosities of the valley, its peculiar, 
varied stratification showing the action of many currents in a stream 
flowing northward. 

While ordinarily gravel seems to underlie the soil on the Point, 
in digging a well some years ago on the present property of Mrs. L. M. 
Park, great masses of marine shells alone, with no surrounding shale 
or cement, were brought to light, almost as white as coral. Just west 
of Athens on the old Tannery site, perhaps one hundred and fifty feet 
from the base of the hill, some years since, vain efforts were made to 
find water. A well ten feet square was dug to a depth of eighty feet 
through a solid bed of blue clay in which were imbedded very hard 
rocks or boulders from two to six feet in circumference. No' water 
being found, drilling was commenced a little nearer the hill. A very 
little fresh water was struck at a depth of two hundred feet, and salt 
water at a depth of three hundred feet. Very close to the foot of the 
hill a well was driven, when, at a depth of one hundred feet, fresh 
water flowed, but not sufficient to complete the well. 

Great granite boulders brought from the far north, such as marks 
Fort Sullivan, are occasionally found on the hills ; and many huge lime- 
stone boulders lie on the mountains north of Sheshequin. Then there 
are the many pond holes near Hayden's Corner, and the millstone grit 
cropping out on Round Top and Sutlifif Hill, which is known to under- 
lie the coal measures only twenty or twenty-five miles south of here. 
In view of all this it has been thousfht wise to give our readers the bene- 



PHYSIOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY 



9 



fit of the observations of local geologists, as well as some theories 
(proven or partially so) of Ralph S. Tarr, the well-known Cornell pro- 
fessor, who has come to be regarded as an authority on the physical 
geography of adjacent territory in New York, as well as on glacial con- 
ditions and influences. 

The great age of the earth, even to millions of years, is now a 
generally accepted fact, made evident by geological investigations. 
Prof. Tarr says that rocks form the pages and chapters of the history 
of the globe, and the rock record has been made by a careful study 
of the fossils found in them. While there is no basis for division into 
periods of years, the history of the crust of the earth has been divided 
into ages or stages, each of which may represent perhaps Jut tid reds of 
thousands of years ; but about the number of years there is no certainty, 
nor that the periods were of equal length. Professor Tarr's so-called 
Time Scale or Table of Geological Ages is here introduced to assist in 
the explanation of the Devonian Age or Chemung period. This table 
reads upward : 



Groups. 


Periods. 


Epochs. 


Cenozoic 


Quartenary or 
Pleistocene. 


Age of man. 
Glacial period. 


Age of Mammals. 


Tertiary or Neo- 
cene and Eocene. 


Mammals develop, and to great size. 
Reptiles diminish. 




Cretaceous. 


Birds begin, reptiles continue, higher 
mammals begin, also land plants and 
insects. 


Mesozoic 
Age of Reptiles. 


Jurassic. 


Reptiles and lower mammals continue 
prominent. 




Triassic. 


Reptiles develop remarkably. 
Mammals of low form appear. 




Carboniferous or 
Coal Age. 


Land plants assume great importance. 


Paleozoic 
Age of Inverte- 
brates, i. £?.,T3one- 


Devonian. 


Chemung and Catskill formation. 
Fishes begin to be abundant. 


less animals, as 
shellfish. 


Silurian. 


Invertebrates prevail (of most import- 
ance). 




Cambrian. 


No forms higher than invertebrates. 


Azoic Age. 


Archean. 


No fossils known. 



Studying the sedimentary rocks now being deposited in the ocean, 
we find but a fczv feet are laid down in a century ; yet in the Appalach- 
ian Mountains there are fully 40.000 feet of these, and they were all 
formed in the Paleozoic age. How manv scores of centuries do these 



10 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



represent? It is by such evidence that the geologists have been driven 
to the concKision that the age of the earth is great and incalculable. 

Wherever the formations are found they occur in the same order 
as above, but the series is never complete, and in almost every locality 
some numbers are wanting. 

According to the fossils and other remains, there are in this re- 
gion no evidences of the Mesozoic age, but many of the Paleozoic and 
Cenozoic. The Chemung rocks, noted in every geology, are here ex- 
hibited in abundance. This is a widespread shale rock formation, 
with layers of coarse sandstones and conglomerates, and a wealth of 
invertebrate fossils, thus plainly locating the formation in the Devonian 
age, underlying or simultaneous with the Catskill group. This forma- 
tion extends over nearly all of the southern tier of counties of New 
York and a portion of northern Pennsylvania. An occasional fish 
fossil has been found in the cjuarries, an additional evidence of De- 




Brachiopods 



vonian. At least twelve or fifteen varieties of marine invertebrates 
may be found among the fossils, a few of which are pictured in the 
accompanying plates. The most notable and rare fossil is the star 
fish found by Miss J. F. Garner on the bank of the Susquehanna not 
far below the old Academy. This fossil retains not only the form, 
but the original color of the star fish. The others shown are all found 
on the top of the highest hills. 

What were the conditions under which the fossils, boulders, etc., 
were deposited? Unfortunately, geology is yet largely a science of 
theories, and though great advancement has been made in recent years, 
and many localities have received careful attention. Prof. Tarr says : 

"There are no publications relating to the conditions in the upper Susque- 
hanna and its tributaries." 

This being the case, the student's attention can only be directed to 
the best books of reference, many of which are in the Athens Public 
Library: Winchell, Geike, Wright and others, but before all Prof. 
Tarr's, because he has worked so close to us. The Chemung rock 
layers give evidence of having been deposited in shallow seas, whose 
tides made sandy and pebbly beaches, which now appear in the sand- 
stones and conglomerates, the overlying layers having been washed 
away by ages of rainfall and other agents of erosion. The most no- 
ticeable conglomerate is the one cropping out oii Round Top and Sutlift* 
Hill, containing white pebbles of varying size (see large plate). This 



TIOGA POINT FOSSILS 



11 




MiLLSTONK Grit 
Spirifer 
Crin'oids 



CORAI- 

Star Fish 



12 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

has always been supposed to be "millstone grit," although Mr. I. P. 
Shepard, the most active local geologist, defines it more closely as 
"Olean conglomerate." Whatever its exact name, it is well known that 
it underlies the coal measures, observable at Barclay, not twenty miles 
away. (The dip of the formation here is about one foot to four miles.) 
A good sized quarry of millstone grit was opened fifty years ago on 
Sutliff Hill, from which was taken material for the great canal locks 
on the Chemung ; it can also be seen now in our bridge piers. Specks 
of coal were observed in this, and there was a temporary excitement. 
Thos. R. Davies and others prospected for coal and made extensive 
excavations in vain. Finally, the State geologist was sent for, who 
reported the manifestations to be too slight to consider. Very small 
beds or pockets of coal have occasionally come to light since. There 
are also slight indications of oil. enough to torment the venturesome ; 
and, in a small area two or three miles southeast of the town there is 
a limited flow of natural gas. 

It seems easy to luiderstand the Chemtmg formations, as they 
were deposited under salt water as sedimentary rocks are to-day. 
Along the Atlantic, east of the Appalachian Highland, in what is called 
the coastal plain, well-preserved salt water shells are generally found 
as fossils. The explanation is that the sedimentary rocks were formed 
underneath the ocean while this part of the continent was still sub- 
merged, being afterwards raised to present level, and not, os has been 
conjectured, that the ocean here covered our highest hills in any age. 
The hills bordering the Susquehanna appear to belong to the Appalach- 
ian system. But all the other deposits noted do not belong to the 
Devonian age. As Mr. Shepard says : 

"The geological ages succeeding the Devonian have left no evidences in 
this region until the latter part of the Tertiary, when this part of the continent 
seems to have had a greater elevation above sea level, which condition was fol- 
lowed by a very extensive subsidence of the eastern part of this continent. 
There are evidences that the subsidence reached 1,500 feet or more in this region. 
In the latter part of the tertiary the rivers occupied probably much narrower 
and deeper gorges than at present, and probably came together between Athens 
and Waverly." 

Mr. Shepard further theorizes thus : 

"At that time the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers above Tioga Point 
became deep tide water streams. The main valley above Athens, during a large 
part of this time, probably presented the appearance of a large land-locked bay, 
it now showing traceable shore lines ; one of these shore lines in particular cor- 
responding exactly in elevation with the level top of Spanish Hill.^ Tliis inun- 
dated condition continued for a long period of time, as is evidenced by a heavy 
deposit of fine silt covering the bottom of the old river gorges to a depth of at 
least one hundred feet, having been penetrated in recent Iwrings at Sayre (near 
Station Park). This silt is known locally as 'blue clay,' 'quicksand,' etc." 

Mr. Shepard bases his opinions on his personal observations, with 
the aid of works of Dawson, Wright, Shaler and McFarlane as refer- 
ences.* No work has ever been done in this valley by the LTnited States 

'To an observer on Spanish Hill these shore lines or terraces are distinct on many 
hills in sight, the line being just below the Sayre reservoir. 

^ If the shells found in digging wells mentioned are recent marine shells, as supposed, 
it is proof that the material in which they were found was deposited in salt water, and Mr. 
Shepard's theory seems corroborated. 



GEOLOGY, GLACIAL PERIOD 13 

Geological Survey, and, as there are many conjectures and some con- 
flicting- theories, it is hoped more thorough investigations may be made 
in the near future, for it is evident that the conditions in this little valley 
are of somewhat unusual interest. Lentil such investigations have been 
made the best guide doubtless is Prof. Tarr's Physical Geography of 
New York State, to be found in Athens School Library. Speaking of 
the upper Susquehanna and its tributaries, Tarr says : "Having worked 
to some extent in this valley, I have seen that there are problems of 
importance connected with the changes in the river's course." He tells 
the student how streams at first cut steep-sided valleys, which by 
weathering, especially in our moist climate, became rounded hills and 
broadly sloping valleys such as environ us to-day. 

Unquestionably the Susquehanna, and probably the Chemung, 
thousands of years ago, ran in deep gorges now buried out of sight. It 
is also possible that the Susquehanna flowed toward the north, perhaps 
in the valley now occupied by Shepard's Creek, or farther west, as 
Prof. Tarr says it is not improbable that some of the drainage found 
its way northward to Lake Ontario through the valley of Seneca Lake. 
While evidence is not complete, the silt or drift is much deeper near 
the lake than a few miles farther south. The change of drainage must 
have been brought about by glacial action, for the Tertiary period, with 
its mild climate, was succeeded by the Glacial period, with arctic cold, 
at which time sheets of ice forming great continental glaciers extended 
down into the present temperate zone. The cause of this great change 
is not known, but it is a fact, first discovered by Agassiz, that, fed from 
some centre in the far north, possibly Labrador, the ice sheet or glacier 
advanced irregularly over the eastern part of the continent, at which 
time the watershed of the North Branch of the Susquehanna and its 
tributaries was covered with creeping ice, its most southern tongues 
or points extending about as far south as Wilkes-Barre. 

Ice is a solid, but in great masses it can flow or move over surfaces, 
carrying in its lower layers a load of rock fragments, varying in size 
from boulders to clay particles, and pushing ever before it an increas- 
ing ridge of boulders, fragments of stone and sand." For the moving 
glacier naturally swept oiT the top soil and all loose rock fragments and 
ground them fine ; it also grooved the bed rock, scratched or polished 
the pebbles, and it can easily be seen that the finer particles would settle 
down, ready to form sand or clay beds when the glacier halted, which it 
did just at the head of the valley. At that time, from Labrador to Penn- 
sylvania, no land appeared above the ice, except an occasional moun- 
tain peak, for the depth seems to have been greater than a mile in 
some places. ^'^ Near the southern margin the ranges of hills separated 
the projecting tongues of the glacier front, and when the sun grew 
warm the ice melted somewhat, and vast floods of water poured upon 
the hillsides and thence into the valleys. Naturally the drainage was 
now southward. Some of the St. Lawrence system then entered the 

" While few can visit a modern glacier to see and understand this, all can see the ex- 
cellent plate from a Greenland photograph. Fig. 55, p. 113, Tarr's Physical Geography, N. Y., 
which represents just the condition which once existed in this valley. 

i» Tarr's Phys. Geog., N. Y., pp. 108 et scq. 



14 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Susquehanna, bringing not only water but much rock material, some 
of which settled to the base of the ice. The time when the great glacial 
streams carried otf the water from the melting ice, bearing also large 
quantities of sediment, was called the flooded river epoch. At this 
time the Chemung evidently filled the whole valley from Big Flats to 
Horseheads, covering the present site of Elmira, and making what Tarr 
calls an "Overwash Plain," the one mentioned being one of the best in- 
stances observed by him. 

The two great streams in this valley doubtless combined to give 
it the appearance of a great lake, the old channel to the north choked 
up by glaciers, and to the south very likely dammed by floating bergs 
in the narrow gorge at Ulster, so that the water ran over the tops of 
surrounding hills. As the ice melted the land appeared strewn with 
boulders from the far north, of limestone and granite. Our own plain 
from Mile Hill to the hills back of Waverly would doubtless be given 
the name of a "gravel-filled valley plain," the slope being too slight to 
allow the great floods to carry off all the sediment, the result of which 
would be to fill the old river beds and allow the streams to flow over 
the plain in numerous channels. Naturally, the retreat of the ice was 
intermittent," and the halts formed terminal moraines in irregular lines 
or masses of the solid material which had been pushed in front of the 
tongues of ice. A terminal moraine^- is a system of hummocky knolls, 
saucer or kettle shaped basins, and hills circular, elliptical or ridge like, 
compared to the wind-blown sand deposits seen in a sand dune region, 
as at the seashore in some localities. The moraine can be easily recog- 
nized in the gravel ridges of Ellistown, the kettle holes near Hayden's 
Corners, the Heights of West Sayre and Spanish Hill. 

Doubtless in the flooded river epoch the whole valley was filled 
with silt or river drift as high as the top level of Spanish Hill. As the 
water subsided it has been thought not improbable that the two streams 
met just where the great sand bank is northeast of Sayre, as this has 
every appearance of having been formed when there were opposing 
currents. But recent investigations show a great bed of gravel south 
of the sand bank, indicating a delta deposit from a stream flowing to- 
ward the north. 

The general opinion of Prof. Tarr's students differs from Mr. 
Shepard's theories. Both are given as an incentive to further investi- 
gation. The Tarr theory is that it was glacial drift which filled and 
buried the old river valleys, and that the "shore lines" are the top of 
the drift or silt. One of the best evidences of this is the till or boulder 
clay already spoken of as found near the old tannery site. This is 
made up of material that was on, in or under the ice,^^ the clay being 
a rock flour, its color due to the undecayed particles. This was made 
by the grinding of the rocks as the glacier dragged them along. The 
boulder clay may be termed the first product of the terminal moraine, 
deposited with the fine silt, and sometimes washed out later by the 
flooded streams. At the point mentioned it was doubtless protected 

'^ Some geologists believe that there were two or more glacial periods or epochs, and 
Prof. G. E. Rogers thinks some phenomena of the valley might thus be more easily explained. 
12 See Tarr's Phys. Geog. " Idem, p. 139. 



PHYSIOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY 15 

1)\- the proximity of the rock wall of the old river gorge, being seldom 
found elsewhere in the valley. The Susquehanna and, doubtless, the 
Chemung are flowing high above the old rock bottom of their pre- 
glacial valley/* This would easily account for the absence of bed rock 
in Sayre, although showing a great change in position of river beds. 
Doubtless the buried valley of the Chemung lies under the blue clay 
in West Athens ; and the same conditions as in Sayre, near X. F. Walk- 
er's residence, give evidence there of the buried valley of the Sus- 
quehanna. 

The kettle-shaped depressions known as the pond holes of the 
plains are easily understood by geologists, similar kettles being in pro- 
cess of making in Greenland. They were sometimes caused by irreg- 
ularities of deposits, or through the influence of currents swirling 
about, forming eddies here and there. In the majority of cases, how- 
ever, the kettle has been made because when the sediment was being 
deposited that particular point was occupied by an ice fragment or a 
stranded iceberg.^" Drift was deposited all around the stranded ice, 
and, finally, over it. Naturally, wdien the ice melted the sediment must 
settle down, forming the kettle hole. A vivid imagination can possibly 
picture Oak Grove Park occupied by a good sized iceberg ten thousand 
years ago. 

The beautiful granite boulder erected to mark Fort Sullivan pos- 
sibly once rested in the St. Lawrence Valley. 

The presence of the conglomerate with the carbonate cement is as 
yet unexplained, but will doubtless yield more readily to careful inves- 
tigation than it has to the pick and the drill. 

Lower Athens a True Flood Plain. 

\Mien a stream flows over a level area with a moderate slope, so 
that in time of flood all the water cannot be carried in the natural chan- 
nels, it overflows its banks and spreads out as a great sheet of water, 
as has been often seen in Athens in days now past. The current is 
so reduced that sediment is deposited and a flood plain is gradually 
built up, often becoming very extensive. It is unnecessary to go to the 
Mississippi Valley to understand this, for, without doubt, on such a 
flood plain do we live to-day. It has been observed that the plain above 
"]\Iile Hill" has a coarse, gravelly soil, containing somewhat more fine 
earth than ordinary creek gravel, but on the whole showing that it was 
deposited by flozving water. The kinds of rocks composing the gravel 
and small stones would indicate that this is an "overwash plain, "^"^ 
often found below the terminal moraine of a glacier. P>ut at the foot 
of "Mile Hill" the character of surface soil suddenly changes. Exca- 
vations show from four to six feet of fine silt, with scarcely a rock frag- 
ment or stone present over most of lower Athens. Belozv this silt 
gravel similar to that on the surface above "Mile Hill" is found. 

^* An interesting change in the Chemung Valley above Elmira is fully described on 
page 168, Phys. Geog., N. Y., and the numerous illustrations in this book go far to assist to 
an understanding of the influences of the glacial period. 

i^Tarr's Phys. Geog., N. Y. 

1" This differs slightly from the theory already assumed by the author. 



16 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Probably the gravel was first deposited over this lower plain to at least 
the level of "Mile Hill." Afterwards repeated overflows of both rivers 
washed away the surface of the peninsula to the present level of the 
gravel. (Quite possibly during some extensive flood the Chemung took 
a swift turn across the plain, making the steep slope now known as 
"Mile Hill.") Since that time the overflows have deposited the fine 
soil now above the gravel, leaving the conditions we now find. The 
elevation which was formerly the border of "Herrick's Meadow" was 
probably left in a similar manner.^' 

Minerals. 

Some time in the fifties two men, a physician and a Methodist elder 
(who had formerly lived in this locality), came here from Ohio to pros- 
pect for ore. They had made the acquaintance of a very old Indian 
whose early home was in this valley. He had told of a vein of silver 
near the meeting of the waters, and the two men had made a rough 
map under his instructions. They hunted in vain on the hills cast of 
Athens. vSome years later they came again, with delicate magnetic in- 
struments. ?^^(l located the mineral somewhere near Milan. A large 
hole was dug and a minute quantity of ore found, but as it was evi- 
dently not in paying quantities the project was abandoned. In recent 
years similar experiments have been made, but Mother Earth seems to 
guard her secrets well. 

Fossils of the Maninialian Era Found Along the Chemung. 

At various times since the settlement of this region large teeth 
and titsks have been foitnd, evidently belonging to the Mammoth or 
Mastodon of the Cenozoic age ( many periods later than the Devonian), 
during which age the glacial period is supposed tO' have existed. We 
have made inquiry in many places, hoping to find some one of these 
tusks or teeth which could be reproduced, but it seems impossible to 
trace them. It is a well-known fact that the Indians gave the name 
Chemung to the river also known as the Tioga, because of the "big 
horns" found along its banks. 

The earliest use of the name which we have found is in 1757, when 
the French spoke of the Delaware Indians living here as the "Loups 
of Chaamonaque or Theaoga."^** This indicates the find by Indians at 
an earlier date. Zeisberger mentions "Wschumno," a horn ; but we 
have not learned the date, nor if Weiser ever mentioned "Chemung." 
Spafiford says,^" "Chemung is said to mean big horn or great horn in the 
dialect of the Indian tribes that anciently possessed the country ; and 
that a very large horn was found in the Chemung or Tioga River was 
well ascertained." Thomas Maxwell (a native of Tioga Point) gave 
the definition to Schoolcraft as "a large horn or tusk."-" 

^^ For information, advice and correction the author is greatly indebted not only to 
Mr. I. P. Shepard; but to Prof. G. E. Rogers and Miss Elsie Murray, students under Prof. 
Tarr, the author being purely an amateur observer. 

18 See N. Y. Col., Doc. X, p. 589. 

10 Gazetteer, 1834, p. 1(10. 

-" Dr. Beauchamp, in his "Aboriginal Place Names," pp. 42 and 43, gives both Chemung 
and Willewana as Dclazvare words meaning horn, or big horn. Gallatin gives KonnongaJi, 
horn, as a Seneca word. 



FOSSIL REMAINS OF AIAALAIOTH 17 

Probably tlie first one found by the white settlers is that described 
in the American Miisciini, published at Philadelphia by Matthew 
Cary -r' 

"Description of a lioni or bone lately found in the river Chemung or Tyoga, a 
zc'cstern branch of the Susquehanna, about tzvelve miles from Tyoga point. 

"h is six feet nine inches long, twenty-one inches round, at the large end, 
and fifteen inches at the small end. In the large end is a cavity two and a half 
inches in diameter, much like the hollow which is filled with the pith of the 
horn of the ox. This is only six inches deep — every other part is or appears 
to have been solid. The exterior part, where entire or not perished, is smooth, 
and in one spot, of a dark color. The interior parts are of a clear white, and 
have the resemblance of well burnt unslacked limestone ; but these can be seen 
only where it is perished, tender and broken. From one end to the other, it 
appears to have been nearly round, and on it there have been nO' prongs or 
branches. It is incurvated nearly into an arch of a large circle. By the present 
state of both the ends, much of it must have perished ; probably two or three 
feet from each end. From a general view of it, there is reason to believe, that 
in its natural state, it was nearly a semi-circle of ten or twelve feet. The unde- 
cayed parts, particularly the outside, send forth a stench like a burning horn or 
bone, and what is become of the animal, are questions worthy of the curious 
and learned. 

"This curiosity is in the possession of the Hon. Timothy Edwards, Esq., 
of Stockbridge, Mass." 

It is regrettable that no mention is made of the name of the dis- 
coverer of this curiosity. 

The next recorded find was by Judge Caleb Baker, who settled 
at Southport in 1788 or '8!). Judge Baker related that "a fezo years 
after his settlement (Maxwell said 17!)1) he was on the river in a 
canoe with one or two other men, and at the shore near the so-called 
Second Narrows, where the brook comes down, they observed under 
zcater something protruding out of the bank looking like a curious root." 
At Judge Baker's request one of the men got into the water to examine 
and draw it out or break it off. It was soon found to be no root, and 
all got into the water and succeeded in wresting it from the bank, when 
it was found to be a perfect though immense horn, measuring nine feet 
in the curve and six feet in a straight line. It was somewhat eroded, 
though not enough to affect its form or coherency. It was left at a 
neighboring blacksmith's to have a band put around it to preserve it 
from a split. As not much attention was then paid to curiosities it 
was negligently left for a long time, although Judge Baker intended 
to have it examined by some naturalist. EUit when he went after it 
the blacksmith had sold it for a paltry sum to a New England peddler, 
and it was lost sight of. Daniel McDowell saw this horn and thought 
it similar to pieces of one shown him in Canada, when a prisoner 
among the Indians (in 1782). They told him their fathers had found 
it in this river, and therefore gave it the name of Chemung, which sig- 
nifies big horn. 

In his notes for Schoolcraft, Thomas ^laxwell says : "The early 
settlers found a similar one in the stream in 17!)9. It was sent to Eng- 
land and an eminent scientist called it the tusk of an elephant or some 
similar animal. About 1843, says G. W. Kinney, "A tusk was washed 
out of the river bank on the premises of Isaac Horton in lower She- 

-' See .\boriginal ^\rchives, \'ol. 4, p. 42, July, 1788. 



18 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

shequin, below the point where Horn Brook empties into the Susque- 
hanna, where the bank is high and gravelly ; the tusk was found near 
the water's edge when the river was low. It was mutilated by time. 
Its dimensions were about nine feet in length, diameter at base six to 
twelve inches, at smaller end four inches." This tusk was in the pos- 
session of C. L. Ward, and is supposed to have been burned with other 
valued relics in a fire at Lafayette College. (Mr. Ward's daughter 
described it to the writer.) 

In 1S55 Thomas Maxwell tells of a similar large tusk found on 
an island below Elmira which he personally examined, saying, "It is 
about four feet in length, of the crescent form, perhaps three to four 
inches in diameter. '^ * '''• Others who have seen it pronounced it to 
be iz'ory. * * * This is the third horn or tusk that has been found in 
the Chemung." This tusk is said to have been sent to the Academy of 
Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, but they have no record of it. One 
of these tusks was long among the collection of curiosities gathered 
from the Indians at the Red Jacket Garden in Elmira. Galatian says : 
"It Was dug out of the river near Bydleman's by the Indians, and was 
long in the possession of William Lee. The horn was called 'Conongne' 
which, in the dialect of the Muncies and Delawares, means Horn in 
Water." (This seems to be a third Delaware word with the same 
meaning.) 

The last recorded find was October 28, 1872, when some men, 
slipping down the north bank of the river about three miles above 
Chemung village, found two double teeth and a section of jaw bone 
in the caving earth, and subsequently some bones were dug out at the 
same spot, which was about two mile's from the locality where Judge 
Baker found the tusk. These teeth (which were seen by many now 
living) were very heavy, one weighing nine pounds,-- the grinding sur- 
face being nine inches long and twenty-eight inches in circumference. 
This discovery was made on the farm of Henry Beidleman. Dr. E. 
Geer took them in charge. Dr. E. P. Allen gave considerable study to 
this find,-^ embodying the result of his conclusions in a paper read before 
the Bradford County Historical Society, which was published in pamph- 
let form. He decided they were the teeth of the Mammoth rather than 
the Mastodon, and said of it : 

"The mammoth has never been found Hving ; it is thought they were over- 
whelmed by some sudden catastrophe during the long drifts of the glacial period. 
Many skeletons or parts of them have been found in various parts of the tem- 
perate zone in North America. They are supposed to have lived in what is 
called tht Tertiary Period." 

To this it may be added that remains have been found in New 
Jersey, New York. C)hio and Pennsylvania ; it would seem along the 
line of the terminal moraine. This would suggest that they may never 
have lived in the present temperate zone, but that the animals, or their 
skeletons, were carried before the glaciers, as were the rocks and other 
material. A few other finds in this region may be recorded, the farthest 

-- An idea of size may be obtained from considering that a horse's tooth weighs about 
one ounce. 

-^ The tooth is reputed to have been sent to the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, 
but tliere is no record of it there. 



TUSKS OF MAMMOTH OR MASTODON 



19 



south in Kelly Township. Union County, on the West Branch of the 
Susquehanna.-^ While digging the Junction Canal on Chemung flats, 
near Wilawana, in 1853, two tusks were exhumed which appeared like 
chalk, and were destroyed by the picks of the workmen. Doubtless 
the Indians had found some at this very spot, as "Wilawan" is said to 
be a Delaware word meaning "Big Horn." 

McMaster, in his History of Steuben County, N. Y., reports a 
similar tooth "dug from a bed' of blue clay in the Gulf Road, between 
Bath and Wheeler ; also a large bone which crumbled on exposure to 
air. This bed of clay-^ is of unusual depth and tenacity, and it is 
guessed that the animal was mired." 

The Indians had some interesting traditions concerning these ani- 
mals and their destruction by the Great Spirit (to be found in the 
Athens Gleaner, December 21, 1871), but we have already given suf- 
ficient space to the subject, and hope the young people may make fur- 
ther investigations. 

-* In 1871 this tusk was in a cabinet of the University at Lewisburg. 
-° Doubtless the boulder clay or till of glacial formation. 

"During the excavations for the South Branch Canal, through a gravel plain at W"ya- 
lusing, in 1852, portions of an ivory tusk were found, in a condition similar to those men- 
tioned above. On shaving the chalky substance with a sharp knife, the peculiar radial cross- 
curves of the ivory were unmistakable throughout. 

"A few years later, a linely preserved mastodon tooth was taken from the bed of the 
Laurel Run, opposite Wyalusing; in the sharp depressions of which, between tlie conical pro- 
jections, were plainly to be seen remains of the vegetable fibre composing tlie food of the 
animal. This tooth is believed to be in the possession of G. H. Welles, Esq." 




The Chemung near Wilawan.\ 



CHAPTER II 

THE AMERICAN INDIAN 

The Aborigines of the Upper Susquehanna Before the Coining of the 
White Men — Indian Names for Tioga Point — Its Importance as 
Key of Valley — Indian Customs and Modes of Living 



'•'Tribes of the solemn League from ancient seats, 
Swept by the whites like autumn leaves away. 

Faint are your records of historic feats, 

And few the traces of your former sway." — Hosnicr. 



The origin of the American Indian is, and probably ever will be, 
wrapped in mystery. Theories and theorists are plentiful, but that 
their theories are based largely on conjecture is evidenced by the some- 
what amazing and amusing fact that the theorists, as a rule, have 
different theories. 

Drake, ^ one of the first American Indian historians, gives various 
citations supposed to allude to America and its indigenes. The earliest 
is from Theopompus, an historian of the time of Alexander the Great, 
who alludes to a continent beyond Europe, Asia and Africa. Hanno, 
Diodorus, Plato, Aristotle and Seneca are also mentioned by Drake as 
having made allusions to our continent. Modern writers have more 
to say about the people and their origin. Quite general is the sentiment 
in favor of a Tartar origin, and an entrance via Behring Straits and 
Alaska. There are also numerous writers who believe the Indians to 
be descendants of the lost tribe of Israel. The eminent Canadian philol- 
ogist, Horatio Hale, says : 

"Philologists are well aware that there is nothing in the language of the 
Amerinds to favor the coming of the race from Eastern Asia, but the Basques 
of Northern Spain and Southern France speak a similar language." 

Many of these early writers have, in their oimi opinion, set at rest 
the question "How and by whom was America peopled?" But, of them 
all, surely Dr. Cotton Mather is the most amusing. He says : 

"It should not pass without remark that three most memorable things, 
which have borne a very great aspect on human affairs, did near the same time, 
namely, at the conclusion of the fifteenth and the- beginning of the sixteenth 
centuries, arise into the world; the first was the resurrection of literature; the 
second was the opening of America ! the third was the reformation of religion. 
But, as probably, the Devil, seeking the first inhabitants of America into it, 
therein aimed at the having of them out of the sound of the gospel. Though 
we know not how tliese Indians became inhabitants of this mighty continent, 
yet we may guess that probably the Devil decoyed them hither in hopes that 
the gospel would never come here to destroy his absolute empire over them." 

^ "History of the North American Indian." — Drake. 

20 



THE AMERICAN INDIAN 21 

In 1()S;5 William Penn wrote to a Friend- certain ideas of his con- 
cerning the Indians, in which is this passage : 

"For their origin I am ready to believe them of the Jewish race; I tnean 
of the stock of the ten tribes, for following reasons : First, they were to go to 
a land not planted or knozvn, which, to be sure, Asia and Africa were, and He 
that extended that extraordinary judgment upon them might make the passage 
not uneasy from the eastermost parts of Asia to the westermost of America. 
In the next place I find them of the like countenance, that a man would think 
himself in Duke Place or Berry Street. London, where he seeth them. But 
this is not all ; they agree in rites, they reckon by moneys, they offer their first 
fruits, they have a kind of feast of tabernacles, they are said to lay their altars 
on twelve stones, their mourning a year, customs of women, with many other 
things, that do not now occur." 

As to Indian customs very interesting modern accounts are given 
by Francis Parkman, who drew his information largely from the Jesuit 
Relations. While the Jesuit missionaries have given most of the re- 
corded history of the Northern tribes, for the Indians of Pennsylvania, 
and especially those along the Susquehanna, we are greatly indebted 
to those earnest and faithful men, the Moravian Brethren. Indeed, it 
may well be said that but for the archives at Bethlehem { those precious 
old Mss. translated only in recent years) there would be no written 
history of the Susquehanna Indians. 

In 1741 that well-know^n Moravian enthusiast, Count Zinzendorf, 
came to Pennsylvania and began the active mission work carried on 
later by less illustrious but equally faithful Brethren. In 1743 he began 
to record observations on the Indians, or as he puts it, "the Savages in 
Canada." Canada being a general European term for all the Northern 
British Colonies in America. He gives many reasons for believing 
with Penn that the Indians were of Jewish descent. He divides them 
first under four heads, A, B, C and D. Continuing, to speak of A, the 
Iroquois (which he says is a French name) : 

"They call themselves Aquanuskion, or ye Covenant People." Of the five 
tribes he says: "A. I. The Maquas (Mohawks), whose language is nearest the 
Ebrew, the chieftest of their nations according to dignity; yet in Reuben's way. 
despised, because of their levity and paid off with the title. Yet their language 
goes throughout. II. The Onondogas are ye chief nation in reality; ye Judah 
among their brethren. III. The Senecas are ye most in numbers. These three 
nations are called ye Fathers. IV. The Oneidas and V. Cayugus are their chil- 
dren. They must respect them (the Fathers), and have also children's rights. 

"B. The Gibeonites, or water-bearers, are People gathered on ye rivers 
as ye Gypsies, and a good part of them are Europeans. I. Canistokas (Cones- 
togas). II. Mahikans ( Algonquins). of whom our congregation consists. III. 
Hurons. or Delaware Indians. These must call ye others Uncles, are called 
Cousins. 

"C. The Floridans (Shawanese) are Confederates, and the Tuscaroras 
are called Brothers. ( They became the sixth tribe in the federation.) 

"D. The Captives are kept well, and become in time Cousins."' 

Zinzendorf further says the ]\Iaquas have become hopelessly in- 
dolent from the use of strong drink, and that the Mohicans are suscepti- 
ble of good impressions, though naturally fierce. He always avoided 
the Maquas who "had guzzled away all their land to the whites" and 

- "Memorials of the Moravian Church," p. 18. 

' These observations are a copy of an old translation in the Bethlehem Archives, now 
to be found in Reichel's "Memorials of the Moravian Church." 



22 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

professed to be Christians, converted by English or Presbyterian 
preachers. Zinzendorf seems not to have visited Tioga Point, although 
he traveled extensively up and down the Susquehanna, and was often 
at Wyoming. 

In a discourse before the New York Historical Society in 1811, 
Governor Clinton, speaking of the Five Nations, said : 

"The Virginian Indians gave them the name of Massawomekes ; the Dutch 
called them Maquas or Makakuase, and the Friends, Iroquois.* Their appella- 
tion at home was the Mingoes, and sometimes the Aganuschian." 

The readers of Cooper's tales will remember them best as the Min- 
goes. They have also been called the Romans of America ; for in their 
great conquests and clever methods of dividing and weakening other 
tribes they stand unexcelled. 

LoskieP says : 

"The first Europeans who came to North America found this immense 
continent inhabited by numerous nations, all of whom are comprehended under 
the general name of Indians. Their numbers have often been overrated, owing 
to the different names frequently given to one nation. 

"As to their origin, there is no certainty. The investigations even of the 
most learned have produced nothing but conjectures more or less probable, nor 
will I detain my readers with a repetition, much less enter into a review of them. 

"Those seem to be nearest the truth who join the celebrated Dr. Robert- 
son in supposing Tartary in Asia to be the native country of all American Indian 
nations. But it is my intention to confine myself to an account of only two of 
these nations, namely, the Delawares and Iroquois. 

"The Delawares are divided into three tribes. The Unami are considered 
as the head of the nation, the Wunalachtikos are next in rank, and then follow 
the Monsys. 

"The name Delawares was undoubtedly first given to them by the Euro- 
peans, for they call themselves Lenni-Lenape, that is, Indian men ; or Woapa- 
nachky, that is, a people, living towards the rising of the sun, having formerly 
inhabited the eastern coast of North America. This name is likewise given to 
them by other Indian nations. 

"The Iroquois have received their name from the French, and most his- 
torians, who have written of them, make use of it. But the English call them 
the Six Nations, as they now consist of six nations in league with each other. 
Formerly they were called the Five Nations, five only being joined in that alli- 
ance. But as we shall speak of them, both in their former and present state, I 
shall, for the sake of perspicuity, confine myself to the name of Iroquois. They 
call themselves Aquanuschioni, that is. United People, always to remind each 
other that their safety and power consists in a mutual strict adherence to their 
alliance. Others call them Mingos, and some Maquais. These six confederate 
nations are the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondago. Cajuga, Senneka and Tuscarora. 
The latter joined the confederacy about seventy years ago. 

"The rest of the nations, either in league with the Delawares and Iroquois, 
or connected with them by some means or other, are the Mahikans, Shawanose, 
Cherokees, Twichtwees, Wawiachtanos, Kikapus, Moshkos, Tukashas, Chipawas, 
Ottawas, Putewoatamen, Nantikoks, Wyondats or Hurons, Chaktawas, Chika- 
saws and Creek Indians, with some others whose names are occasionally men- 
tioned in history. 

"All these Indian nations live to the west of New England, New York, 
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina and 
Georgia. But it is difficult exactly to determine the boundaries of the different 

■• Modern ethnologists give the general name of Iroquois to all eastern tribes. Indeed, 
General Clark says that the much disputed meaning of "Iroquois" is simply "East." Prof. 
A. L. Guss says Shawanese originally meant only "South." 

° George Henry Loskiel, who wrote the "History of the United Brethren among the 
Indians," first published in German in 178S, republished in 17!I4. 



ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN 23 

countries they inhabit, partly for want of good surveys, and partly on account 
of the unsettled state of some of the nations, and therefore their territories can 
only be described in a general way. The Delawares live about half way between 
Lake Erie and the river Ohio. The Iroquois possess the country behind New 
York, Pennsylvania and Maryland, about the Lakes Erie and Ontario, extending 
westward to the Mississippi and southward to the Ohio. The Mohawks live 
more to the eastward, are much mixed with the white people, and not numerous. 
Their neighbors are the Oneida and Tuscarora. Then follow in a line from east 
to west the Onondago, Cajuga and Senneka tribes. The Mahikans are neighbors 
of the Iroquois. The Shawanose live below the Delaware, towards the river 
Ohio. The Wiondats and Hurons partly inhabit the country on the west coast 
of Lake Erie, near Sandusky Creek, partly about Fort Detroit, between the 
Lakes Huron and Michigan." 

The Moravian, Rev, John Heckewelder, published in 1818 a "His- 
tory of the Indians," and in 1S20, a "Narrative of Missions Among 
Them," two most interesting books, while they have been severely crit- 
icised. Some of his observations here seem of interest. He says the 
l)ro]3er national name of the Delaware is Lenni-Lenape, and that they 
called the Iroquois "^vlengwe or Mingo." That both of these tribes 
lived many hundred years ago in the very distant West, and that all 
east of the Mississippi was inhabited by the Alligewi, who had very 
large towns built on great rivers. 

The Lenni-Lenape and Mengwe in emigrating eastward first met 
at the Mississippi ; together they concjuered the Alligewi, who fled down 
the ^Mississippi and never returned. The ^Mengwe then took the lake 
region and the Lenni-Lenape the south, and for many hundred years 
lived peaceably and increased very fast ; the latter gradually worked 
east until they discovered and settled on the four great rivers, the Del- 
aware, Hudson, Susquehanna and Potomac. Soon the Mengwe became 
jealous and laid the deep scheme of asking the Lenape to be women, 
which would keep peace, preserve honor, etc. Later the Iroquois denied 
this and said they conquered in battle, but there is no written record. 
They betrayed the confidence of the Lenape in every way. The Shaw- 
nees were originally in Savannah, Georgia, and Florida. The Nanti- 
cokes were at Chemung and Chenango in 1730. He gives the names 
of the Iroquois, with their meanings : "Mohawks — Fire striking people 
(they had first firearms) ; Oneidas — Stone pipe makers ; Cayuga, named 
for lake ; Onondago — On top a hill (their chief town so situated) ; Sen- 
eca — Mountaineers (lived in hilly country)." Heckewelder says they 
were five tribes or sections, not nations: also that the Lenape never 
acknowledged the sixth tribe. Of the clans the Turtle took lead in the 
government of ez'ery nation. Heckewelder tells of many interesting 
customs and exploits of the early Indians. 

In 1821 Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell, Professor of Natural History, in 
a lecture before a New York society, suggests that the northern nations 
"appear to have descended from the Tartars of Asia, and by gradual 
approaches from the shores of Alaska, to have reached the country 
south of the Great Lakes. They brought the complexion, features and 
manners of their ancestors, and even their dogs are of the Siberian 
breed." 

The same speaker suggests that the southern tribes were tinctured 
with Malay blood. In the early part of the nineteenth century there 



24 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

were many antiquarian societies whose researches are partially em- 
bodied in a curious book printed in 1833, "American Antiquities," 
by Josiah Priest. There is much of vakie to be found in this work, also 
many foolish conjectures. Mitchell is often quoted by Priest, and again 
there are suggestions that the southern tribes were of Australasian or 
Malay origin. Dr. Mitchell observing that in both continents the north- 
ern hordes always overcome the more civilized though feebler inhabit- 
ants toward the equator. Cusick's "Chronology of the Origuy In- 
dians" is also intensely interesting, dating from 2005 before Columbus 
discovered America. This may be found in Priest's "Antiquities," page 
346, and tells of "a great tiraiit who arose on the Susquehanna river 
about the time of Mahomet, 602, who zvaged zvar zvith the surrounding 
nations." 

Indian traditions are unreliable, being handed dovvai by word of 
mouth or recorded in wampum belts. Yet why may we not hope to 
have their hieroglyphics some day translated ? Many of them are to be 
found in Pennsylvania, especially along the Susquehanna River. For 
instance, the Indian rock pictures at Millsboro, the Indian God Rock 
in Venango County, the Algonkien (?) Rock pictures at Safe Harbor, 
at the mouth of Conestoga Creek. There is also a great rock carving 
of the Turtle tribe or clan at Smith's Ferry, in the bed of the Ohio 
River. The "Annals of Binghamton" tell of both rock carvings and 
paintings along the upper Susquehanna, of which the Indians contem- 
porary with the first whites could tell nothing. 

On the upper Susquehanna,*^* two miles above Great Bend, high on 
a cliff, was the painted figure of an Indian chief, full length, done by 
skilful hand in an apparently inaccessible place ; this has gradually 
faded with age. Who can tell its meanings? There was also below 
Sheshequin an Indian face on a round stone on the mountain nearly 
opposite the mouth of Sugar Creek, originally colored. 

The Indians also made many clever so-called tree pictures ; they cut 
bark from side of tree, and some wood, and on the flat surface they 
then drew their pictures, which could be easily read by the next party 
passing. These were much used by war parties. In Col. Hubley's 
journal are some pen and ink sketches of tree pictures found between 
Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, also some found by Clinton's and Sullivan's 
men at Choconvit (now Vestal). These were painted by the Indians 
under Brant and Butler. Hubley's memorandum says : "The trees 
painted by the Indians between Owegy & Chukunnut on the head 
waters of the Susquehanna." They were five in number. The first in- 
dicated a death, the second the number of scalps taken, the third the 
Onondaga Nation, represented by its totems, fourth not understood, 
the fifth an Indian returning successful from his expedition. For a 
recent study of the aborigines the reader is referred to the writings of 
Rev. W. M. Beauchamp, published by the State of New York as Mu- 
seum Bulletins. 

How long have Indians lived in this region ? who were they ? 
whence did they come? are the natural questions that come to mind. 

" See Blackmail's "History of Susquehanna County," p. 52. 



INDIAN NAMES FOR TIOGA POINT 25 

It sovinded startling when General Clark ( who has heen a great student 
of the Indians of the upi>er Susquehanna) said: 

"Tioga Point has been occupied or frequented by the aborigines as long 
as hidians have lived on the Alleghany range. Remains have been and will be 
found reaching back a tlioiisajid. if not thousands of years, of all nations and 
languages, friends and enemies." 

The disclosures of the last ten years lead us to agree with him ■ 
nay more, to acquiesce in the statement of an inhabitant of Tioga Point, 
that the Indian occupation seems to date back to as remote ages as the 
■geology. Who shall say ivhen the foot of the Indian first trod Tioga 
Point? As burial place after burial place is discovered the words of 
the poet come to mind : 

"All that tread the earth 
Are but a handful to the tribes 
That slumber in its bosom." 

Were they Al-li-ge-w'i, Algonquins, Lenni-Lenape. Andastes or 
some tribe antedating all these? 

But 200 years ago the tribes below New York State were distinct 
from those above in habits and language. The southern tribes were 
designated as At-ta-wan-de-rons, "wan da" meaning voice or speech, 
and the whole term being interpreted as "people who speak an intelli- 
gent language." From this word, doubtless, came the name Towanda 
(according to General Clark). 

"If archaic remains are to be used as evidence to determine human con- 
ditions, then the Stone Age of Britain, France and Western Europe had its 
counterpart in Indian life in America less than four centuries ago." 

The implements of the lake dwellers of Switzerland are duplicated 
in the implements of Tioga Point. 

Whoever the first inhabitants were, undoubtedly, the name was 
ever the same, Te-o-ka, meaning forks of any kind, as of a road or a 
river, or more exactly the space or point in the forks. Thus it is seen 
that the word "Point" was an unnecessary addition. 

While there are writers who scofif at the Indian names, and deplore 
the use of them by the white man ; they are, as a rule, far more signifi- 
cant than the senseless or inappropriate names often bestowed by 
Americans on towns, lakes and rivers ; and often, as Hosmer says, 
"Sweeter than flute notes on the air." To properly appreciate the 
beauty of an Indian name it should be written and pronounced in sep- 
arate syllables. The softest form of the name here used is Te-a-o-ga, 
although Mrs. Whittaker, who was a captive among the Indians here 
for a long time, gives Taw-e-o-gah. We are inclined to the former, 
I)ecause in the many variations of the name foitnd in archives, records, 
journals, etc., the first syllable was almost invariably Te or Di, having 
much the same sound. 

Mr. Herrick made many careful notes from various sources, from 
which the following difi^erent forms or synonyms are taken. \\'hether 
these ditferences were due to the varying dialects of the Indians oi 
the pronunciation of the wdiite men the reader may judge. 

Conrad Weiser wrote it Diadagdon and Diaogon. The Moravian 
missionaries very generally wrote it Diohoga or Diahogo. In 17B5 



26 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

the governor called it, in a proclamation, Diahoga or Tohiccon. Some 
of his envoys call it Tiaogon; however, in the colonial records it is 
more often Diahoga. Sir William Johnson writes it Tioaga or Tiaogo. 
The Governor of New York, Tiaoga ; Indians in council, Tihogan, Tia- 
hogan or Diohoga. Morgan, in his "League of the Iroquois," says: 

"The various tribes of the Iroquois each had a different pronunciation of 
the name. In Oneida dialect, Te-ah-o-ge ; in Mohawk, Te-yo-ge-ga ; in Cayuga, 
Da-o-ga ; in Seneca, Da-yo-o-geh— all meaning 'at the forks.' Red Jacket pro- 
nounced it Ta-hiho-gah. discarding "Point," the white man's suffix, saying the 
Indian word conveyed the full meaning." 

On Pouchot's map of 1758 it was called 'fhcaggcii ; on Col. Guy 
Johnson's map of 1771, Tiaoga; on Morgan's map, Ta-yo-ga. General 
John S. Clark, zvhose opinion zvc greatly lvalue, says the word had its 
origin in the Indian word Teke;ni, meaning two ; and that there were 
two derivatives, TE-f/-KA and Te-O-ka, one meaning a point between 
two meeting streams or forking trails, the other a space between forks, 
as between fingers. "Gen. Clark added that the word might be written 
in fifty or even two hundred ways. Dr. Beauchamp says : "This is 
from teyogen, anything between two others, or as commonly used, 
teehohogen, forks of a river." He also says that it was an Iroquois 
word, as did Heckewelder, though the latter is said to have given an 
erroneous meaning. But, if this is an Iroquois word, what was the 
name before the coming of the Iroquois? To this query we have 
found no answer ; though the Andastes were a kindred tribe, with sim^- 
ilar language, so that the name may have always been the same. 

But whatever the name, or its meaning, the Point 2vas the key or 
gatezvay to the upper Susquehanna and the Chemung valleys ( the 
Chemung being also called the North Branch, the Cayuga Branch and 
the Tioga Branch). Being the key, it seems ahvays to have been a 
place of importance. One has but to examine the State archives and 
colonial records to discover that next to Shamokin" scarcely any place 
is more frequently mentioned than Tioga. In spite of the possibility 
of occupation for unknown ages, there are no records earlier than 1614.® 

The earliest records of the tribes along the Susquehanna are from 
the writings of Captain John Smith and the Jesuit Relations, with, of 
course, some general allusions by the earlier French writers. Parkman 
tells us that at the opening of the seventeenth century the whole cotm- 
try east of the Mississippi was occupied by two great families of tribes 
distinguished by a radical difference of language, to wit, the Algonquins 
and the Iroquois. Of these tribes information is most often found in 
the Jesuit Relations ; those almost daily journals, written by the heroic 
and devoted Jesuit missionaries between 1632 and 1693, which being 
always sent to France, were annually printed atid bound in Paris. In 
recent vears these musty, worm-eaten volumes have been carefully 
translated, and may now be found in the great ptiblic libraries of 
America in seventy large volumes. 

"^ Shamokin (now Sunbury), at the forks of the branches of the Susquehanna, was long 
the most important Indian town in Pennsylvania. 

* The late Harriet Maxwell Converse, the Indianologist, long ago promised to visit 
Tioga Point and interpret the decorations on local pottery, pipes, etc., every one of which 
she asserted was an Indian hieroglyphic with meaning. Rut she never came, though deeply 
interested in the photograplis sent to her. 



INDIAN CUSTOMS, MODES OF LIVING 21 

Despite many minor divisions for various reasons, and some dif- 
ferences of languag-e and habits, all Indian tribes were much alike in 
their modes of living, their chief aim being seeking food and making 
war. On account of the necessity of former occupation all were more 
or less migratory ; while there were some localities where fields were 
long cultivated and fruit trees grown, they were rather the exception. 
Except for the trophies of the chase, food and fire were always pro- 
vided by the squaws, and it was amazing how successful was their 
agriculture with only the rude hoes or spades made from stone, or 
the shoulder blades of the elk and bufTalo.^ Even as early as when 
Cartier came (1535) they were cultivating the ground. He says: 

"They dig their ground with certain pieces of wood as big as half a sword." 
Some of both vegetables and fruits were new to Champlain, who 
not only described them as follows, but made many interesting draw- 
ings to be seen in the original or complete editions. He says : 

"We saw their Indian corn'" which they raise in gardens, planting 3 or 4 
kernels in 1 place, then heap about the earth with shells or the tail of a fish ; 
3 feet distant they plant as much more ; with it they put in each hill 3 or 4 Brazil- 
ian beans (indigenous to America) ; when they grow up they interlace with the 
corn and keep the ground moist ; they also grow squashes, pumpkins and tobacco, 
also a great many nuts, grapes and berries. The esculents are all American sub- 
tropical, and must have been transmitted from tribe to tribe from the south. 
The Indian tradition says the crow brought them at first a grain of Indian corn 
in one ear, and an Indian bean in another, from the great God Kantautouwit's 
field in the Southwest, from whence they hold came all their corn and beans." 

The squash, pumpkins and beans w^ere dried for winter use, as 
were also meats and fish. The corn was cached as already described, 
or kept in the huts in chests or "drums of bark." Capt. Smith told of 
a pap made from it by the Virginian Indians called "pone" or "omini,'' 
which words are still in use. "Corn was planted when the leaves of the 
white oak were the size of a mouse ear ; often year after year in the 
same hills, the ground being scratched or loosened by the rude hoe." 
— Heckewelder. When the ground became too exhausted to raise 
further crops, or the ever widening circle of timber was too distant 
for the squaws to carry firewood sufficient for their needs, the tribe 
migrated, first, however, burning over the ground. Timber never 
grew here again, but always tall grass like that of the prairies, giving 
the name of "Indian Meadows" to many places along the Susquehanna. 
There were also special migrations in the hunting season. The Algon- 
quins did not mind migrations, as they lived in wigwams made of poles 
and carelessly covered ; the Iroquois, less migratory, always had cabins. 

Champlain also mentioned cherries, plums, raspberries, straw- 
Ijcrries, currants and several other small fruits, and that the people dry 
the fruits and small berries for winter, also dry and store away fish. 
Indeed, he met one band of savages who had migrated to a certain 
region professedly to dry blueberries to serve for manna in winter. 
They also, he said, raised sunflowers and used the oil to anoint their 
heads ; also little wild apples and mandrakes. In speaking of other 

8 See Heckewelder. 

1" Indian corn was first introduced to the whites of New England by one of Sullivan's 
soldiers, who reported it as found in a country bordering on the Susquehanna. 



28 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

customs he told that they paint their faces black for mourning and 
burn everything belonging to the dead, even their dogs. "They beat 
their game into the water and then kill it with spear heads." Describ- 
ing canoe-making he says : 

"They cut down with much labor and time the largest and tallest trees by 
means of stone hatchets, remove the bark and round off the tree except on one 
side, where they generally apply fire along the entire length, and sometimes they 
put red hot pebble stones on top. When the fire is too fierce they extinguish it 
with a little water, not entirely, but so the edge of the boat may not be burnt. 
It being hollowed out as much as they wish, they scrape it all over with stones, 
which they use instead of knives. These stones resemble our musket flints." 

So many sinker stones have been found around Tioga Point that 
it seems worth while to describe Indian methods of fishing. They 
fished with a hand line, the sinker stone, like the small ones in mu- 
seum, was fastened to the end of a main line, to which short lines with 
bone hooks were attached. The sinker was then thrown far out into 
deep water, the main line hauled taut, and the least motion on the short 
lines was conveyed to the hand of the fisherman speedily. They also 
fished with nets made of willow withes, using many sinker stones 
around edge. Here the larger stones must have been used ; there are 
a number of very large ones in museum. One of the ^loravian journals 
tells of seeing shad-fishing at Ahquahgo thus : 

"They tie bushes together so as to reach across the river, sink them with 
stones, and haul them around by canoes. When net was drawn all present, in- 
cluding strangers, had an equal division of fish." 

The willow nets were very generally used by the pioneers for 
catching shad. Much more might be written on Indian customs ; but 
there are to-day many sources of information. 



CHAPTER III 

EARLY EXPLORATIONS 

Tlic Results as Shozcii in Old Maps — First Jlsits of White Men to the 
i iciiiitv of y'ioga Point — The Susqitehaiuhi and Its Discoi'erers 

The historian Winsor has well said : 

"When Anaxagoras said that man was born to contemplate the licavcits, 
etc., he might have added the earth; and have enjoined upon his disciples the 
necessity of representing the result of such contemplations by maps and charts. 
We require a map fully to understand the geography of a country, hence a 
study of maps becomes the duty of writers of histor}'." 

While many people scorn the early maps because of their inac- 
curacy, the thoughtful student of history finds an indescribable interest 
in what may be termed the evolution of the map, or the geographical 
evolution of a locality. Our interest in this subject was awakened some 
years since by Gen. John S. Clark, of Auburn. X. Y.,^ •who, like many 
civil engineers, early became interested in history and topography. 
The results of hfs years of observation and painstaking research are 
embodied in various unpublished AIss. which, however, he kindly shares 
with others ; imparting also much helpful information to all who seem 
really interested in these subjects. 

While feeling very inadequate to the task, we cannot do justice 
to the history of Tioga Point without considering the early maps 
which include this territory. Indeed, it will be seen that the earliest 
known maps of the Eastern States not only show the meeting of the 
waters, but seem to have been made as the results of the first visits of 
white men to this region. This study, even with such enlightening 
assistance as given by General Clark, leads to many perplexing ques- 
tions ; the chief ones being the various forms of Indian names given, 
and the errors of the map-makers as to location of rivers, lakes 
and bays. While it has generally been said that Conrad W^eiser was 
the first white man to visit Te-a-o-ga (date 17o7), this is an error. 
It is a recorded fact, in W'eiser's own journals, that a large body of 
Palatine emigrants from the Mohawk Valley passed down the Sus- 
quehanna ; some in canoes and some by land, in 17"33 and 172S.- While 
they apparently made no record, unquestionably they halted at 
Te-a-o-ga. 

Hut. more than a hundred years before, the early map-makers evi- 
dently had reports from white men who tarried in this vicinity. 

The earliest map including this locality is undoubtedly the Adrian 
Block or Figurative Map, though these ;//(7V be two separate ones, the 
latter made by Hendricksen. It is due to the research of Brodhead, 

' Shea, the historian, gave Gen. Clark great praise for research concerning Champlain's 
expedition of 1614, and believed, with Clark, that Champlain"s map was original. 
- See Cobb's "Story of the Palatines," p. 282. 

29 



30 OLD TIOCxA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

the historian, to state that these maps were discovered by him at The 
Hague in 1841.^ Brodhead says of the larger: 

"It is the most ancient map of the State of New York, and the neighbor- 
ing territory to the north and east, and is probably the one to which the Dutch 
voyager and historian De Laef* refers as the 'chart of this quarter, made some 
years since.' The original map was annexed to a memorial to the States General 
by the Directors of New Netherland in 1616. I think, however, it was prepared 
two years before (from data furnished by Block just after his return to Hol- 
land) and exhibited in 1614 (October 11th), as the charter granted that day to 
Directors of New Netherland, expressly refers to a 'Figurative Map pre- 
pared by them,' which describes the same coasts as parchment map. For, besides 
this map on parchment, I found one on paper with no date or name. I think 
this first was presented to the States General when Captain Hendricksen ap- 
peared before them to solicit a new grant of trading privileges for the Directors 
of New Netherland'' (claiming the discovery of a bay and three new rivers 
southwest of the mouth of the Hudson). * * * Adrian Block was a worthy 
mariner of Holland who first came to this country in 1611, looking up the 
fur trade at the suggestion of Hudson, returning home the same year." 

In 1()12 he was sent again by influential merchants, with a com- 
rade. Their ship was accidentally burned at Manhattan ; but, with the 
aid of Indians, Block built a small yacht in the winter of 1(513, which 
he named the Onrust, or Restless, in which he explored bays and 
rivers to the eastward. Upon Block's arrival in Amsterdam with de- 
tails of these explorations, apparently the stolid Holland merchants 
for once became excited. They hastened to form a company, and 
engaged a skilled draughtsman to- make an elaborate map, probably 
under Block's supervision, or at least from his data.'" With this they 
appeared before the States General asking for a charter, which was 
granted October 11, 1()14,' giving the title of New Netherlands to 
unoccupied lands lying between Virginia and Canada. The Fig- 
urative Map was referred to in this charter,* after the procuration of 
which Block's connection with discoveries in America ceased. 

This Figurative Map (which, by the courtesy of Houghton & 
Mifflin, is here copied from Winsor's "Narrative and Critical His- 
tory") shows the inclination of early map-makers to consider the Sus- 
quehanna and the Delaware as the same river, the Susquehanna flow- 
ing into Delaware Bay. or the Delaware into Chesapeake Bay ; an 
error which was uncorrected for about seventy-five years. The "Min- 
quas" indicated were on the west side of the Susquehanna, General 
Clark thinks "apparently at North Towanda." General Clark has 
reduced the Hendricksen and the Block map to the same scale, thus 
greatly simplifying the matter of locations. 

Near the top of the original map is a memorandum written in the 
court hand of the time, which is here given complete, as it indicates 

^ Facsimiles of both are in the office of the Secretary of State, at Albany, N. Y. 

^ In his "Novum Orbis," with map, of IG.'JO, first printed map of New Netherland. 

5 About this time, according to Griffis' "Romance of Discovery," "The Dutch Congress 
issued a general charter to all who discovered new passages, havens, countries or places. Each 
discoverer to be rewarded by being given a monopoly of trade to country discovered, 
during at least four voyages, being required within fourteen days of return from first voyage 
to give his report, with exact details." 

« Brodhead, \'ol. I, p. 60. 

■^ The very same day on which, hi England, Capt. John Smith first showed his journal 
and maps to Prince Charles. 

* See Holland Documents, \'ol. I, p. 47. 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS 



31 



not only the first definite information concerning the upper Susque- 
hanna ; but is reported probably by tlic first white men kiioicii to have 
I'i sited Tioga Point. 

"Of what Kleynties and his comrades have communicated to me respecting 
tlie locality of the rivers, and the places of the tribes which they found in their 
expedition from the Maquas into the interior, and along the New River" down- 
ward to the Ogehage"' (to wit, the enemies of the aforesaid northern tribes), I 
cannot at present find anything at hand except two rough drafts of maps relating 
thereto, accurately' drawn in parts. And in deliberating how I can best reconcile 
this one with the rough drafts of the information, I find that the places of the 
tribes of Senecas. Gachoos, Capitanesses and Jotticas should be marked down 
considerably farther west in the country."'' 




Figurative Map — Block and Hendricksen— 1614 

Brodhead says the author of this memorandum is unknown, also 
the identity of Kleynties and comrades ; but, on searching for informa- 
tion in "Holland Documents,"^- he concluded that the latter were 
the three Dutch traders who, in Kill, left their employment among the 
Maquas (Alohawks) at Fort Nassau and set out on an expedition into 
the interior, and along the Nciv River (Susquehanna) downward to 
the Minquas (Andastes), by whom they were taken prisoners (near 
Tioga Point). These three Dutchmen, Hendricksen, in his report to 



° Name used by Dutch for Delaware. 
^^ Minquas or Andastes. 



>i See N. Y. Col. Doc., Vol. I, p. IJ 
1- See Vol. I, p. Gl. 



33 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

the States General, states that he "ransomed from the Minquas," 
one item on Hendricksen's petition telHng "that he traded for and 
bought from the inhabitants three persons belonging to this company, 
which were employed in the service of the Mohawks and Mahicans, 
giving for them kettles, beads and merchandize."^'^ 

Another account^^ of these men says that they "accompanied a 
hostile party of Iroquois from Fort Orange, who were on a warlike 
expedition, presumably against the Carantouannais (Spanish Hill) ; 
who, on taking the Dutchmen prisoners, treated them kindly, suppos- 
ing them tO' be French, allies and friends of their Huron allies ; and 
this, although one of the Carantouannai was killed in the encounter." 

Modern historians, as well as Champlain, believe these were the 
first white men seen by the Indians of this region ; the first to discover 
and descend the northeast branch of the Susquehanna ; and, let us add, 
the first knozi'ii to visit Te-a-o-ga. After being prisoners of the Car- 
antouannais about a year,^-"* they descended the Susquehanna to Nes- 
copeck, and, taking the trail over the mountains, met Capt. Hendrick- 
sen on the Delaware. These men then, whatever their names, were 
the discoverers of the upper Susquehanna. They saw the river from 
its head waters ; they told of "a tribe of Indians called Canoomakers, 
who lived on the shores of a Versch Water (lake), from which a 
river appears to flow southerly, emptying into Delaware Bay."" This 
lake was. by map-makers, confounded with larger ones reported, and, 
as may be seen on the map, made a strange confusion, uncorrected 
for a hundred years. 

The Susquehanna!^" "The Beautiful River of Pennsylvania!" Who 
would not be proud to lay claim to her discovery? Her praises have 
been sung in prose and poem, and even the local poets have risen to 
their best heights in contemplating her beauties. At the close of this 
chapter will be found some selections from "Corallana," an unpub- 
lished poem by "Minor," a young man of Tioga Point one liiiiidrcd 

13 When Block returned to Holland the last time he left his yacht Onrust to Cornelius 
Hendricksen, who seems to have been the first Kuropean navigator known to have set his 
foot on the soil of Delaware and Pennsylvania. Apparently he explored the Delaware as far 
north as the Schuylkill, and it is thought he ransomed these prisoners "ery near the location 
of Philadelphia. See Brodhead's Hist. N. Y., p. 79. After his explorations Hendricksen 
retvirned to Holland and was at once taken to The Hague to report. 

^* See Colonial Hist. N. Y., \'ol. I, pp. 13 and 14, evidently free translations from 
Champlain. 

^^ Gen. Clark thinks, from Hendricksen's map, that they were taken to the village of 
the Minquas, at North Towanda, known as Oscului. This was a smaller town than Caran- 
touan, about three acres, on the high bluff at the mouth of Sugar Creek. 

^° While Susquehanna is an Indian word its true meaning, is unknown. A little inves- 
tigation proves that the river had many names, each with an appropriate meaning. Golden, 
a very early writer, gives Co-hon-go-run-to, which may mean "a river in the ivoods" or 
"one wliich serines as a door." Heckewelder gives Gahonta, the river on which are extensive 
fiats. Lewis Morgan gives Ga-zva-no-zva-iid-nch, an Iroquois word, meaning great island river. 
Beauchamp says Susquclianiia is an Algonquin name, first syllables uncertain meaning, Iianna 
means river. Heckewelder says that the Lenape called the North Branch M'chcu'ainisi[>u 
(same meaning as Gahonta), and the West Branch Qiienischacligekliauiu, the river which has 
the long reaches. Heckewelder also gives the meaning as muddy river. Beauchamp gives 
a Canadian-Delaware name with the same meaning, A-theth-qua-nee. Cusick gives Ka-hun- 
seh-iva-tan'-yca, the name also given to the Potomac by the Indians. A. Cusick has Kah-na- 
scli-wa-de-u-yea, sandy, or Kah-na-sc-nc, nice sand. Evidently different names were given 
to different portions of the stream, few of them as sweet as the present name. Professor 
Guss, in an elaborate analysis, gives the meaning as "brook stream," or spring-fed stream. 



fiTIENNE BRULE, EXPLORER 33 

years ogo, who was said to have written some of the best fugitive 
poems of his clay. 

Yet the right of discovery must be a divided honor. It has 
generally been carelessly given to Capt. John Smith, on his own 
authority, as per his publication and map of 1612. Unquestionably, 
his river zvm the Susquehanna, but his own map indicates that he 
could not have gone much, if any. farther north than the Virginia 
State line, and many historical students think he was not as far, having 
made his maps from information given him by Indians. 

There yet remains a long distance tO' the place where the Dutch- 
men turned ofif ; which, however, was explored only two or three years 
later by a man who should be recognized as a great explorer and dis- 
coverer, and one might say the discozrrer of the Susquehanna. Etienne 
Brule, sometimes called Stephen Brule, which is a pity ; it is certainly 
foolish to anglicize his given and not his proper name. Butterfield 
attempts to prove that the three Dutch prisoners did not see the Sus- 
quehanna, and, therefore, that Brule was the first explorer, but we pre- 
fer to rely on General Clark's decision. 

His biographer (C. W. Butterfield) says of Etienne Brule and his 
explorations : 

"Few, if any, of the early events properly belonging to American history 
are of more importance after the discovery of the New World than the explora- 
tions and discoveries of fitienne Brule. He wrote nothing, and his verbal re- 
citals, taken from his own lips by Champlain. Sagard" and Le Caron, are not 
calculated to awaken at once the thought that they border on the marvelous." 

Butterfield claims that previous to* his narrative Brule had but 
once been credited with being the first to* reach any of the countries, 
lakes or rivers of which he was the real discoverer or explorer.^^ 

Estienne Brusle (as Champlain whites it) was born in France 
about 1592, and came to Xew France in 1608 with Champlain, who 
spoke of him in his early narratives as "the young lad." Brule soon 
made friends with the Indians, and, by Champlain's request of an Al- 
gonquin chief, he was allowed to live among them, learn their lan- 
guage, ways, etc. Champlain was glad of this opportunity, wishing 
to use him as an interpreter. The boy was a close observer, and was 
charged to become familiar both with the people and the country. He 
proved an apt pupil, was kindly treated, and rejoined Champlain on 
the latter's return from France in 1610. 

The experiment of life among the Indians proved so successful 
that when Champlain returned to France the second time, Brule, as 
well as some other young Frenchmen, was sent again among the sav- 
ages ; and on Champlain's second return Brule became his trusted inter- 
preter on a regular salary. 

-" Sagard wrote ''Histoire du Canada." 

'* The author takes this opportunity to give credit again to the investigations and 
writings of Gen. John S. Clark of Auburn, who made known to us all concerning Brule in 
connection with his discoveries some yeais before the publication of Butterfield's Mss. We 
have followed up every suggested clue of Gen. Clark's, reading Champlain in the original 
French, etc. Brule surely was a wonderful explorer, but we have dealt with him only con- 
cerning the Susquehanna, and commend our readers to Butterfield's book, "Brule's Discover- 
ies and Explorations," for further information. 



34 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Champlain soon became the friend of the Hiirons, who were en- 
gaged in war against that invincible foe, the Iroquois. The Hurons 
were greatly pleased to have as allies the Frenchmen, with their super- 
ior arms. As to Champlain's active assistance we will give our own 
absolutely literal translation from the edition of 1870.^** 

"The seventeentli of August I arrived at Cahiague"" where I was received 
with great gladness by all the savages of the country. They had received news 
that a certain nation of their allies (the Carantouannai), who lived three good 
days beyond the Entouhonorons (Onondagas), wished to assist them in this 
expedition with 500 men ; and make an alliance and pledge friendship zvith us, 
having a great desire to see us, and that we should make war altogether." "^ 

Champlain goes on to say : 

"I was glad to have found this opportunity to learn news from this 
country, which is only seven days from where the Flemish go to trade at the 
fortieth degree; whose savages (Mohawks), assisted by the Flemish, make war 
upon them, and take them prisoners and treat them cruelly. But they told us 
that last year (1614), during war, they (the Carantouannai) took three of 
aforesaid Flemish, who assisted them (Mohawks)." Nevertheless they did not 
fail to send them back — without having done them any ill — believing they were 
of our party {i. e., French), having never seen a Christian." This nation (of 
proposed allies) is very warlike — there are only three villages which are in the 
midst of more than twenty others, on which they make war. Not being able to 
have the help of their friends (the Hurons) unless they pass through the coun- 
try of the Entouhonorons (supposed general name for Iroquois, meanhig men 
alone), which is thickly peopled; or take a very roundabout route."" 

After Champlain's arrival the Hurons resolved to dispatch mes- 
sengers to secure the promised allies. Champlain thus tells the story 
(our own translation continued) : 

"This deliberation having been taken, they dispatched two canoes with 
twelve of the strongest savages, and one of our interpreters,"* who begged me 
to allow him to make the journey, and by that means see their country and 
make the acquaintance of the people who inhabited it. They left the 8th Septem- 
ber (1615) — We continue on our road against the enemies — the country is full 
of forests" — 

'" Champlain's "\'oyages de la Nouvelle France " was published in Paris, originally in 
two volumes, the second (from which narrative of Brule and map are taken) was dedicated 
"To the most illustrious Cardinal, Duke of Richelieu, Chief Grand Master and General Sur- 
Intendant." The extracts and maps are from the second edition, published in 1870, under 
the patronage of the Laval University at Quebec. 

-" The chief Huron village near Lake Simcoe. • 

^■^ Butterfield, on page 56 of "Brule's Discoveries," adds a note, saying Champlain's 
memory is at fault concerning promise of allies, but the above translation seems to prove 
to the contrary, Champlain not even suggesting that said promise was made to Brule's party. 

-2 It is supposed these were the Dutchmen already mentioned. 

The Italics are our own. This is a most interesting fact of historical importance; 
it will be remembere'd it was seven years only after the settlement of Jamestown, and five 
after the coming of white men to the Hudson, 1614. 

"^ Here the editor of Champlain introduces a note of great interest, saying that the 
name of these allies, "Carantouannai," was probably only a special name, a tribal, or a vil- 
lage name of the Andastes nation; and he quotes as follows from the Jesuit Pere Rague- 
neau's "Relation des Hurons, 1647-8," Chap. VIII, "Andastoe est un pays au dela de la 
Nation Neutre eloigne des Hurons en ligne droite pris de cent cinquante lieues au Sud-est, 
quart de Sud des Hurons. Ce sont peuple de langue Huronne, et de tout temps alliez de nos 
Hurons. lis sont tres belliqueux, et compte en un seule boiirg treize cent homnies portants 
armes." Literal translation: "Andastoe is a country below the Neuter Nation, distant from 
the Hurons in a straight line nearly 150 leagues to the southeast by south of the Hurons. 
They are a people of the Huron tongue, and from all time allied to our Hurons. They are 
very warlike, and count in one single town thirteen hundred men bearing arms." Champlain's 
editor adds that, from an attentive examination of old maps and from Ragueneau's writings, 
he concludes the Carantouannai or Andastes were established near the Susquehanna, to- 
wards the southeast of Pennsylvania. ("Southeast" seems an error.) 

■-' 15rule. 



EXPEDITION TO CARANTOUAN 35 

And thus it happened that Brule was the first civihzed man known 
to have traversed that part of New York State, and, as will be shown, 
the first, except the three Dutchmen, to visit Tioga Point. 

It is unnecessary to follow Champlain and the Hurons, whose 
destination seems to have been the fort at Nichol's Pond, town of 
Fenner; our interest lies with Brule and his escort, whose destination, 
as we have seen, was Carantouan. There is every reason to believe 
tiiat General Clark's decision as to the location of this town is the cor- 
rect one : /. e., in Athens Township, on what is now known as "Spanish 
Hill."" A^arious minor histories give Spanish Hill as located at 
W'averly, Tioga County, New York, but, while it is close to Waverly, 
it is really in Pennsylvania. It will be more fully dealt with in the 
next chapter. 

The story of Brule and his Huron escorts having been recorded, 
particularly in the writings of Champlain, again we will make use 
of a literal translation, leaving to the reader to decide some vexed 
questions, much discussed by present day historians. 

It was in 1618, three years later, that Champlain and Brule were 
reunited at Three Rivers. Some Indians arrived there, of whom 
Champlain says : 

"They had with them Estienne Brusle, one of our interpreters who had 
lived among them eight years.'^— he was the one whom I had sent and given a 
charge to go toward the Entouhonorons to Carantouan, and to bring back with 
him the 500 warriors whom they had promised to send to assist us in the war 
in which we were engaged against their enemies. — I asked him why he had not 
brought the succor of the 500 men. and the reason of the delay, and why he had 
not advised me; and he then told me about the matter, (of which it does not 
seem out of place here to make a recital,) being more to be pitied than to be 
blamed for the misfortunes that he had received in executing the commission. 
He began by telling me that since he had taken leave of me to go on this jour- 
ney and execute his commission, he started with the 12 savages whom I had 
chosen here to guide him, and to act as escort because of the dangers that he 
had to pass. That they proceeded to aforesaid place Carantouan, but not without 
running a risk, as they had to pass by the country and lands of their enemies; 
and to avoid evil designs, they made their way through woods, forests and brush, 
heavy and difficult, marshy l)ogs, and deserts very frightful and unfrequented, 
all to avoid danger and an encounter with their enemies."" And in spite of this 
great care Brule and his savage companions while crossing a plain, could not 
avoid encountering some hostile savages returning to their village ; who were 
surprised and defeated by said party, some being killed on the tield. and two 
taken prisonners, w^hom Brule and his companions took with them to Caran- 
touan, where they were received by the inhabitants with great affection and all 
gladness and good cheer, accompanied by dances and feasts, as they were accus- 
tomed to feast and honor strangers. Several days passed in this good reception ; 
and after the said Brule had told his mission, and made known the reason of 
his journey, the savages assembled in council to deliberate on sending the 500 
warriors — The resolution having been made to send them, they were charged to 
assemble, prepare and arm. to leave, and come to join us where our enemies 
were only ?> short days journey from Carantouan, which said village was provided 
with more than 800 warriors ; well fortified after the fashion of those before 
described, which have high and strong palisades, well joined together, and their 

-= This very evidently alludes to the time since 1608 spent by Brule among the Indians, 
though several writers have made it appear that it was eight years after 161,5 before Cham- 
plain again saw Brule. 

-" Butterfield carefully traces their route as skirting Lake Ontario to mouth of Niagara 
River, thence through the counties of northwestern New York, and finally through the well 
known ones of Steuben, Chemung and Tioga. 



36 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

lodges in the same manner. — These men were very long in getting ready al- 
though they were urged by Brule to advance, he representing that if they de- 
layed too long, they would not find us at place agreed, as it happened that they 
did not arrive until two days after our departure from the place which we were 
forced to abandon — . Which led Brule with the 500 men he had accompanied, 
to retreat and return toward their village of Carantouan, where having returned 
Brule was constrained to stay and spend the rest of the Autumn, and all of the 
Winter, awaiting an escort with whom to return (to Champlain) and while wait- 
ing such an opportunity, he employed himself in exploring the country, visiting 
neighboring nations and lands, and in passing the length of a river which dis- 
charges on the coast of Florida (?)'' where there are strong nations''* who are 
powerful and warlike, who make war on one another. The climate is very tem- 
perate and there are a great number of animals and game to be hunted. But 
to traverse these countries, one must have great patience for difficulties which 
are to be met in its wildernesses. And. continuing his way along said river as 
far as the sea, past islands and lands near it, which are inhabited by several 
nations, and a great number of savages who nevertheless were very natural 
(kind) loving much the French nation before all others. But those who knew 
the Dutch complained of them, that they (Dutch) treated them very roughly, 
Among other things that they remarked is that the winter there is very mild 
and that it snows very seldom, and when it does, is not more than a foot deep, 
and melted at once on the ground. And after he had traversed the country, and 
discovered what was noticeable, he returned to Carantouan to seek an escort to 
return to us. After some stay at Carantouan five or six savages resolved to 
make the trip with Brule, and on their road they met a great number of their 
enemies, who charged upon them briskly, and caused them to fly, and to be- 
come separated from each other." 

After this Brule had many serious experiences among the Iroquois, 
by whom he was imprisoned, and came near suffering death, but was 
finally reunited with Champlain at Three Rivers in l(il8. Naturally, 
Champlain was greatly pleased with Brule's important discoveries, 
and although he made some errors in his map of a succeeding date, it 
shows the results of Brule's explorations. -'^ We here give a copy of 
a portion of this map as it originally appeared in early editions of 
Champlain. There are many imperfect copies of it in various books. 
It will be well to note the town of Carantouan often omitted, but here 
given. The numbers are a part of those given by Champlain, or his 
editor, with a corresponding explanatory index, as follows : 

58 Pluisieurs rivieres des Virginies qui se deschargent dans le 
Golfe. 

Translation — Several rivers of Virginia which empty in the gulf. 

60 Poincte Comforte, ()2 Chesapeacq Bay, 89 \^illage renferma de 
4 Pallisades ou le sieur di Champlain, fut a la guerre contre les Antou- 
honorons. 

-' Champlain here is no doubt confused. As to Champlain's statement that Brule 
found the mouth of the Susquehanna in or near Florida, many historical students have con- 
sidered the matter and decided that he must have traversed not only the river but Chesa- 
peake Bay, even to the ocean; or at least seen the bay with its tides, and either decided for 
himself or learned from the Indians that it opened into the ocean. 

-* Andastes. 

-" And thus, as Benjamin Suite, the Canadian writer, expresses it, "Georgian Bay 
and the Chesapeake were connected by Brule in the spring of 1(510, but there were no news- 
papers in those days, conseijuently there was no fame — no eclat — around the poor explorer. 
He played the part of Stanley in Africa, but he added neither a title to his humble rank of 
interpreter, nor a penny to his purse. At the age of twenty-two he had achieved a great 
Canadian work." (It is rather amusing to call it a "Canadian work." Why not as well New 
York or Pennsylvania?) This man's exploits should interest all the residents of our valley, 
and it is to be hoped that the young people will read more of the true, but exciting, story 
of his experiences, as found in a book in Athens Library, "Brule's Discoveries and Ex- 
plorations." 



CHAMPLAIN'S MAP 



37 



Translation — \'lllage enclosed by four Palisades where the Count 
de Champlain was at war against the Antouhonorons. 

The dotted line is supjxDsed to represent the route of Brule and 
party. This map is found in the edition of 1032, which is dedicated : 

"To the most illustrious Cardinal Due de Richelieu Chief Grand Master 
and General Superintendent of the Commerce and Navigation of France." Our 
translations and extracts are from the Quebec edition of 1870. 

General Clark gives some explanations of these early maps as 
follows : 

"The Adrian Block map of 1614 contains the first information relating to 
north east branch of the Susquehanna, Capt. Hendncksen in 1616 incorporated 




Section of Champlain's Map, 1632 

part of Block map into his chart and extended the river to flow into Delaware 
bay, claiming the discovery of three ne^i' rivers, etc. De Laet in 1633 in his map 
indicated the same river but made it take the place of the Delaware. Champlain 
in 1632 placed Carantouan in the precise position of the Capitanesses of the 
Block, Hendricksen, and De Laet maps, and also makes the river a tributary 
of Delaware Bay. Not until about 1659 was the discovery made that this river 
was in fact the upper Susquehanna, and that the Indian tribes indicated on 
these maps, were residents in its vicinity. Then a large part of map was moved 
to west by Visscher, another map maker^" and connected with the lower Susque- 

•''" See Winsor's "Narrative and Critical History." 



38 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



hanna. After studying the maps and Indian tribes as indicated, you will have 
no difficulty in the identification of Tioga Point at the confluence of the two 
branches as indicated by Hendricksen, and the Capitanesses in the precise po- 
sition of Spanish Hill." 

Otsego Lake, the source of the Susquehanna, owing to Kleynties' 
account, was, for a hundred years, depicted as a large lake lying east 
and west. 

Smith's map of Virginia, published 1(512, might be mentioned as 
giving the mouth of the Stisquehanna River. 

The next map of interest to readers of this history is one "of the 
Middle States and Great Lakes," in the possession of the Historical 
Society of Pennsylvania (Morris of Fairhill papers). Unfortunately, 
it has no name or date, but must have been made by a Frenchman, as 
all names are in French. While largely like that of Champlain it 
has one interesting record not found on his, as follows, "Portage de 
Andastes," and this is from the upper Chemung to head waters of 
the Ohio. On this the Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers are assigned 
their real position, Tioga Point not named. Thus the results of ex- 
ploration are the discovery of the Susquehanna and tlie evolution of 
correct maps. And hereafter it may be said that the three Dutchmen 
and fitienne Brule were the first white z'isitors to Tioga Point, of whom 
there is a known record. ^^ 

The maps of Pennsylvania should next engage attention, the ear- 
liest of which is said to have been made in London in 1690. This is 
very rare and was included in the Pennypacker collection, lately put 
on sale, and has not been examined by the writer. 

Tliere is a long period between this and the next known map, 
which was made by Lewis Evans, and called the "Map of Middle Brit- 




on.quo.jge. 



EARLY MAPS INCLUDING TIOGA POINT 39 

ish Colonies."-'- This was the result of Evans' journey with Conrad 
Weiser in 1743, and is sometimes called the "Map of Pensilvania, New 
Jersey and New York, and the three Delaware Counties." The ac- 
companying portion of one of these Evans' maps is from a sketch made 
by Rev. David Craft, source unknown. 

A little later. 17 IS. the Province of Pennsylvania offered induce- 
ments to map-makers, and Lewis Evans evidently made several, copies 
of which may be found in library of the Historical Society of Penn- 
sylvania, no new discoveries seemingly being made in this locality. One 
was entitled "A Map of Pensilvania, New Jersey & New York, and the 
three Delaware Counties." The Chemung River has this legend : 
"Cayuga Branch nearly as large as Schuylkill." The Pennsylvania 
archives show that Evans issued proposals for a map in 1748, the ob- 
servations for which were evidently made at public expense. His in- 
structions, as given in Vol. II, page 47, begin by saying the aim of 
his journey is to gain intelligence of southern and western bounds of 
Pennsylvania, then not yet settled. He was particularly enjoined to 
observe soil, branches (creeks) and rivers, places fit for forts, etc. ; 
mines, quarries, etc., and where advantageous settlements might be 
made on ground the Indians could be prevailed upon to release. The 
entire instructions are very interesting, but too lengthy for insertion 
here. EVans" special requirement was 100 guineas, also traveling ex- 
penses, provisions, medicines, attendants or guides, and release from 
possible imprisonment. 

In 1757 a map was made by the Surveyor General of the Province, 
Nicholas Scull, for the Penns. There are also^ later maps of his in the 
collection of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, one of 1770 
having "Tioga" on it. This map, and some of Evans', shows Indian 
trails or paths of travel. 

In 1776 was published in London a "Topographical Description 
of such parts of North America by T. Pownall," which seems to be a 
new edition of the map of Lewis Evans. 

In 1790 a map was made by Adlum and Wallis, on which is given 
"New Athens" and "Tyoga Point." 

In 1779 Lieutenant Lodge, the surveyor accompanying Sullivan's 
expedition, depicted Tioga Point and surroundings, making the Point 
as symmetrical as an arrow point, from which may have originated the 
name of "Indian Arrow." 

In 1795 was published an atlas by Reading Howell, a copy of 
which is in the Tioga Point Museum, from which the accompanying 
l)ortion was copied. This map, with the exception of the name of this 
town, is correct as to all its features. Ulster is called "Sheshequin 

'''■ Of course, there are other old maps including this region, those only having been 
given, parts of which were made as results of visits to Tioga Point region. An interest- 
ing series is given in the New York State ^Museum Bulletin, No. 78, showing various explora- 
tions as far south as this. The three Andastes towns are given in Creuxius' map of 1660; 
Thcaggcn or Tioga, on Pouchot's map of 1758; Tiaoga, on Col. Guy Johnson's map of 1771; 
but we do not know how these maps came to be made, as with the earlier ones. In this 
ISulletin Champlain's map does not show the town of Carantouan as a fortified parallelogram. 

■'- This map was published by order of Parliament, and has various descriptive notes 
of great interest, as, for instance: "Where Indian Corn, Tobacco, Squashes & Pompkins were 
first found"; another, a lake between Oscegonge and Onondoga, apparently the head of the 
Chenango River, has this legend, "Canoes may come from this lake with a fresh to Penna." 



40 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Flats"; Sheshequin "Gores"; and "Shepard's" is at the mouth of 
Shepard's or Cayuta Creek. Indian trails were given on this map. In 
1810 Howell published a new edition, on which Lockhartsburg is 
changed to "Tyoga Town." 



Mention should be made of a historical map prepared for and 
published by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in 1875. This 
map is interesting as giving Indian names for streams and villages, 
also their trails, though somewhat in error as to this locality. Enough 
maps have been given or noted to fully illustrate the progress of the 
discovery of the Susquehanna. 



CORALLANA 

A Poem by Minor 

A theme. 
As long, as Xi'ild, as 2ciiidiiig as thy stream. 

CANTO I 

The august Queen of Night rode high in heav'n, 
And shed afar the dewy beams of even : 
O'er hills and vales and cliffs, fantastic, wild. 
Forests and fields and streams serenely smiled :— 
Sportively dancing, hung her silver beam 
On the broad breast of Corallana's stream. 
Where on the flow'ry bank the bard reclined, 
And thrilFd his plaintive measures to the wind. 
No sounds assailed the ear of midnight, save 
The broken lay, and dashing of the wave ; — 
When burst to view, on swelling billows roll'd, 
An icy car, inlaid with virgin gold. 
In watery robe, where moonlight rainbows hung, 
And gelid pearls, on threads of silver strung, 
Where icy diamonds eyed the midnight beam. 
Arose the lovely Goddess of the stream. 
She spake, and hush'd were all the rushing waves, 



CORALLANA, DESCRIPTIVE POEM 41 

And nereids listened from their cr^'stal caves: 

"Have not the nymphs of muddy Thames and Seine 

Been covered o'er with wreaths of laurel green? 

Shall my praise warhle from no poet's tongue 

When Ayr. and Doon. and T'yne. and Ouse are sung? 

Hast not thou often bathed amid my floods. 

And roved delighted thro' my shadowy woods? 

Am I not worthy? view my craggy walls. 

My murmuring ripples, and my thundering falls : 

Green are my meadows, and my hills are high, 

Rich are my fields, and pleasing to the eye ; 

Unrivalled flowers deck the banks I lave. 

And wide my forests, tall, unequall'd wave." 

Again the surges dash'd the rugged shore. 

And the sweet silver notes were heard no more. 

"Thy charms. O Goddess, ask a sweeter tongue 

Than e'er of Ayr or Windsor Forest sung : 

Rough is my harp, unequal to the lays, 

A worthier bard shall sweep the notes of praise : 

For distant lands shall bend a list'ning ear, 

And ages yet unborn admiring hear." 

"Thou art my bard," she said, "be thine the task; 

Sing as thou canst ; no other boon I ask ; — 

To thy pleas'd ear my waves shall sweeter sound. 

My posies brighter bloom thy steps around ; — 

The native choir shall hail their youthful bard. 

And these wide vales shall smile a sweet reward." 

A white-wing'd mist enwrapped her gelid car. 

And flying billows roll'd and foam'd afar ; 

The icy portals of her ample dome 

Wide oped, and took the goddess to her home : 

The tumbled wave sank weary to its rest. 

And the wide waters smoothed their troubled breast : 

No more rude billows dashed night's placid ray. 

But on their face the broad reflections lay. 

Silence arose upon the flow'ry shore. 

And stretch'd her wings the world of midnight o'er. 

No more the nymphs sung vespers on the waves. 
And Echo slumbered in her thousand caves. 

CANTO n 

To sing the beauties of my fav'rite stream. 

Its winding banks, wild scenes, shall be my theme. 

Columbian muse! O native warbler wild! 

Be near with heav'nly smile, and guide thy child! 

Give to my song like that lov'd stream to flow. 

Now nobly rolling, now serenely slow ; — 

Give me to sweetly sing the scenes I love. 

Blue waving stream, high hill, and shady grove ; 

The flow'ry valleys, and ambrosial dells, 

Where the thrush warbles, and the rabbit dwells ; 

Of lonely forests, far from mortal way. 

Where the dread panther crouches for his prey; 

Where meagre wolves together herd, and where 

'Mid the dark oaklimbs sits the growling bear; — 

Or where the whistling deer, with matchless bound, 

In terror flees the hunter and his hound. 

Here once sole lord the native Indian reigned. 

Unsmoothed by art. and by its crimes unstained : 



42 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



To shape the arrow and to bend the bow 

Was all the son of nature wish'd to know : 

With these rude arms he roamed the endless wood, 

And the chase brought him pleasure, health and food. 

Strong were his limbs, his heart unknown to fear, 

His vengeance dreadful, and his love sincere. 

Thus were the happy natives of these vales, 

When first loud cannons shook the frighted gales : — 

When first shrill fife and rolling drum afar, 

Proclaimed the coming of relentless war. 

'Twas then the Indian found that all was prey — 

'Twas then he learned to torture, scalp and slay. 

E'en now old camps and ditches oft are seen, 

And bones lie bleaching on the fatal green : — - 

Oft rusty spears and arrow-heads are found. 

And broken skulls half buried in the ground. 

Soon thro' the woods the echoing axe was heard, 

Green meadows spread where once dark vales appeared : 

Where tall pines rose was seen the furrow'd plain — 

Where thickets stood, wide wav'd the golden grain : 

Where late the wolf and rugged bear had slept, 

Where elks had herded and fierce panthers crept. 

Now social white men's chimney'd roofs were seen, 

And flocks domestic grazed the new-born green. 

Thy nymph. O river, who had seen before 

But bark canoes, now heard the dashing oar: 

She saw rich-laden vessels stem the tide, 

And winged boats upon thy surface glide : 

Long bridges o'er thy infant arms were reared, 

And where the Indian whooped, the boatman's song was heard. 




Along the Susquehanna 



CHAPTER IV 

THE AXDASTES 

TJic Car-aii-toii-aiis and their Toz^'iis on the Upper Susquehanna ; Car- 
an-tou-an, Os-co-lu-i, Go-hon-to-to, 0-noch-sa-e, Tenk-gha-iiack-e 
and Others — Spanish Hill : Location. Description, Origin, Occupa- 
tion, N^anie and Traditions — Some Curious Relics Found on Tioga 
Point and Nearby 

As has already been seen in the chapter previous, the Carantouans 
were the first inhabitants of this valley of whom there are any written 
records. General Clark says of them : 

"They were Andastes, that much is certain, but this term was a dragnet 
that gathered in a great number of tribes and nations." 

The origin and disappearance of the Andastes is shrouded in 
mystery, further than that they seemed to belong to the same race as 
the Iroquois ; although, like the Hurons, they were their deadly ene- 
mies, and were probably only conquered because of the expert use oi 
fire-arms by the Iroquois. They may have previously migrated to the 
west branch of the Susquehanna to avoid defeat. 

Name. 
Gen. Clark says : 

"Andastes is a term generically used by the French, and applied to several 
distinct Indian tribes located south of the Five Nations in present territory of 
Pennsylvania. They were of kindred blood with Iroquois, and spoke a dialect 
of the same language. The most northerly were the Carantouans ; the most 
southerly were located at Great Falls between Columbia and Harrisburg. Less 
is known of their tribes than of some others. No Jesuit mission was among 
them, though there is frequent reference to them in the Jesuit Relations." 

"The French call them Gandastogi'ics or Concstogas. the English Siisquc- 
liannocks, the Dutch Minquas. Their own tribal name was Andastes, meaning 
cabin-pole men from Andasta, a cabin pole." They were also called Arontacn} 

In 1008 Capt. John Smith explored the lower Susquehanna and 
made the first report of that gigantic race of warriors, called by him, 
Sasqucsahannocks, but generally acknowledged to be the same as the 
Andastes. Captain Smith said they were the finest specimens of men 
he ever saw, often seven feet tall, "and their language sounding from 
them as a voice in a vault."- He told of one who measured three- 
quarters of a yard around the calf of the leg. This great size would 
suggest the origin of the name Andastes. The greater part of their 
history is derived from Captain Smith's writings and the Jesuit Re- 
lations, in which the name has at least twenty dififerent forms, as An- 
dastoc, Andastochonons, etc. Schoolcraft^ gives the name, from va- 
rious sources, as Andastoe, Andastogue, Gandasfogue, Conestogoe, 

^ "Hist. Ready Reference," Vol. I, p. 105, Larned. Prof. A. L. Guss gave an inter- 
esting critical analysis of the word Sasquehannock in "Hist. Register," Vol. I, No. IV. 

- -V number of huge skeletons found in the various Indian burial grounds of Tioga 
have suggested, by the size, that they were Andastes. 

3 "Hist. Indian Tribes," Part VI, p. 137. 

43 



44 OLD TlOCxA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Andastaka, etc. Charlevoix, Colden, Proud, De Vries, Hazard and 
other early authors all mention Andastcs. Of more recent authors 
Parkman, no doubt, gives the fullest account. Other names are said 
to belong to them, as Capitancsscs and Gaclioos, seen on the early 
Dutch maps, but this is disputed. 

Cammerhoff, the Moravian missionary, says, in 1750, the Cayugas 
called them Te-ho-ti-ta-chse. Dr Beauchamp says, "The Algonquins 
of New Jersey and Pennsylvania termed the Andastes Minqitas. After 
the Iroquois had subjugated them the whole family (of kindred, in- 
cluding Iroquois ) was termed Mingo. Thus Logan, the Cayuga, is 
often called a Mingo." 

The names of the towns are said to have the following meanings : 
Car-an-tou-an means Big Tree, although we do not understand the 
significance. Onontioga would seem more significant. 

Oscolui seems to be the same as Spangenberg's Osgochgo or 
Weiser's Osealui, meaning the fierce. 

Gahontoto, Dr. Beauchamp says, is an Iroquois word meaning to 
lift the canoe. (There are rapids in the river formerly called "falls," 
at Wyalusing. ) 

The later name, Wyalusing, is said to mean tlie home of the old 
zvarrior. The original M'chwilusing is a Delaware word, therefore of 
later date. Probably the Andaste word was GahontotO'. Doubtless, 
there was an Andastes town on the blufif at the north side of the creek 
at Meshoppen. Cammerhofif, or Zeisberger, writes in his journal: 

"Came to 3 Delaware huts, the site of a very old Indian Town called 
Onochsae, because immediately opposite there is a mountain near the river which 
is hollow and looks like a vaulted cellar, and the creek and the whole region 
have received this name." This was at Meshoppen (from Craft Collections). 
Beauchamp says this name meant holloiv mountain or cave in the rock. 

Tenkghanache, or Tunkhannock, means Little Creek, an appro- 
priate name, as the town site was in the angle between the mouth of 
the creek and the river. Little is known about this town. 

Location. 

As has already been noted. Smith found these Indians near the 
mouth of the Susquehanna in 1608, and reported that they had many 
implements of French manufacture, obtained in trade. At the begin- 
ning of the seventeenth century they are said to have held the Susque- 
hanna River as far north, at least, as the present New York State Line. 
Previous to 1600 they had waged a destructive war against the Mo- 
hawks for ten years. And nearly ten years later Captain Smith men- 
tions that the Sasquehannocks were great enemies of the Massawo- 
mekes, as he called the Mohawks. Bressani, one of the Jesuits, de- 
scribes their dwelling place, in 1647, as "Andastoe, a country beyond 
the Neuter Nation," 150 leagues southeast by south of the Hurons in 
a straight line, and 200 leagues by trail. Clark thinks this would bring 
them in the vicinity of Columbia, Pa. Clark says : 

"Bancroft was mistaken in placing them near Lake Erie. Gallatin's and La 
Houton's maps of 16813 thus place them, they may Iiaz'C emigrated there to escape 
destruction." * 

* See also J. G. Shea's notes in Alsop's "Maryland," and Parkman's "Jesuits." 



CARAXTOUAN AND THE CARANTOUANNAI 45 

Early in the seventeenth century it is said the Andastes towns were 
thickly planted from Tioga to Virginia, forty palisaded. The Jesuit 
Ragueneau, in 1048,'' speaks of them as the allies of New Sweden.'^ 
Proud locates the Andastakes on Christiana Creek ;' Campanius tells 
of their town near New Sweden in l',)38. 

Creuxius, on his very imperfect map of KUJO, seemis to locate 
them between the Susquehanna and the Delaware, in southeastern 
Pennsylvania. But, as has been said, Champlam was the first author 
to mention the Carantouannai, and their three villages, and to place 
them on a map. Accompanying this map was a table of explanation, 
in wliich he says (literal translation) : 

"Carantounnai is a nation which is retired to the south of the Antouhon- 
orons." in a very beautiful and good country where they are strongly lodged, 
and are friends of all the other nations except the said Antouhonorons from 
whom they are only three days distant. They formerly took prisonners from 
the Dutch whom they sent back without doing them harm, believing that they 
were French." 

An accompanying footnote by his editor says : ''There is every 
reason to believe that these were Andastes." In the text, Champlain 
gives the country as "only seven days' journey from where the Dutch 
go to trade at the fortieth degree." He also mentions an incident of 
their encounter wath the Mohawks in the previous year, 1614, and 
again (see Chapter HI) he says Brule found them having three iozvus, 
which Champlain so locates on his map that one would seem to be on 
the Chenango River, one east of Athens, and one below Milan. There 
is no way to-day of locating such towns at such points, although there 
are many evidences that there was an earlier village on the site of 
Queen Esther's town, and also across the river at the mouth of Spald- 
ing Creek ; in each place the ground having formerly been so thickly 
strewn with arrow points as to suggest great battles before the Indians 
knew the use of firearms, which would be prior to 1640. However, 
General Clark and Rev. David Craft, having taken up this matter, 
decided some years ago that these three towns were Carantouan, on 
Spanish Hill; Oscolui, at the mouth of Sugar Creek, just above To- 
wanda, and Gohontoto, at the mouth of Wyalusing Creek. In very 
recent years Dr. Craft has discovered every evidence of an Andaste 
town at the mouth of Tunkhannock, or Tenkghanake, Creek, also one 
at Meshoppen. In all these there is a striking similarity of situation, 
etc. Spanish Hill will be fully discussed in a later part of this chapter. 
The other three towns were in an exactly similar situation, on a high 
bluff, in the forks of a creek and a river, well situated for fortification 
and defense.^ Yet at Oscolui there is evidence of an early Indian town 
on the plain below, as also at Carantouan, though they may have been 
later than Andastes. It seems, therefore, perfectly reasonable to as- 
sume that the Carantouans lived in the river towns where they could 
cultivate maize, and used the fortified towns as places of refuge when 
their enemies appeared. For from 1590 to 1675, or thereabouts, it is 

5 See Vol. 35, p. 193, "Relations." ' On the Delaware River. 

« Vol. II, Chap. Ill, p. 294. * The western division of the Iroquois. 

8 .\lso of strategic importance, being located where important trails crossed the river. 



46 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

known that they controlled the Susquehanna Valley only by continued 
fierce and bitter warfare with the New York Iroquois. No doubt 
their chief stronghold, because the largest, was on Spanish Hill. A 
very grreat battle must have been fought at Wyalusing, as is evidenced 
by the great number of arrow heads found on the river plain just below 
the present bridge after the great flood of 1865 (many of which are 
in the Bixby collection in the Tioga Point Museum, and were found 
in one week after the flood). It was of the town Gahontoto that Zeis- 
berger and Cammerhoff say : 

"Here the Indians tell us there was a war in early times, against an Indian 
town, traces of which are yet visible, cornpits, etc. This was inhabited by a 
distinct nation, neither Iroquois nor Dela wares, who spoke a peculiar language, 
and were called Tehotitachse, Against them the Five Nations warred and routed 
them out ; the Cayugas for a time held a number captive, but the nation and 
the language are now exterminated and extinct. This war, said the Indian fell 
in the time when the Indians fought in battle with bows and arrows before they 
had guns and rifles." 

This must have been prior to 1640 as Plowden's New Albion says: 
"The Swedes hired out three of their soldiers to the Susquehannocks, 
and have taught them the use of our arms and fights." It was about 
this same time that the Dutch sold firearms to the Iroquois, indeed, 
Egle writes : 

"From 1640 the Five Nations were supplied with firearms, and soon 
devastated the tribes on the upper Susquehanna, thus opening the way to lower 
tribes on river on whom they commenced in 1652." 

These two statements, taken in conjunction, lead us to suppose it 
possible that the Carantouans were routed from their upper fortified 
towns prior to 1640, which led them to apply to the Swedes, so that 
they might compete with their enemies in the use of firearms. 

Wars. 

Toward the end of the seventeenth century the Mohawks, after a 
great struggle, seem to have overcome their enemies. "Then the Andas- 
tes harassed them and they were in great fear, but the Dutch came and 
gave the Mohawks guns, and they were again victors." It was during 
an encounter with the Mohawks that the three Dutchmen were taken 
prisoners by the Carantouans in 1614 (see Jesuit Relations of 1660). 

In 1633 De Vries found the Andastes at war with the Algonquin 
tribes on the Delaware. They were friendly to the Dutch, and also to 
the Swedes, who came in 1638, but there is little definite history of 
them from 1618 to 1640. The following accounts of these wars are 
from the writings of Parkman and Dr. Egle, drawn from the earlier 
writers, which have also been examined by the author, De Varies, 
Schoolcraft, Hazard and others, although the most fruitful source of 
information unquestionably is the Jesuit Relations. 

"1645-48 marked the period of the fiercest struggle between the Hurons 
and the Iroquois. The ancient country of the Hurons is now the northern and 
eastern portion of Simcoe County, Canada West on the shores of Lake Huron. 
The area was small its population comparatively large; by Jesuit computation 
in- 1639 a total estimate was twenty thousand. Their populous towns, rude but 
effective fortifications, and extensive tillage indicated a people far in advance 
of the Indians on the Saquenay, and in New England. They were allies of the 



THE CONQUESTS OF THE IROQUOIS 47 

Algonquins l)ut not of them. They utterly disappeared, but the Jesuits gave a 
faithful picture of them in every respect." See Lalemant and Ragueneau. 

How this quarrel began no man can tell ; the first white men who 
came to the reg-ion having found it in full force, and seeing it increase 
in fury. In the winter of 1647 the Hurons felt themselves on the 
verge of ruin, having been ravaged by pestilence (fever aiid small- 
pox) as well as war. Remembering their ancient friendship with the 
Andastes, a kindred nation, they sent an embassy to ask of them aid in 
war, or intervention to obtain peace, asking them as kinsmen to hear 
"the voice of their dying fatherland." The way was long, having to 
make the wide circuit about the Iroquois. The embassy, bearing the 
usual wampum belts and gifts, started the 13th of April, 1647, and 
reached the great town of the Andastes in June. It contained, as the 
Jesuits were told, no less than 1,300 warriors, trained by Swedish sol- 
diers as aforesaid. The council assembled, and the chief ambassador 
addressed them, according to Ragueneau, as follows : 

"We come from the country of the Souls, where war and terror of enemies 
has desolated everything; where the fields are covered only with blood, and the 
cabins are filled only with corpses, and life is only left to ouVselves, because 
there is a need to come and speak to our friends, that they will have pity on a 
country which draws near its end." "' 

He then presented wampum and other gifts, saying they were the 
voice of a dying country. The Andastes returned a favorable answer, 
but were disposed to try diplomacy, which should help themselves as 
well as the Hurons. x\fter a series of councils they decided to send 
ambassadors to the three central tribes only of Iroquois ; as they had 
with the eastern tribe of Mohawks a mortal quarrel, and evidently felt 
uncertain about the Senecas. Their plan then was that the Hurons 
could concentrate their force against the IMohawks, whom the Andastes 
would attack at the same time, unless they humbled themselves and 
offered to make peace. It will be seen that the Andastes knew or as- 
sumed that the league of the Iroquois was not a unit in action or coun- 
cil. It is unnecessary here to explain how this plan failed, suffice it 
to say that the Hurons were exterminated." In 1648 the Mohawks 
were aiding the upper Iroquois (against the Petuns), having their 
promise to fight against the Andastes as soon as the western warfare 
was over. By 1(556 one enemy of the Iroquois alone remained, the 
Andastes, who, though inferior in numbers to all other tribes con- 
quered by the Iroquois, yet cost their assailants more trouble than all 
these united. 

The Mohawks seem at first to have borne the brunt of the Andaste 
war, being so roughly handled by these stubborn adversaries between 
16.")0 and 1660 that they were, according to the Jesuits, reduced to 
depths of dejection. It is said that in 1660 the Mohawks invited these 
Indians to be friends with them, and accompanied them to the south 
to attempt a reconciliation with the Minquas. They seem to have been 
unsuccessful, as about this time the four other nations took up the 
Andastes quarrel, and for a time they fared scarcely better. 

"• Literal translation from the French of Ragueneau, according to Parkman. 
^1 See Beauchamp's "Hist. X. V. Iroquois," p. 194, for full account of the destruction 
of the Hurons. 



48 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

"In 1G51. the Iroquois, grown insolent by their success in ahnost annihilating 
their kindred north and south of Lake Erie, provoked a war with the Susque- 
hannas, plundering their hunters on Lake Ontario. During that year the small- 
pox, that terrible scourge of the aborigines, broke out in their town, sweeping 
off many and seriously enfeebling the nation. War had not begun in earnest 
with the Five Nations, and though the Susquehannas had some of their people 
killed near their town, they pressed the Cayugas so hard that they retreated 
across Lake Ontario to Canada. They also kept the Senecas in such alarm that 
they no longer ventured to carry their peltries to New York, except in caravans 
escorted by GOO men, who even took a most circuitous route. A law of Mary- 
land, passed May 1, 1661, authorized the Governor of that Province to aid the 
Susquehannas. 

"Smarting under constant defeat, the Five Nations solicited French aid, 
but in April, 1662, the Senecas and Cayugas raised an army of 800 men to storm 
the fort of the Susquehannas. This fort was located about fifty miles from the 
mouth of the river, says Egle. ( ?) The enemy embarked on Lake Ontario, ac- 
cording to the French account, and then went overland to the Susquehanna. 
On reaching the fort, they found it well defended on the river side, and on 
the land side with two bastions in European style with cannon mounted, and 
connected by a double curtain of large trees. After some trifling skirmishes the 
Iroquois had recourse to strategem. They sent in a party of twenty-five men to 
treat of peace, and ask provisions to enable them to return. The Susquehannas 
admitted them,' but immediately burned them all alive on scaffolds before the 
eyes of their helpless countrymen, and the Andastes told the Iroquois this was 
but a circumstance to what they would do when they came among them. The 
force of the Iroquois, according to Proud and Hazard, consisted of 1,600 war- 
riors (Parkman says 800), while that of the Susquehannas was only 100, although 
it is said they had 50 white men in the fort to assist them. On the retreat of 
the Iroquois, the Susquehannas persued them with considerable slaughter. 
About this time the small pox raged in the Iroquois towns and prevented any 
serious attempt at revenge. 

"The Cayugas seem now to have felt the greatest enmity toward the An- 
dastes, also fear ; it is recorded by Dr. Beauchamp that in 1667 they now had 
some villages north of lake Ontario which were safe from the Andastes. The 
Andaste war now became a war of inroads and skirmishes, under which the 
weaker party gradually wasted away, though it still won occasional victories. 

"In the fall of 1669 the Andastes after defeating the Cayugas, offered peace 
but the Cayugas put their ambassador and his nephew to death, after retaining 
him five or six months'" — the Oneidas at this time sent some Andaste prisoners 
to Cayugas with forty wampum belts to maintain the war. At this time, 1670, 
the great war chief of the Susquehannas was one styled Hochitagete, or the 
bare-footed ; and raving women and crafty medicine men deluded the Iroquois 
with promises of his capture and execution at the stake; a famous medicine 
man of Oneida appeared after death to order his body to be taken up and in- 
terred on the trail leading to the Susquehannas, as the only means of saving 
the Oneidas from ruin. Toward the summer of 1672 a body of forty Cayugas 
descended the Susquehanna in canoes, and twenty Senecas went by land to 
attack the enemy in their fields; but a band of sixty Andaste or Susquehanna 
boys, the oldest not over sixteen, known as Burnt-knives or Soft Metals because 
as yet they had taken no scalps, though fierce, attacked the Senecas and routed 
them, killed one brave and took another prisoner. Flushed with victory, they 
pushed on to attack the Cayugas. and defeated them also, killing eight and 
wounding more." 

Indeed, they were reported by Dablon, the Jesuit, to have come 
home half dead with gashes of knives and hatchets, and he adds : 

"May God preserve the Andastes and prosper their arms, that the Iroquois 
may be humbled — -none but they can curb the pride of the Iroquois." 

^- The Iroquois, in revenge for the burning of their warriors in the fort, embraced 
every opportunity to capture and burn the Andaste girls and women, as related by the Jesuits. 
In 1667 four women were burned at the stake at Oneida; in 1668 a "Gandastogue" girl at 
Onondoga. And there were continued chance allusions to such prisoners up to 1673. 



SUBJUGATION OF THE ANDASTES 49 

But their only strength now lay in their fierce courage, for at this 
time they were reduced by war and the ravages of smallpox to only 
300 warriors, and were soon overthrown. While there is, unfortu- 
nately, no definite account of their final subjugation, the Jesuits, in 
the Relations of 1075, tell of the pride of the Iroquois since the defeat 
of the Andastes after a continuous struggle of fourteen years. 

E.vtcniiinafioii. 
Egle says : 

"In 1675 according to the Relations Inedites and Colden, the tribe was 
completely overthrown, but unfortunately we have no details whatever as to 
the forces which effected it, or the time or the manner of their utter defeat. 
The remnant, too proud to yield to those w-ith whom they had long contended as 
equals, and, by holding the land of their fathers by sufferance, to acknowledge 
themselves subdued; yet too weak to withstand the victorious Iroquois, forsook 
the river bearing their name, taking up a position on the western boundaries of 
Maryland, near the Piscataways. Shortly after they were accused of the mur- 
der of some settlers, apparently slain by the Senecas." 

Beauchamp says that in 16T7 a party of Oneidas, Onondogas and 
Senecas went south, killed some Susquehannas and took some prisoners. 
They were probably the marauding party. 

"After this accusation of murder the Susquehannocks sent five of their 
chiefs to the Maryland and Virginia troops, under Col. John Washington, who 
went out in pursuit. Although coming as .deputies, and showing the Baltimore 
medal and certificate of friendship, these chiefs were cruelly put to death. The 
enraged Susquehannas then began a terrible border war, which was kept up 
until their utter destruction." 

Some writers say that later they were allowed to return to their 
old country and settle on Conestoga Creek, as a tributary outpost oi 
the Iroquois, and were subsequently known as Conestogas, and so men- 
tioned in treaties. The handful of Conestoga Indians murdered a 
hundred years later by an infuriated mob were supposed to be their 
descendants. 

While the Alohawks had been such bitter foes it is worthy of note 
that in 1075, when the Senecas wished to exterminate the remnant of 
Andastes, the Mohawks said they were their brothers and children, 
and might live with them. Colden says that the Iroquois removed a 
portion of them to a location higher up. These may have been the 
Onontiogas mentioned in the Jesuit Relations, 1670, Chapter IX. 

In Deed Book VI, 28, in the Secretary's office, Albany, is a com- 
mission to Col. Coursey, from the Governor of Maryland, dated 30th 
April, 1677, in which it is stated that: 

"The said Susquehannos have lately desired to come to a Treaty of Peace 
with his said Lordship (Baltimore), and have (as I am informed) since ye said 
Overture submitted themselves to, and putt themselves under the protection of 
the Cinnigos (Senecas) or some other natyon of Indyans residing to ye North- 
ward of this Province." 

It would hence appear that their conquest occurred about 1676. 
The following letter of Sir Edmund Andros to the Governor of 
Maryland is self-explanatory : 

"I writt to you lately by a Ketch of this place, giving you an Accot. of my 
return from Albany, & state of things here, & of my engaging Maquas & Sin- 
nekes, not anyways to injure any Christians to the Eastward, & particularly in 



50 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

yor parts Southward, in their Warrs with the Susquehanna's ; but others appre- 
hending it would bee difificult to restrain those People, especially Young Men, 
when soe farr abroad, & Opportunityes, I did endeavour to bee rightly informed 
of things relating to that Warr, & found that the Susquehanna's being reputed 
by the Maques of their Off- Spring, that they might be brought to joine Peace 
or Concorporate again, and soe take away the Occasion of those Mischiefs or 
Inroads, though I find tind still the Sinneques w'holly adverse to it; desiring 
their Extirpacon, but hearing now of Indyan Troubles wch. hath lately occasion- 
ed raising forces in yor parts, I have sent the Bearer expresse to wait on you 
herewith; And if it bee by the Maques or Sinneques againe to offer you my Ser- 
vice according to my former and this Letter, which I hope & beleeve may be 
effectuall, if taken in time. And therefore pray yor Answer & Resolves as soon 
as may bee : And if you think good would desire some from the Susquehannas 
to come to mee as soon as can bee, that so I may Order Matters accordingly. 
Wee are (I thank God) very quiet, not the least stirr or Attempt on any part 
of the Government. However have made all fitting Preparation for all Events. 
I am Sr Yor Most Humble Servant 

"N. Yorke Octobr 21st 1675." "E. Andros." 

(From N. Y. Colonial Doc.) 

In 1G95 one hundred Senecas and Cayttgas were reported as 
going against the Andastes (in ignorance of the cessation of hostil- 
ities). About 1700 Governor Penn bought land of the Conestogas, to 
which the Iroquois assented, which indicates that at the conquest they 
were allowed to retain some of their Susquehanna lands. In 1709 an 
important council was held at Conestoga, the governor being present. 
In 1712 the Conestogas were at war with the Tuscaroras and other 
southern Indians, having taken the English side. August, 1722, an 
important council was held with the Indians at Albany, the Governor 
of Pennsylvania being present. At this time the Five Nations acknowl- 
edged the sales of land made by the Conestogas ; the latter, however, 
claimed that the Five Nations, as a body, had no title to Susquehanna 
lands, and, indeed, that only the Cayugas claimed them, and they 
(Conestogas) wished the matter settled.^' This surely indicates that 
the Andastes were not forced to relinquish all of their territory. A 
Seneca chief said the Susquehannocks had a right to sell their lands 
until their conquest in i6//. The Governor of Pennsylvania told the 
other governors that the Conestogas spoke the same language as the 
Five Nations, but paid them tribute. At the Lancaster treaty of 1744 
(as related by Colden) the speech of the Deputies of the Six Nations 
contained this- interesting remark : 

"We don't remember that we have been conquered by the Great King (of 
England) or employed by him to conquer others. We do remember we were 
employed by Maryland to conquer the Conestogas. and that the second time we 
were at war with them we carried them all off." 

In December, 1794, the famous Joseph Brant, in writing to Colonel 
Pickering concerning former Indian possessions, said : 

"The whole Five Nations have an equal right one with another, the country 
having been obtained by their joint exertions, in war with a powerful nation, 
formerly living south of Buffalo Creek called Fries, and another nation tlien 
liz'ing at Tioga Point; so that by our successes all the country between that and 
the Mississippi became the joint property of the Five Nations." 

'" Dr. Beauchamp says that some Cayugas went to Pennsylvania in 1723 to settle the 
matter, and many chiefs to tlie council at Stenton in 1736 with the same purpose. 



THE AXDASTES, SPANISH HILL 



51 



The Eries were conquered about llJoL Must not the "nation at 
Tiog-a Point" have been some branch of the Andastes? Alas, that 
Brant was not more expHcit. 

Certain it seems to be that the Andastes. remarkable, brave and 
fierce to an unusual degree, were finally compelled to succumb to the 
"Romans of America." the Iroquois, leaving no definite record of the 
occupation and abandonment of their numerous towns on the upper 
Susquehanna, nor of their final subjugation. It has surely been an 
error, however, to assert that they were destroyed before the use of 
firearms, as these foregoing pages show that they had the use of them 
about forty years before their disappearance. The Dutch sold fire- 
arms only to the Iroquois it is said, but the Andastes obtained them 
from the Swedes and English. Surely their town sites should receive 
careful attention from those interested in archaeology and ethnology; 
there may then be many secrets yet to be revealed.^* 

"Ye say that all have passed away, the noble and the brave ; 
That their light canoes have vanished from off the crested wave. 
That 'mid the forest where they roamed there rings no hunter's shout, 
But their name is on your waters, ye may not wash it out ; 
Their memory liveth on your hills, their baptism on j-our shore. 
Your ever living waters speak their dialect of yore." 




Spanish Hiij,. from Southeast 



Spanish Hill. Location, Description, Origin, Occupation, N'aine and 

Traditions. 

Of the many points of historic interest in ctir valley, perhaps none 
has attracted more attention or roused more speculation, from the ear- 
liest times to the present, than the mound called Spanish Hill. This 
prominence is due not only to its unusual position (isolated from the 
hill ranges of the regions), but also to its odd outline, the remains of 
fortifications on the top. and its present name. Its oulline is called by 
man a "truncated cone." and by woman "a scalloped cake tin turned 
upside doz\.'n." 

'* Considerable attention has been given to the Andastes by Prof. Guss (see Hist. Reg- 
ister, \'ol. I, page 16.5). He says it is claimed that the chief town of the Sasquesahannocks 
was always near the mouth of the Conestoga Creek. But he also mentions other sites as near 
Conewago Falls and at the mouth of the Octoraro, and thinks it impossible to exactly locate 
the town designated by Smith. Professor Guss gives the Andastes or Sasqviesahanockes the 
name Brook-stream-landers or Spring- VVater-Stream-Region-People. 



53 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Spanish Hill stands out from the encirchng hill ranges, at the 
head of the plain where the two valleys converge, about five miles 
above the point of union of the rivers, within sight of the town of 
Waverly, New York, although it is in old Athens Township, Penn- 
sylvania. A fair idea of its location may be obtained from the frontis- 
piece of this volume (though it only appears as a small mound) ; the 
artist, however, has placed it too far from the Chemung River. The 
hill has an elevation of about 230 feet above the plain, and 280 feet 
above the river level, but seems much higher. 

One may be amply repaid for ascending it by the superb view of 
both river valleys and their hill boundaries. It is impossible to picture 
this either by pen or camera. A recent visit on a summer morning, 
when the sky was full of fleeting clouds, revealed an exquisite pan- 
orama of hill and valley softened by cloud shadows ; and one might 
say in the valley at one's feet lay groups of trees almost like stretches 
of forest ; for so, in summer, appear the sister towns of Athens, Sayre 
and Waverly. Even the brush of an artist could not faithfully depict 
this lovely landscape, because it stretches out on ei^ery side. No better 
place can be imagined from which to study certain physiographic or 
geological features of the valley, and it is often the resort oi some 
teachers with classes of students in physical geography. It seems, 
indeed, a worthy height to be crowned, as has been lightly suggested, 
by an Acropolis, or even a temple to the Sun-God. 

Another vivid impression, but of the works of man rather than 
nature, is obtained by pacing around the brow of the hill and realizing 
the great labor involved in the erection of such extensive breastworks 
(perhaps a mile in length), in a day w^hen the spade, pick, etc., were 
unknown. The hill is 1,000 feet above sea level. In outline it is won- 
derfully symmetrical on three sides, with regular depressions running 
down from a nearly level top, which is about eleven acres in extent. 
This is the view shown on page fifty-one. At the north, however, 
it is very irregular, as will be seen in a later picture. While, tO' the in- 
habitants of the valley it has always seemed unique, similar elevations, 
though less prominent in position, may be observed near Barton, Union, 
Elmira and in the Cohocton and Genesee Valleys, all of which are 
doubtless relics of the great Ice Age, and in many cases fortified by the 
Indians. 

The earliest recorded description is doubtless that of the Duke 
Rochefoucault de Liancourt, a French traveler of 1795, who, en route 
to Niagara, saw the hill and thus wrote of it : 

"Near the confines of Pennsylvania a mountain rises from the bank of the 
river Tioga (Chemung) in the shape of a sugar loaf upon which are seen the 
remains of some intrenchments. These the inhabitants call the Spanish Ram- 
parts, but I rather judge them to have been thrown up against the Indians in 
the time of M. de Nonville.^ One perpendicular breastwork is yet remaining, 

1 According to Documentary Hist. N. Y., \'o\. I, the Marquis de Nonville was sent 
over by the French King with instructions to do all in his power to establish the French 
colony, now known as Canada. In pursuit of this object in 1685 or 1687 he led an expedi- 
tion against the Iroquois into the Genesee country, and though he waged quite a war, and 
threw up some earthworks, we find nothing to warrant the supposition that he penetrated as 
far as this valley with his troops. A fortification at East Bloomfield, Genesee Valley, is at- 
tributed to him; also at N'ictor, Ontario County. 



ORIGIN OF SPANISH HILL 53 

whicli, though covered over with grass and bushes, plainly indicates that a par- 
apet and a ditch have been constructed here." 

Probably the next record is that of Alexander Wilson, the cele- 
brated ornithologist, who wrote a long poem entitled the "Foresters," 
descriptive of his journey from Philadelphia, along the Susquehanna, 
in 1804. After describing the location of x\thens, he continues : 

"Now to the left the ranging mountains bend 
And level plains before us wide extend ; 
Where rising lone, old Spanish Hill appears 
The post of war in ancient unknown years. 
Its steep and rounding sides with woods embrowned. 
Its level top with old intrenchments crowned ; 
Five hundred paces thrice we measured o'er, 
Ere all its circling boundaries we explore, 
Now overgrown with woods alone it stands, 
And looks abroad o'er open fertile lands." 

Origin. 

As to the origin or formation of Spanish Hill it has ever been a 
matter of conjecture; but the general impression has been that it is 
artificial, or partially so. It seems, unlike the neighboring hills, to 
have no rocky foundations, and to be built up of a mixture of clay, 
gravel and loose boulders — a fact that has always lent color to the 
theory of its artificial formation. It has been generally attributed to 
the ^lound Builders, that strange race who raised huge earthworks, 
carefully shaped in designs so enduring that their age can only be 
guessed. Many of these mounds (used as places of sepulchre) have 
been found in the great river valleys of the west, but also in the river 
valleys are many natural formations which rival the work of the 
Mound Builders in regularity of outline and apparent design. The 
writer was particularly impressed with this fact when traveling through 
the so-called Bad Lands of the Yellow Stone Valley. The glamor 
which had always surrounded Spanish Hill sank into insignificance, 
when, during nearly two days of travel by rail, counterparts of our 
hill continually came tO' view. And yet the level top and regularly 
scalloped sides do snggcsf that at least it was modelled to its present 
dignified and graceful outlines by patient toiling hands. 

Those who have studied it in the past century have found it a 
knotty problem. Judge Charles P. Avery made a careful survey and 
examination in 1835, and embodied the results in a paper read at the 
Old Settlers' Meeting in Athens in 1854.- His conclusions as to its 
formation were correct, yet made little impression on those who came 
after. In 1878 Dr. Bullock, of Smithfield, wrote a somewhat lengthy 
article as to his theories, closing by saying: 

"There is no harm in the indulgence of a passing thought that Spanish Hill 
was constructed by men long before the discovery of America by Columbus." 

Sidney Hayden, in the first Athens newspaper (the Seribe) , June, 
1842, began a proposed series of essays on the geology of Tioga Point. 
He described Spanish Hill, but never continued the sketches, and gave 

^ Published in the St. Nicholas, a monthly magazine printed at Owego in 1853 and '54 — 
Jew copies now in existence. 



54 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

no theory of formation. The name has given rise to the conjecture 
that the mound was raised by Spaniards. 

Examination of the formation easily disposes of the Mound 
Builder theory, and it goes without saying that no Spanish force of 
sufificient size ever could have reached this valley and left so slight 
a record. It would have required a great number of people a long 
time to accomplish such a work, and could hardly have been possible 
with a passing expedition like the French or possibly Spanish. 

An amusing account of Spanish Hill, and ingenious theory of 
its origin, is found in Priest's "American Antiquities," page 351, pub- 
lished in 1833. Having attributed certain old fortifications (said by 
Humboldt and others to have been found in Canada) tO' the Scandi- 
navians, he continues : 

"There are the remains of one of these efforts of Scandinavian defence 
situated on a hill of singular form on the great sand plain between the Susque- 
hannah and Chemung rivers, near their junction. The hill is entirely isolated, 
about f mile in circumference and more than 100 ft. high, supposed to be arti- 
ficial, and to belong to ancient nations. However the inhabitants around it do 
not believe it artificial, on account of large stones on its sides, too heavy to 
have been placed there by man. On the surrounding plain are many deep holes 
of 20 or 30 rods circumference, and 20 ft. deep, favoring a belief that from them 
the earth zvas scooped to form the hill zvith. — But whether the hill be artificial 
or not, there are on its top the remains of a wall, formed of earth, stone and 
wood, which runs round the whole, exactly on the brow. — Within is a deep 
ditch or entrenchment, running round the whole summit ; from this it is evident 
a war was once waged here. And tverc zve to conjecture, we should say, be- 
tween the Indians and the Scandinavians ; and that this fortification is of same 
class as those about Onondoga (Syracuse), Auburn and the lakes. As it is 
known the Scandinavians did not make settlements earlier than 9S.5. there cannot 
be a doubt but they had to- fight their way among the Indians more or less." 

The rest of this chapter, dwelling on relics that were possibly 
Scandinavian, certainly goes far afield in conjecture, and is very aston- 
ishing. The ingenious author does not suggest how the tons of earth 
may have been conveyed from the pond holes of the plains to Spanish 
Hill. 

About thirty years ago General John S. Clark examined the hill 
and suggested the correct theory of formation, to- which few in this 
locality gave heed. At this time a local geological war was waged in 
the columns of the Waverly Advocate, presumably between Sidney 
Hayden and W. F. Warner. Nothing accurate resulted from this. It 
is only within the last ten years that a local geologist (Mr. Isaac P. 
Shepard ) has come forward with the scientific theory for the origin 
of the hill. Having had opportunity to investigate the formation, dur- 
ing extensive cuts made by the railroad, he was able to positively pro- 
nounce the hill a natural curiosity, the theory of formation being ex- 
plained on a sound scientific basis, as General Clark had already 
suggested. 

It may. however, be remarked that Robert Howell, long a corre- 
spondent of the Smithsonian Institute, had propounded the same theory 
in print. ^ It is high time to abandon all foolish conjectures as to the 

^ See Hist. Tioga Comity, X. Y. Howell says: "Spanish hill is a moraine composed 
of round stones of all the shales from size of (luart bowl down to halt that size, appearing 
as if broken up for a great road. Around north side are several large pot holes." 



SPANISH HILL A MORAINE 55 

origin of the hill. Mr. Shepard embodied his impressions in a paper 
written for the Tioga Point Historical Society in 1898, of which use 
is here made by his permission. Having first given a brief description 
of the Ice Age and action of glaciers (as made known to the world by 
Prof. Agassiz), he goes on to prove that Spanish Hill is part of a 
terminal moraine, saying: 

'"The true terminal moraine of the Continental ice sheet crossed the Sus- 
quehanna valley at the extreme southern point beloAV Wilkes-Barre. But, during 
the decline of the Ice age when the front of the ice sheet was retreating north- 
ward, it paused long enough at several points to leave considerable deposits which 
are known as Moraines of Retrocession, which usually consist of a tumultuous 
assemblage of sliarp gravel and boulder ridges with steep knolls, and also deep 
depressions called kettleholes." 

According to the map made by G. F. Wright,* it is evident that 
the first moraine of retrocession crossed this valley somewhere near 
the State line, and it was easily recognized by Mr. Shepard in the 
gravel ridges of Ellistown, the kettle holes near Hayden's Corners, and 
Spanish Hill, which is probably the most unique feature of this 
moraine. It may also be called more familiarly a "drift mound," 
many of which are to be observed near the line of termination of the 
glaciers. The reader will more fully understand the origin by reading 
the geological observations in the first chapter, the sources oi which 
have here been repeated to emphasize the truth of the origin of the 
hill. Prof. Tarr, being questioned, replied' that while he has not spent 
much time on the hill, he considers it : 

"A morainic deposit, formed marginal to the ice, in standing water ;" de- 
posited when the glacier was receding from this region. It has been trimmed 
somewhat, both by the modern Chemung and by a little creek which comes down 
from the north, so that it is only a remnant of its former self, size and shape, 
however it zvould he rather difUciilt to assign to this its exact origin, as to the 
specific manner of accumulation since the cause (ice) zvhich produced it is noiv 
gone." 

Dr. Frederic Corss (from his boyhood recollections) included a de- 
scription of Spanish Hill in a paper on the drift mounds of the Sus- 
qttehanna, in which he thinks that there was a rock core which held 
the hill in place when the valleys were washed out. No investigation 
has proven this, but Dr. Corss has given such a vivid picture of prob- 
able happenings that it may assist to an understanding. He says : 

"The glacier which covered the watershed of the upper Susquehanna has 
retreated under increasing warmth as far as Southern New York. The whole 
region is swept by an enormous torrent of water, loaded with mud. ice and 
boulders. Confined by the narrow gorge from Ulster to Towanda the descend- 
ing flood is checked. Perhaps the narrow pass is obstructed by real inland ice- 
bergs. So the swift, onward rush is stopped, and the whole valley of Athens 
becomes a somewhat tranquil lake, the water flowing over the tops of the lower 
surroundings hills, as is still evident from water grooving in many places. The 
cobblestones and coarse gravel settle first at the head of the valley, and the 
fine sediment and sand at the lower part. The stratified sediment gradually be- 
comes deeper until the whole valley is silted up to the level of top of Spanish 
Hill. After years the great flood subsides, the winter freezing is less severe, 
the ice gorge (at Ulster) gives way; the waters sweep through their present 
channels and slowly carry with them the drift material which has filled the 

•• See "The Ice Age of North America." ° Personal letter, 1906. 

^ If in standing water the hill would be stratified, ZL'hich it is not, where cut into. 



56 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



valley. (But the knob of rock above Spanish Hill stops the current, protects 
the debris below it from the force of denudation and the hill remains, a sym- 
metrical and wonderful record of its own origin.") 

The part in brackets we are inclined to qtiestion, the protecting 
rock formation seeming to have been farther north beyond the present 
railroad tracks. Another theory of a trained geological student is as 
follows, and is evidently the same as McFarlane's and some present 
theorists : 

"Stand on one of the overlooking hills and picture to yourself the two 
great valleys full of water rushing down from the melting ice. Where the two 
currents struck each other full force, it would require little to set a whirlpool 
in motion. In this the debris carried by the water would be caught and finally 
deposited. This would form a nucleus around which material would gradually 
be built up to a hundred feet or more. Then as the waters gradually subsided, 
this would be left high and dry between the two rivers. Symmetrical it was 
probably from the first, and the washing down of streams along its sides would 
have scooped out its regular scallops. Man doubtless leveled the top, — and there 
you have the hill as it is to-day." — E. M. 

The irregular portions at the north of Spanish Hill are probably 
eskers, and the gullies, according to the geologist, m.ay be the beds 
of glacial streams which probably often formed under the ice, since 
so near the ice front much of the drainage must have been sub- 
glacial. Naturally there was often more sediment than the streams 
could carry away, which was deposited in these irregular shapes. The 
accompanying plate gives an idea of the so-called eskers of Spanish 
Hill, and indicates that there was once a good sized stream on the 
north side of the hill. Mr. Shepard says : 

"Spanish Hill is probably the most recent geological formation in the valley, 
yet it zvas old zvlien the pyramids zvcvc iicic. The rude spade of the Mound- 
builders did not help in its construction, though it was a Gibraltar to the red 
man and their villages clustered around it. Now it no longer looks down upon 
the forest, but upon the railroad, the trolley, and the homes of man. The Tioga 
Point Historical Society should act as its guardian, and use every means to pre- 
serve its earthworks." 




Spanish Hill, from Northeast 

In an essay by E. G. Squier on "Ancient Monuments of the 
United States," which was published in Harper's in I860,' are many 

'' After writing this cliapter we found in Cornell Library a volume entitled "Antiqui- 
ties of the State of New York," by E. G. Squier. Investigations undertaken under the New 
York Historical Society and Smithsonian Institute in 1851. This volume has many illustra- 
tions, among which, on page 53, is an excellent cut of Fort Hill at Elmira. 



FORT HILLS 57 

illustrations showing" how such eminences as Spanish Hill were forti- 
fied. It seems somewhat peculiar that this hill was neglected by this 
writer, as he worked all around it. According to him the said mon- 
uments are "Works of Defense, Religions Structures or Sepulchral 
Monuuients." The former, generally called Indian forts, were most fre- 
quent in districts remarkable for fertility of soil, abounding in fish and 
game, and {possessing the greatest number of requisites for easy sub- 
sistence, and, therefore, favorable for permanent establishments. Span- 
ish Hill was, no doubt, such a point, and if the glacial age passed away, 
as is estimated, ten thousand years ago, who shall say how long Spanish 
Hill has been fortified and occupied? 

"The defensive works of all primitive people," says Squier, "con- 
sist of a simple embankment and a ditch ; sometimes a palisade of up- 
right logs on top of embankments. It is impossible at this late day to 
decide if the breastwork on Spanish Hill was or was not capped by a 
palisade, although it is very probable." The embankments, according 
to Squier, were seldom more than four feet high, with an exterior 
ditch of equal depth. It will be noted, Mr. Shepard says, "a ditch 
behind," which we would infer meant on interior. Such defensive 
structures, erected by primitive peoples, have been found in many 
parts of the world, but the time of occupancy can seldom be deter- 
mined.'* 

This luid been carefully examined by Squier some years before 
the publication of the above. He says: "Across the neck of land con- 
necting with adjacent tablelands are carried two lines of ditches and 
embankments, the latter about three feet high." Rising along the crest 
of each embankment was a depression which, on careful examination, 
proved to be holes left by decay of palisades. Squier thought this good 
evidence that all earthworks might have been crowned by palisades, 
but he gave no decision as to builders or time of occupancy. 

s Galatian, in his "History of the Chemung Valley," thus desciibes the similar hill 
near Klmira. He says: "On the eminence about two miles west of this city, known as 
Fort Hill, is probably' one of these land-marks of the distant past, or at least of the earliest 
wars between the French and Iroquois. But the Indian traditions (according to Col. Hendy, 
the first white settler in the valley) could not account for its purpose or inform at what 
period the work was built. This would lead one to suppose that its existence dates back, 
anterior to the incursions of the French from Canada into the Iroquois country. This emi- 
nence is on the south side of the Chemung River, while the opposite side is bordered by a 
deep ravine, forming quite a precipitous hill. In modern times, a mill dam across the river 
just below expanded it into a broad, deep bay front, which swept gracefully around the bold, 
outjutting headland, and the silvery sheen of the waters formed a marked contrast with the 
deep, umbrageous green of the thick forest and underwood which covered the hill. Just 
near at hand was the long occupied residence of Dave Rooric, who brought up a large family 
of sons and daughters on the spot, and with a considerable industry subdued and_ cultivated 
the soil round about. The old earthwork is an embankment, about fourteen or fifteen feet 
wide at its base, and three feet in elevation, extends from the brow of the ravine in a north- 
ern direction, to the summit of the bank, resting on the river, and is some two hundred feet 
in length. This artificial wall of earth has an outer ditch, together with two slight trenches 
running parallel with the ancient bastion across the entire width of this bold eminence. There 
can be no doubt that the construction was made for warlike purposes, but indicates a more 
recent period than similar 'Ancient Works of Western New York.' It occupies an admirable 
position for defense, and can only be approached in one direction, and evinces quite a knowl- 
edge of strategic art in the erection of a defensive earthwork. This is only one of a series 
of ancient earthworks located on the tributary streams of the Susquehanna and Delaware. 
Coincident with these are, probably, the Indian mounds found in other portions of the State. 

"It is to be regretted that some competent and zealous archaeologist does not devote 
investigations to these fast-perishing memorials of a once powerful, ancient empire, and 
resue from oblivion the only traces which can conduct to the occupancy of a former race 
which held possession of the soil." 



58 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



As to the Occupation of Spanish Hill. 

Here, again, conjecture has been rife for many years, especially 
on account of the remains of fortifications well-remembered by the 
early settlers, which were plainly visible until very recent years, indeed, 
they are now clearly traceable. The accompanying diagrams were 










mm 



^(^""^^=!^s^ It 




«# 



ff 



%#/////if/liiinu#"^ 



1# 



made by Mr. I. P. Shepard. of Waverly, to illustrate the paper on 
Spanish Hill, written for the Tioga Point Historical Society, and read 
before it in April, 1898. Their use has been kindly permitted for this 
work. The line sketch represents outline of side view of the hill. The 
diagram of the top was made with the advice and assistance of Mr. 
Charles Henry Shepard, whose residence, throughout a long life of 
eighty-seven years, was close to the hill, and who remembered dis- 
tinctly the "Spanish Ramparts" before the plow of an overzealous 
farmer nearly leveled them to the ground. It will be seen by the dia- 
gram that except on the northern side the earthwork was continuous 
around the very brow of the hill. 

Mr. C. H. Shepard described these fortifications as consisting of 
an embankment with a trench behind, giving a height of four or five 
feet on the inside. When he was a boy and first visited them, about 
1820 OT '25, large trees were growing in the trenches, showing that 
a long time had elapsed since they were used." 

The double lines in the diagram indicate the portions still clearly 
defined, and were evidently made much higher to protect those por- 
tions of the hill which were easily assailable, the point at the west being 

"James Hanna, who settled in the locality of the hill in 1816, said that at the bottom 

of the embankment were pitch pine logs, which lie claimed had been shaped by the use of 

axes; also that leading from the north side was a trail easily traced to a spring near the 
north base of the hill. 



FORTIFICATIONS ON SPANISH HILL 59 

on a small eminence easily holding twenty to fifty men, who could here 
make a rush up the sides. At the north, doubtless, both to prevent 
attack and to cover the way to the water, the embankment drops below 
the brow of the hill, until at the sharp angle it is fully forty feet lower. 

The dotted line inside this angle, ]\Ir. Shepard thinks, indicated 
a palisade for greater security, or possibly to protect a covered way 
to the spring half way down the northern slope, or to the stream which 
once encircled the northern base of hills. A covered way or tunnel 
was not infrequent in such fortified towns, and at the north of the hill, 
leading directly toward the spring, is a deep cut which certainly seems 
artificial, as compared with other depressions in the irregular esker 
formation. Many have contended that this hill could not have been 
permanently occupied because of the lack of water ; but with a covered 
way to the spring and brook, and the proximity of the river, this seems 
a foolish objection. Mr. Shepard calls attention to the fact that the 
breastwork having been placed at the very brow of the hill, subsequent 
plowing has produced a sharp edge which gives to an observer in the 
valley below the impression of a perfectly level top. This, he says, 
"is absolutely the only particular in n'hich zi^e Und the hill artificial." 

Not far from the angle of earthwork is a very large depression, 
supposed by many to have been an ossuary. Dr. Beauchamp, however, 
pronounced it a corn cache, one of the large pits which, when lined 
with sticks, leaves or grass, was used to preserve dried corn for winter 
use. Enormous quantities of corn were thus preserved and concealed 
from enemies. De Nonville claims to -have destroyed, in 1GS7, over 
1,000.000 bushels. 

General Clark, after careful examination, decided that the top of 
the hill was levelled off by the occupants and used to fill a gully, which 
false work w^as walled up with stones to prevent washing by storms. 
Evidence of such work is seen at several points. Judge Avery, in his 
sketch, says : 

"Around the top, a few feet in from the brow, a fosse or trench extends, 
plainly discernible in 1S3.5. except on northerly side, where its traces were but 
faint. It is undoubtedly the remains of a French enclosure or Fort Hill, several 
of which have been found in western New York and in Oswego and Jefiferson 
counties." 

Judge Avery goes on at length, assuuiiiig that tJiis zcas an Iro- 
quois fortification,^'* erected to protect them against the Susquehan- 
nocks. It does not seem necessary to digress here and enter into con- 
sideration of theories as to the so-called Fort Hills. ^^ 

1" It may be said that the fortifications on Spanish Hill seemed to differ from the pal- 
isaded towns of the Iroquois. 

" De Witt Clinton, in an early discourse before New York Historical Society, related 
that he was told in 1810 by one Lewis Dennie, a Frenchman, aged seventy, that according 
to the traditions of ancient Indians, all the forts throughout New York State ivere made by 
Spaniards, who came before the French, and were in the country two years searching for 
precious metals. Clinton, however, believed that the fort-hills antedated European occupa- 
tion or exploration. Iroquois traditions, gathered from Cayuga Indians by Hon. Benj. F. 
Hall, of Auburn, N. Y., in 18.53, indicate that very far back the Mingoes were engaged in 
protracted wars with Indians from the southwest, who had built mounds for sepulture, and 
embankments for defense along the valley of the Ohio, and into New York State, where they 
had lived about 300 years, when routed by the Iroquois. These Indians were sun-worship- 
pers, and doubtless the same mentioned by the Shawnees as having preceded them in occupa- 
tion of Florida. 



60 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

It remained for General Clark to locate the Carantouan of Cham- 
plain on the hill, as well as to make it identical with the site of the 
Capitanesses of the Dutch maps. Possibly, had Champlain's map been 
more carefully copied, this decision might have been made earlier. An 
examination of the copy of a portion of this map in a preceding chap- 
ter shows "the village Carantouan of a quadrangular form, with the 
longest axis north and south, precisely as the ancient work on Spanish 
Hill now appears." General Clark made a careful survey of this town, 
and the one at North Towanda, some twenty-five years ago. Caran- 
touan has an extent of eleven acres, Oscolui of three. He said : 

"The size of this work (Carantouan) would accommodate the number of 
warriors and their families as given by Brule, and no other fortified work in all 
that section of the country approaches anywhere near the requirements of Brule's 
estimate." 

General Clark's identification of the site of Carantouan has been 
generally accepted by thoughtful historians as correct, though there 
may have been earlier occupants. Dr. Beauchamp is inclined to think, 
as have some others, that the town was on the plain, and the hill only 
used as a refuge. While this seems to have been the case in the later 
occupation of the region by the Cayugas, Champlain states that Brule 
found the Carantouannai "li7'iiig in the fortified tozi'ii/' and Mr. C. 
H. Shepard in early days found quantities of shells of the common 
fresh water clam (mussel) strewn upon the ground; always an indica- 
tion of an Indian town site of prolonged duration. No definite burial 
place has been located on the hill, although a nameless writer for the 
local press about thirty years ago remarked : 

"An early saying in this country was that the graves on Spanish Hill were 
those of Indians, but the fortifications were the work of other hands." 

The old settlers said that a few white people, mostly children, were 
buried on the hill in early times. 

General Clark has always believed that an ossuary,^- or bone pit 
(such as used by the Hurons), and, according to Squier, found in 
many such hills, would be discovered. The various owners of the hill 
having been somewhat averse to archaeological investigations, this mat- 
ter, unfortunately, is undecided. As to Indian implements, compar- 
atively few have ever been found on the hill, although Mr. Lang has 
a pipe and some flints ; the most noticeable was a deer of stone, no 
doubt an Iroquois totem. Such relics as had been found forty or fifty 
years ago were sent to Barnum's first museum in New York City, long 
since destroyed by fire. In the light of all these investigations it may 
be said that the first known occupants were the' Carantouans or Car- 
antouannai ; possibly, later, the Cayugas, wliO' occupied Ganatocherat, 
the town evidently lying between the hill and the river, visited by 
Moravian missionaries in 1745. The very latest occupation of interest 

^- The ossuaries were usually somewhat depressed from the adjacent land surface, some 
six to ten inches; and from ten to fifteen feet across, on high and dry ground. It was the 
custom to exhume the bodies after several years burial, generally at periods of two years; 
scrape off any remaining flesh, and bury large quantities of the skeletons in these pits. The 
reason for this disgusting custom does not seem to be known, although it prevailed with 
many tribes. Clark thinks the discovery of a burial place tlie most imf'ortant work con- 
nected with Spanish Hill. No ossuary is known to exist at the other town sites mentioned, 
although no great research has been made. 



SPANISH HILL, TRADITIONS 61 

was in 1786 when the Commissioners, who were engaged in resurvey- 
ing the State Hne, erected (according to Mr. Sidney Hayden) a tem- 
porary observatory to enable them to make astronomical observations. 
As to the antiquity of occupation there can be no positive asser- 
tion. Squier says the early explorers all speak of the aboriginal de- 
fenses as composed of palisades set in the ground, or, possibly, more 
elaborately arranged as pictured by Champlain, and copied in many 
histories. Yet it is generally supposed that the palisades were set in 
the embankments. As for Hanna's pitch pine logs, he did not, unfor- 
tunately, state whether they were upright or laid up like a barricade. 
Squier says the Indians on the New York reservations professed total 
ignorance of the origin of the earthworks, but too much importance 
should not be attached to this. 

Nome and Traditions. 

Even with the assistance of able historians, and in spite of ten 
years' investigations, we must admit that the derivation of the name 
"Spanish Hill'' is still shrouded in mystery. As to its earlier names, 
Carantouan is said, by Dr. Beauchamp. to mean "big tree."^^ He ac- 
cents it thus, Ca-rant'-ouan. General Clark seems to favor Car-an- 
tou'-an ; the reader may make his own choice. There is another name, 
On-on-ti-o'-ga, which Beauchamp says "would mean great hill at the 
river forks, otherwise great hill at Tioga." Jesuit Relations say the 
Onontiogas were subdued by the Iroquois and placed in the Seneca 
country. Gen. J. S. Clark thought they originally lived at Spanish 
Hill. This name seems to be found only in the Relations of 1670, 
Chapter IX. This surely is a very appropriate name. 

The late O. H. P. Kinney made the Indians call the hill Nepamvin 
in his poem written in 1867 ; this is a perfectly unfamiliar name, as is 
also one given by an Owego writer of 1843, Szvan-::;a-gash-kin. Doubt- 
less, these were fanciful names. Judge Avery, in his paper already 
alluded to, says : 

"The prefix 'Spanish' seems entirely arbitrary, and without significance — 
It is to be hoped that this storied hill is not destined to continue stripped in 
name of its American identity. — If the genus of America does not interpose a 
shield the spirit of Pericles — or other departed Grecian sage may insist through 
some medium and with some show of significance that the Iroquois fort be 
called 'the Acropolis of Athens,' although it boasts no Parthenon on its summit." 

As to the name "Spanish" General Clark thinks it entirely tradi- 
tionary, saying the early settlers were wont to apply vSpanish terms to 
many things for which they could not otherwise account. 

Conjectures about Spanish Hill have been many, and, if woven 
together, prose and poem, would make an interesting volume of fiction. 
Conjecture has no place in authentic history, but, as facts are scarce 
about the name bestowed upon the hill by the red men, a few will be 
given. Let the reader bear in mind that there is no' corroboration, per- 
haps not even circumstantial evidence. 

There is, however, imdisptited evidence from the earliest settlers 
(Shepards, Hannas and others) that when they came the Indians re- 

^3 See Aboriginal Place Names of N. Y., 190;. 



62 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

maining in this locality called the hill "Espana" or "Hispan." Not only 
that, but that they stood in awe of the hill, and avoided ascending it. 
As the first whites and, apparently, the Indians of that period (end of 
eighteenth century) were ignorant of the early history of Carantouan, 
the fortifications were very quickly ascribed to white men ; why not 
the Spaniards? It was easy to weave a tale of battle, etc., of these 
tiny threads. Yet, no doubt, the conjectures were founded on the 
reputed Spanish expeditions of De Soto's time. W. F. Warner based 
his theory^* on the reputed expedition that landed in Chesapeake Bay, 
and came up the Susquehanna about 1.55-1:. Yet, even granted that the 
casque^^ of apparent Spanish manufacture was dropped at that period, 
and granted that the old boat washed out of the bank at Sheshequin" 
far antedated Sullivan's Expedition, Warner's tale is manifestly im- 
probable, because the hill was doubtless an Andastes fortified town 
sixty years later; and it was not until a hundred years later that the Six 
Nations had dominion over Tioga Point. As for the bayonet found 
by James Hanna at the base of the hill, which zcas made into a tishiiig 
spear by irrcz'erenf youths, it would be necessary to see the "Spanish 
inscription" before giving" credence to that tale. 

There was another story of early settlers recorded by Dr. Bullock 
in the Athens Gleaner of 1871 of a Spanish expedition led by an old 
priest. We would like to believe this, for might not the crucifix lately 
found buried on the plains have belonged to this very priest ; but alas 
for evidence ! Although perhaps Prof. A. L. Guss was right in the 
suggestion that the Susquehanna was explored by Spaniards in 1570. 
As to a possible Spanish expedition, indeed, one might almost say 
probable, why not give credence to the suggestions and observations 
of Justin Winsor, the historian,^' in connection with the Figurative 
and de Laet's Maps?^^ The names given on these maps to some Indian 
tribes are so> unmistakably of Spanish origin that it is hard to believe 
they were not first applied by the Spaniards and repeated by the In- 
dians to the Dutch prisoners among the Mohawks. We find one tribe 
called "Capitanesses," while in colloquial Spanish capitanazo means 
a great zvarrior; another, whom the Dutch later knew as Black Min- 
quas, is designated by the name of "Gachoos," the Spanish word gacho 
being applied to black cattle. Still another is called the "Canoomakers," 
canoa being a word of the Indian tongues of South America, the North 
American Indians could only have learned it from the Spaniards. Con- 
tinuing his observations, Winsor concludes that Danckers, and other 
writers, had some foundation for the tradition that the Spaniards ante- 
dated the Dutch in the discovery of the Hudson River. 

^■i Hist. Gazetteer Tioga Co., 1785. 

^^ This casque is in the Museum of Pennsylvania Historical Society and was found in 
the river bank near Chickies. See "Pennsylvania Colonial and Federal," the author of 
which, the late Mr. Jenkins, was in the midst of research concerning a Spanish expedition 
up the Susquehanna at his untimely death. 

1" The old boat was washed out of the river bank near Sheshequin, and while many 
ascribe it to the Sullivan Expedition, scarcely enough time had elapsed since that to make it 
the color of ebony. 

" See "Narrative and Critical History of America," Vol. I\', p. 434. 

^s See cut of same in preceding chapter. 



SPANISH TRADITIONS 63 

When Danckers visited the New Netherlands in 1679 the Indians 
told him the first white men seen there were Spaniards, but that they 
did not remain long. W'insor calls the Pompey Stone'"' an evident 
Spanish relic. The historian Stone"" gives various traditions. One, 
related by Brant, told of a white race who had lived here in ages past, 
reputed to have built the tumuli from the St. Lawrence to the Mis- 
sissippi. DeWitt Clinton, in his memoirs (collected from Iroquois 
sachems and from Jesuits' Journals), tells of a French colony at or 
near Jamesville, New York, founded by request of the Indians in 166(5 ; 
and that in 166!) a party of twenty-three Spaniards arrived in the vil- 
lage, guided by Iroquois, who had been the captors of the southern 
tribes. It appears evident that this party came up the Mississippi (and 
Ohio), as they had passed through Pittsburg on to Olean by water, 
where, leaving their canoes, they traveled by land. They had been 
attracted by the Iroquois stories of a lake with the bottom covered with 
a shilling zvhite substance, which they assumed was silver; but finding, 
to their dismay and anger, that there was none (the shiny substance 
was salt crystals) they accused the French of concealing the truth, and 
finally with the aid of the Indians, utterly destroyed the French colony. 

Stone also quotes from Rev. Mr. Adams, of Syracuse, various 
traditions and conjectures, attempting to prove that the Spaniards' 
visit was much earlier than Clinton averred, and Adams uses the Pom- 
pey Stone as evidence. 

De Soto, in 1538, found a Spaniard among the southern Indians 
who had been a captive ten years; he also speaks of "Saquechama," 
conjectured to mean Susquehanna. -'' 

The Neu^ York Gazetteer oi ISIO thus speaks of Spanish Hill, as 
reported by a correspondent : 

"In the southern part of the town of Chemung is a large mound of earth — 
which is described as a work of art, but the top is a plain of some 4 acres." 

We assume this means that the hill was artificial. In the Athens 
Scribe, of 1841, Sidney Hayden published a lengthy romance entitled, 
"]Movanho," but he never gave, as promised,, his theory as to formation. 
In the same paper, date November 1, 1813, an article is copied from 
the Ozi'ego Gacette, with the signature M. J. A. (identity unknown), 
entitled, ''A Legend of Spanish Hill." This is a most ingenious tale, 
said to have been found written in Spanish, by Margarita, a Spanish 
girl captured in the south by Indians in 1657, and brought to this lo- 
cality. In this the name of Swan-za-gash-kin is given to the hill, and 
the fortifications were then claimed tO' be very old. Margarita thought 
of Cortez, but seemed to think they antedated even his day. 

O. H. P. Kinney's poem represents Spaniards on the hill besieged 
by Indians, but finally ransomed by a Spanish maiden giving herself 
in marriage to an Indian chief. 

"The story of the Spaniards has received embellishments one time and 
another from the local poet and would be historian, until the whole is surrounded 

1" The Pompey Stone was found in Oneida County; it is oblong, 14 inches by 12 inches; 
has in the centre a tree with a serpent climbing it, and on each side of the tree what are 
said to be Spanish inscriptions and a true chronology of Leo X. This stone is in the Albany 
Museum and is thought by some to have marked a grave. 

^ See Appendix, "Life of Brant." 



6-i OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

by a vague haze of traditions, and one is really unable to decide whether the hill 
gets its name from the story, or whether the story was simply invented to ac- 
count for the name." — E. M. 

Early in the last century Alpheus Harris settled at the foot of the 
hill. An old Indian was a frequent visitor, but when asked to ascend 
the hill he always refused, saying a Great Spirit lived there who would 
kill Indians. That he spoke with a voice oi thunder, a)id made holes 
through Indians' bodies. This suggests muskets or cannons. Fifty 
years later, seeing the eminence for the first time, N. P. Willis thus 
described it : 

"They call it Spanish Hill, and the fortifications were old at the time of 
the passing through of Sullivan's army. It is as pretty a fort as my Uncle Toby 
could have seen in Flanders, and was doubtless occupied by gentlemen soldiers 
long before the MayHower moored off the rock of Plymouth. The tradition 
runs that an Indian chief once ascended it to look for Spanish gold, but, on 
reaching the top. was enveloped in clouds and thunder, and returned with a sol- 
emn command from the spirit of the mountain that no Indian should ever set 
his foot on it again. 

"An old lady who lives in the neighborhood ( famous for killing two tories 
with a stone in her stocking) declares that the dread of this mountain is uni- 
versal among the tribes, and that nothing would induce a red man to go on it. 
This looks as if the sachem found what he went after; and it is a modern fact 
that a man. hired to plough on the hillside, suddenly left his employer and pur- 
chased a large farm, by nobody knows what windfall of fortune. Half this moun- 
tain belongs to a gentleman who is building a country seat on an exquisite site 
between it and the river, and to the kindness of his son and daughter we are 
indebted for information." 

Naturally, the supporters of the Mound Builders' theory have as- 
sumed that treasures were secreted with the bones in the cave at its 
center. Wonderful tales have been told of the return at night of In- 
dians to hunt for the buried treasure. Spasmodic attempts at excava- 
tions have been made by various persons in the past, some looking for 
treasures and some for relics. All were disappointed, as far as known. 
Probably this search reached a climax in the '7(Vs when the editor of 
the Waz'erly Adz'ocate, interested and amused at the geological war 
waged in his columns over Spanish Hill, wrote an article, given the 
name of "The Spanish Hill Hoax," which attracted great temporary 
attention to the eminence. 

A resident of the valley has written in lighter vein : 

"On the whole it seems reasonable to suppose that Spanish Hill is a freak 
of nature rather than the creation of man. Without doubt, every race that has 
passed through the valley has laid hands on it in turn, but probably without rad- 
ically changing any features of it. It has been, in its day, the site of a village, 
burying-ground, fortress, and potato-patch, in turn ; and yet. in all probability 
we see it to-day just as the first man who made his way into the valley saw it 
hundreds of years ago. There are many, to be sure, who will never be satisfied 
with such a rational explanation as this. They prefer that the origin of the 
hill should be shrouded in mystery. Their imagination fails to take fire at the 
thought of the great ice-sheets that clogged the valleys and covered the tops of 
the highest hills, or of the great floods that swept down over the land at the 
birth of the hill. They will always prefer the hazy Mound-builders, to the pow- 
ers of nature ; and the tale of the Spaniards and the Indian girl has the popular 
heart. And until they have dug the whole hill over, inch by inch, they will 
never believe but that there lie hidden in it the treasures of Captain Kidd, or of 
a prehistoric race as wealthy as the Aztecs. Long may the old hill guard its 
secrets." 



POEM ON SPANISH HILL 05 

Of all the stories and poems inspired by the hill and its traditions, 
the following seems the most free from fancies. It was written one 
hundred years ago ; the youthful author, a lad of seventeen, was then 
a resident of Athens. It is worthy of note that just as little was known 
of the history of the hill then as now : 

ELEGY 

On visiting the ancient fortification called vulgarly Spanish Hill, at the con- 
fluence of the Tioga and Susquehanna Rivers. 

Alas ! how sad a character of man 

I gain from this lone tract of labored ground ! 

His passions, manners, weakness, strength and pride 
Are truly pictured in this martial mound. 

And what an awful thought it gives my soul, 

When lone inquiry strives in vain to trace 
The bloody story of the chiefs and braves 

Whose bones are resting in this solemn place. 

No page informing speaks its silent tale, 

No ancient poet marks the fatal green ; 
Even Tradition's wondering tongue is still ; 

Nought else is known but here a work is seen. 

The greyest Indian warrior cannot tell 

Of these old mounds and half-filled ditches more 

Than many a forest growth hath fallen here, 

And trunks been seen of growth long, long before. 

Yes, here the panther and the wolf have slept 

Ages before Columbus tho't to roam : — 
The roving wild deer, with unconscious step. 

For years untold has made the spot his home. 

Here has it stood, a silent monument. 

Speaking of things and deeds of buried yore — 

Of nations skill'd in all the arts of war — 

Of chiefs immortal, fall'n and known no more. 

Perhaps some tyrant Victor's mad career 
Drove to these heights some little patriot band; 

Souls fit for Greece were crush'd untimely here. 
And rude barbarians whelm'd a polished land. 

Yes, here perhaps some truly noble souls, 

Braver than Hector or Achilles, fell ; 
A greater here may sleep than story knows — 

Wanting for nought but Homer's tongue to tell. 

Here let the foe of man, from war's career. 

Rest his red sword, and stay his charger's speed ; 

Ask what immortal hero slumbers here, 

What fadeless laurels bloom around the dead. 

Warrior, perhaps some leader of the brave 

Drove fierce invaders to this last retreat; 
Here struck the foes of Freedom to their grave. 

And stampt the tyrant's heart beneath his feet ! 



66 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Perhaps some Washington, with glory crown'd, 

O'erpowered with nvunbers, tho' unmatched in fame, 

For Freedom's last retreat entrenched this mound, 
And victory here immortalized his name. 

This green intrenchment witnessed gallant deeds, 

Worthy perchance of Alexander's name : 
And the cold bones among these shelt'ring weeds 

Could tell of battles with the tongue of fame. 

But hurrying time has swept along the vale, 

And marked these mounds and bones .with wasting years; 

A thousand wintry wings have beat them pale, 

A thousand summers washed them with their tears. 

Charles Fisher Welles, (1806). 

Some Curious Relics. 

While Spanish Hill has never yielded np its possible treasures, 
it seems appropriate to describe here the treasures or curious relics 
which have been found in this valley and vicinity. For convenience 
they have been grouped in one plate, though doubtless widely sepa- 
rated in their origin. Naturally, the crucifix first attracts the atten- 
tion, and it would be the most appropriate to be connected with a 
Spanish expedition. This was unearthed in 1903 on the plains above 
the town. It is of wood (no doubt purporting to be the wood of the 
true cross) as black as ebony, possibly from lapse of time. It is seven 
inches long, bound in brass, and the figures are all in brass. It was 
found while excavating for an outside cellar way, just south of the 
corner of Desmond and Vanderbilt Streets, seven feet under ground. 
No habitation or burial place zcas ever knozvii to be in this vicinity until 
since i8po. But the spot was on the old Indian trail to Owegy, on 
the upper river terrace, about 150 rods from the Susquehanna, and 
not far from the only spring ever known in the immediate locality. 
It is the style of crucifix worn only by priests or missionaries, being 
much larger than those worn by converts. 

It has been examined by Dr. Edwin A. Barljer, Director of the 
Pennsylvania Museum in Fairmount Park ; also by some other students 
of old relics, who greatly disagree. They say it is old, it is new; the 
workmanship is French, Spanish, Russian ! It must antedate 1650. It 
isn't fifty years old — it must have been lost or buried in the time of 
the Jesuit fathers — it hasn't been buried two years, and so on, ad lib- 
itum. One authority says that the feet, not beiu'g crossed, indicate 
greater age than would one with feet crossed. Dr. Beauchamp, who 
has given much attention to Jesuit relics, says : 

"The crucifix might be of almost any age, that being a question of its sur- 
roundings ; if used by the Indians, as it well may have been, I am inclined to 
place it between 1700 and 1760." 

Many crucifixes have been found in New York State known to 
have been given to the converts of the Jesuit missionaries, and they 
have been reproduced in one of the New York State Museum Bulletins. 
The two here given were not included in that bulletin. They are of 
brass, of excellent design, though one was broken, probably by a plow. 



RELICS FOUND AT OR NEAR TIOGA POINT 67 




68 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 




Brass Crucifixes Found at Owego 



They were found by Henry 
E. Kingman at Owego. on 
the site of the old Indian 
town Owegy, just west of 
the present WilHam Street, 
on the surface of the 
ground, which was plowed 
and planted for several con- 
secutive years, and yielded 
many Indian relics, es- 
pecially red pipe stone 
pendants, and beads of va- 
rious sorts obtained in 
trade. They are here re- 
produced, the exact size, by 
favor of Mr. Kingman. 
The Spanish medal would seem to belong zvith the cnicifix, 
though it was found on the east side of the Susquehanna, and the cru- 
cifix on the west. This Dr. Edwin A. Barber, Curator of the Museum 
in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, thought a replica of a coin, such as 
is set in some ancient beakers or tankards of the seventeenth and 
eighteenth centuries, seen in museum collections. Having no denom- 
ination stamped on it, unless it is the reverse side, it seems more like a 
medal than a coin. It is in bronze, and was found in 190-1 about eight 
feet under ground, while excavating for a cellar east of the Susque- 
hanna River about one hundred rods, and not far from Satterlee 
Creek. 

No dwellings had ever been in this locality and it was too far 
back to have been washed in by floods. How^ came it there? The 
inscription is as follows: "Ferdinandus D. G. FI RO ; IMP. S. AUG. 
GER. HV!" This is an abbreviated Latin inscription, translating 
about as follows: "Ferdinand, by the grace of God, made Roman 
Emperor. Succeeding to throne of Germany and Hungary." The 
date, 1558, and inscription seem to indicate a medal struck off to com- 
memorate the accession of Ferdinand I to the throne of the Holy 
Roman Empire of the German Nation, on the abdication of his brother, 
Charles V. This Ferdinand was a grandson of the great Spanish 
monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella ; he was raised by marriage to the 
throne of Hungary; was elected king of the Romans in 1531 and, as 
he had long been by election, president of the council of regency ap- 
pointed to govern Germany during the long absences of Charles V; 
he was formally elected emperor in 1558. 

Its companion in the plate is a metallic button or medal, having 
on its face certain emblems of Odd Fellowship. Its rough back w^ould 
indicate that it had been set in some material. It is brass, or light- 
colored bronze, tarnished and somewhat oxidized. About 1890 some 
workmen were engaged in repairing an old surface drain running from 
Main Street across "the Green" to the river, now between the Museum- 
Library and the Hunsiker property (1907). A few feet below the sur- 



DESCRIPTION OF RELICS 09 

face a skeleton was unearthed. On the skeleton were knee buckles, 
coat buttons similar to those worn by Continental soldiers, and a huge 
knife or dirk. M. P. Murray was superintending this work and picked 
up this badge, medal or button. The knife was carried off by the 
workmen, and the buckles and coat buttons crumbled into dust, as did 
the skeleton on exposure to the air. It was noted that this skeleton 
disintegrated more than many Indian bones found in the old burial 
grounds.-^ 

This spot was set apart as a common when the town was laid out 
in ITSG ; there is no record or knowledge of any burial since that date. 
This relic was taken to Philadelphia and examined by James B. Nich- 
olson and other members of the grand lodge then in session. But, 
while the emblems on it are those of the fraternity, all pronounced it 
unlike any badge or jewel ever seen, and of which they had no knowl- 
edge. Circumstances also indicated that the burial had antedated even 
the Manchester Unity, organized in 1809 or 1813, as knee buckles were 
not worn as late as this date. 

Some years later, when grading about the new building, Messrs. 
]\Iurray and Ercanbrack found a grave near the river bank, evidently 
of an American or English surgeon; many dishes (broken after In- 
dian fashion), scalpels, knife, etc.; the dishes were such as were for- 
merly used in surgery. There are also many Indian graves on this 
spot, and every indication that it was the precise locality of Indian and 
British camps for a long period. 

]\Ir. Chapman, a coin expert of Philadelphia, says this is an em- 
blem of a so-called "Heart and Hand Society," of which we have no 
knowledge. 

The sword was found opposite Miner's Island at Sheshequin. after 
an extensive river freshet in 1895, by Fred Davidson or Air. x^lliger. 
It was seen first protruding from the bank about six or seven feet be- 
low the surface ; he had to dig it out with a crowbar. This was about 
one and one-half miles from w'here the old boat was washed out, on 
the river flats, where it always overflows. It is in a fairly good state 
of preservation, even to the leather on the hilt. There is no clew what- 
ever to this, while it is possible it may have been buried with its owner. 
I Who ivas he? 

-1 The Indians are said to have been buried at least 250 vears. 



CHAPTER V 

ABORIGINAL HISTORY CONTINUED 

From Expulsion of the Aiidastes to the Revolutionary War — The 
French and Indian War — Tccdyuscung and the Treaties 

Since history has been recorded at least twenty-five different tribes 
have Hved at Te-a-o-ga, most of them tributary to the Iroquois/ The 
Iroquois pursued the clever policy of dividing those conquered and 
removing them to localities where they could be watched, generally 
giving each tribe into the keeping of some one of the Six Nations, 
without whose consent the tributary tribe could not change their place 
of residence, and to whom they must pay tribute. Thus, immediately 
after the conquest of the Andastes, their lands were acknowledged by 
the other Iroquois to belong to the Cayugas and Onondogas. At this 
period (the end of the seventeenth century) the strife for territory 
was great between France and England, both trying to influence the 
Iroquois to adhere to them. Thomas Dongan, the English Governor 
of N'ew York, persuaded the Onondogas and Cayugas to place their 
Susquehanna lands under the King's protection, lest Penn's agents 
should secure them, whereupon the said tribes claimed the lands as 
theirs by conquest, and "fastened them to New York." Yet Dongan 
professed to be friendly toward Penn. In 168 t these tribes announced 
to the Governor of Virginia : 

"Wee have putt all our land and our selfs under Protection of the great 
Duke of York — We have given the Susquehanna River zvhich zvc 7vonn zvith the 
sword, to this Government, and desire it may be a branch of the great tree that 
grows there." " 

Tribute was regularly collected from the conquered tribes, Colden^ 
telling of two old men who went about every year or two, and though 
wretchedly clad, "issued their orders zvith as arbitrary an Authority 
as a Roman Dictator." While the Delawares never acknowledged 
actual conquest, we find them meekly paying tribute, the chiefs even 
going to Onondoga for that purpose, bearing a large calumet or pipe 
of peace given them "upon making their submissions to the Five Na- 
tions, zvho had subdued them and obliged them to be their tributaries,'"^ 
somewhere near 1650. 

Tribute sometimes consisted of belts of wampum, highly prized, 
and very much used by Indians. Tribute was also paid in furs. In 
return the Iroquois gave protection when needed, but expected a cer- 
tain quota of warriors if called for. The special masters were gen- 
erally called "Uncles." 

Doubtless, soon after the routing of the Andastes, Teaoga became 
the southern door of the long house of the Iroquois, as it was the 

1 The Six Nations of Central New York; see N. Y. Museum Bulletin, No. 78. 

^ In 1696 the Indian lands on the Susquehanna (which Dongan had obtained from 
"Sennica Susquehannah Indians by gift or purchase") were granted hv him to William Penn 
for £100. 

^ C. Colden's Hist. Five Indian Nations of Canada, 1755. 

* Quoted by Beauchamp without reference. 

70 



THE PENNSYLVANIA INDIANS 71 

meeting- of the trails and commanded the river valleys. Their terri- 
tory, as Morgan says : 

"Was shaped something like a triangle; its base the great central trail 
from the Hudson River to Lake Erie, and its apex Tioga Point." 

Dr. Beauchamp, their more modern historian, disputes the fact 
that this was an official door, but it is too evidently the natural southern 
gateway to their territory to discredit the writers of earlier date. It 
is not necessary to assert that Tioga meant a gateway — it zcas a gate- 
way, naturally. The Pennsylvania tribes, besides the Andastes or 
Susquehannocks, were the Delawares and Shawanese. The Delawares. 
or as they called themselves, Lenni-Lenape (original people), were 
Algonquins, claiming- a western origin. After many years residence 
there, they crossed the Allegheny Mountains and discovered the two 
great rivers, the Susquehanna and the Delaware. These regions, they 
said, had then no inhabitants, and abounded in game, fish, etc. ; there- 
fore, they decided the Great Spirit had directed them thither. Some 
writers think the Andastes were of this stock, but there is little con- 
vincing evidence. The Algonquins of New England, Long Island and 
the lower Hudson, were their kindred. The Delawares were divided 
into three families of which the Munseys or Moncies are best known. 
There were many minor divisions, but it should be remembered that 
the Minqitas were Andastes.^ The Shawanese were also Algonquins. 
and the basin of the Cumberland River was their abiding place before 
Europeans settled on the continent. 

"In old times^ the Shawanese lived near the Spaniards and were always at 
war with them. Having signified a desire to remove and live under the pro- 
tection of the English and Iroquois, they were received into this Province in 
1701, and placed on the Susquehanna. They came as strangers and the Cones- 
toga Indians became security for their good behavior.' Afterwards they re- 
moved to the waters of the Ohio. In 1732 in a message to Gov. Gordon, they 
told that the Iroquois came to them nine years before and said they did not do 
well to settle there and urged them to assist in fighting the English, which they 
refused to do. About a year later the Five Nations told them and the Delawares 
that, since they had not hearkened or regarded what was said, they would put 
petticoats on them and look upon them as women in future." 

Heckewelder also gives an account of this, somewhat dififerent and 
disputed by other writers. But to return, for sixty years or more 
after the routing of the Andastes, peace reigned along the Susque- 
hanna, and the Penn treaty of 1G82 preserved friendly relations be- 
tween the whites and Indians, although there was continued disagree- 
ment as to the ownership oi Susquehanna lands ; therefore, a council 
was held in 1736 at Stenton, near Philadelphia ; the Onondoga council 
of the Six Nations had resolved to settle the land question and sent 
eighteen chiefs. The result was not very satisfactory. The Indians 
still disagreed, and the Proprietaries were very grasping, which helped 
inflame the Indian wrath. The following year Conrad Weiser and 
Shikellimy (who had been appointed agents between the Six Nations 

° The general term of "Mingoes" was applied to all the kindred tribes in Pennsylvania 
as contra Algonquins. 

" See Pennsylvania ^Vrchives, Vol. I, 1664 to 1747. 

' If the Conestogas were Andastes, this would indicate that they were still of some im- 
portance; also that they might be kindred. 



72 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

and Pennsylvania) were sent to Onondoga. This was the year in which 
Conrad Weiser visited Te-a-o-ga, and his diary gives the first account 
of an Indian town here, or it may be said the iirst record of the region 
after Chaniplain's. Extracts from Weiser's journal being given else- 
where, only those descriptive of Indians will be quoted here. 

"There are many Indians living here; partly Gaiuckers (Cayugas) and 
partly Mahikanders.'* This water is called Dia-agon, and comes from the region 
of the Sinickers (Senecas) and Gaiuckers (Cajaigas)." 

He mentions that the Indians were not nearly as prosperous as 
when he saw them several years before, doubtless at the time of the 
Palatine migration. The next year Weiser passed through again, ac- 
companied by the Moravian missionaries, Spangenberg and Zeisberger. 
The date of this journey is from Weiser's "Life of Weiser" (it is not 
mentioned by other writers). It seems probable that it is wrong, and 
should be 1745, yet it is so found in Conrad's own journal. 

In 1743 John Bartram, the botanist, came with Weiser and -Lewis 
Evans (see Chapter III), and describes minutely their visit to the In- 
dians and friendly reception : 

"Their town house is one mile above the junction of the rivers, it is about 
thirty feet long and the finest of any I saw among them." In 1745 many Mo- 
hicans lived at Tioga and until the French war the town was inhabited by Mo- 
hicans and Cayugas." 

Zeisberger, who visited the Point with Weiser in 1745, tells of the 
Mohican town in the small triangle formed by the two rivers, and of 
their hospitality. The Mohicans were from New England, not the 
same as MaJiikaiidcrs, although kindred, both being Algonciuin tribes. 

While Bartram's description wotild indicate a town nearer the 
Tioga than the Susquehanna, the general town site was on the high 
ridge (on the Point farm) southeast of the Stone House. The most 
notable evidences of occupation being the great masses of river mussel 
shells found in plowing on the ridge. In the early part of the eighteenth 
century, and probably all through it, here was generally stationed a 
Cayuga sachem to guard this southern entrance to "the long hotise," 
as the Iroquois territory in New York was designated. Whoever went 
up or down the rivers was halted at Teaoga and questioned as to his 
errand. For a hundred years this was a favorite rendezvous for war 
parties and councils, and here many prisoners were brought and often 
kept for long periods. 

About 1740 the Catawbas, a southern tribe, came to terms with 
the Iroquois. It was, dotibtless, soon after this that t!ie first of these 
tribes appeared in this region, the Saponies, who lived at Teaoga, and 
the Tuteloes or Toteroes, who Schoolcraft says were from Mrginia, 
and who long lived along the "Cayuga Branch" (name given to Che- 
mung River), and had a town near the mouth of the creek of the same 
name, in the vicinity of Tozer's Bridge, now vulgarized as Toodley- 
town. According to Zeisberger. who visited them, they were a wretch- 

•* Some of the Loups were called Mahikandeis or River Indians; they were Delawares, 

not Mohawks. 

" This was doubtless Cayuga, as the Iroquois houses were built very long, somewhat in 
the style of an arched arbor, intended for many families or members of a clan; fires were 
built at intervals through the center, the bunks, etc., being on each side. 



CAMMERHOFF'S DIARY ' 7:^ 

ed, degenerate race ; they gradually became extinct, doubtless from 
their own excesses. Cammerhoff found the Tuteloes in the Wyoming 
Valley in 1750. They also lived for a time in southern New York.^" 
\'ery little is known about the Saponies. 

Cammerhoff was another Aloravian, who, with Zeisberger and 
several Indians, journed from Bethlehem to Onondoga in the spring 
of ITolV^ the Moravians always hoping to establish a mission at Onon- 
doga. This trip was made in canoes, with a Cayuga Indian as guide. 
At the outlet of the Wyoming Valley Cammerhofif's diary says : 

"On the heights passed the great patJi to Tioga. Saw peach trees in an 
old Indian town. Met several Delawares of Tioga. * * Passed Meshoppen 
as last town before Tioga. * * Near Wysaukin met a Delaware from Tioga 
on the way to hunt. Later came to a hunting camp of Residents of Tioga (evi- 
dently at mouth of Sugar Creek) ; passed the site of an old plantation (Oscolui), 
near which the Indians told us is the path through the great wilderness to Ots- 
tonwocken — Thursday May 17." 

Having passed Ulster, Cammerhoff says : 

"On this side of the Susquehanna (the East) is a tolerably large flat which 
looks charming ( Sheshequin Flats). To my great joy we had a view of Tioga 
several miles distant from us. As it was towards evening we selected a spot 
for a camp just where the great path comes down to the river's edge and built 
us a hut. (This was opposite Queen Esther's flats at head of narrows.) The 
whole morning it stormed violently, we kept in camp and named it Camp Neces- 
sity.'" Our Indians began to paint and otherwise deck themselves, expecting 
soon to be among their own people. The rain ceasing, we took to the river and 
came to the branch called Tioga. This stream we now entered and passed In- 
dian huts at intervals on the banks. Passed rapids in abundance in which the 
water poured as through sluices and we had to work hard to stem the current. 
In fact the Tioga is one continuous rapid and tearing current — A little higher 
up we came to their Delaware huts. No one but women and children at home, 
they asked us to shore and gave us food. Reentering canoes we again passed 
huts at intervals and several ugly rapids. (This has been erroneously translated 
"falls" by some, thus making locality dubious.) At last reached a beautiful 
flat (between Spanish hill and river) on which stands the Indian town Gana- 
tockerat, inhabited by Cayugas, the end of our journey by water. — As soon as we 
landed we were surrounded by a crowd of men, women and children." 

Cammerhoff remained here several days on his return from Onon- 
doga, but does not mention visiting Diahoga. In 1753 Zeisberger and 
Frey traveled to Onondoga ; their diary has this record : 

"Thursday May 17 We set out early this morning and soon got out of the 
mountains reaching Tioga, We landed and entered several huts, inhabited al- 
together by Delawares, Hence we could have but very little conversation. Some 
Cayugas lived in the neighborhood." etc. 

In 1754 Zeisberger made the jottrney again, remaining nearly a 
year at Onondoga. 

In 17:)3-34 and ".")(; councils, more or less informal, were held at 
Philadelphia, in which no Indian was more prominent than the Oneida 

'" Prof. Guss says the Tuteloes were a \'irgiuia tribe identified as a transmigration of 
Mississippi Dacotah stock. 

1' .\ recent examination of the Craft collection revealed translations of many ^Moravian 
Journals made thirty years or more ago for Dr. Craft by Rev. W. C. Reichel from the or- 
iginal German Mss. in the Bethlehem xVrchives, the same from which Dr. Beauchamp had 
kindly furnished us with extracts. Their introduction here may make the narrative dis- 
connected. 

^- "It was the custom of the ^loravian jNIissionaries when passing through a wilderness 
to give their camps names, the initials of which were carved on the trees as landmarks for 
other evangelists. In the course of time the valley of the Susquehanna was full of these 
memories of pious zeal." — Life and Times of Zeisberger. 



74 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

chief Szvataiia, best known by the name given him by the Delawares, 
"ShikcUiuiy." He was a trusty and good man. and a great lover of the 
Enghsh, who always coveted his favor, and with whom he became very 
influential. At his death his son said of him : 

"My father who, it is well known was all his life a hearty and steady 
friend to the English, charged his children to follow his steps, and remain al- 
way true to the English who had always' been kind to him and his family." 

In 1728 he was appointed vice-regent by the Five Nations and 
sent to reside at Shamokin^'^ and look after all the Susquehanna In- 
dians ; in this capacity he administered afl"airs within tlie Province of 
Pennsvlvania ; was responsible for the good behavior of all the tribes 
tributary to the Iroquois, and was present at every council, which were 
so frequent between 1728 and 1748, respecting purchases of land. By 
his moderate counsels he aided in many amicable solutions oi the intri- 
cate questions arising in these conferences. He was a good Christian, 
much esteemed by Zeisberger and other Moravians; a great friend of 
Conrad Weiser's, being appointed agent or interpreter with him in 
1733. He was his companion in 1737 to Onondoga, stopping with 
him at Diahogo, and later in the journey, by his simple faith in God, 
inspiring courage in Weiser when the latter succumbed to fatigue and 
starvation." He also accompanied Weiser to Onondoga in 1743 and 
1745. He had three sons, one of whom became the famous chief 
Logan. He died at Shamokin December 17, 1748. Probably no In- 
dian chief ever did more to conciliate the red men and the white men 
than Shikellimy. 

"He was in many respects the most remarkable aborigine of whom there 
is any record ; had a great love for truth and never violated his word, consid- 
ered it a crime." 

At the time of his death there was much ill feeling among the 
Pennsylvania Indians, largely due to the dissatisfaction which arose 
from the transaction known as the "Walking Purchase." 

Probably no action of the English settlers was more exasperating 
to the Delawares than the so-called "Walking Purchase." In 1G82 the 
agent of William Penn made a purchase from the Indians of land 
bounded by the Delaware on the northeast, the Neshaming on the 
northwest, and to extend as far back as a man could walk in three days. 
Egle states that Penn and the Indians began to walk out this land, 
and stopped in a day and a-half, Penn concluding that was as much 
land as he would want at present. From this period, however, the 
whites kept establishing themselves a little further north until the 
Indians became uneasy, and desired to have a limit placed on these 
encroachments in 1734, and it was agreed in 1737 that the walk should 
be performed. The Indians seem to expect the walk tO' end at the 
Lehigh Hills, but the Proprietary planned to take in as much land as 
possible. They employed three men, noted for their agility and ability 
as fast walkers, and instead of going up the river, as Penn had. and 

"Shamokin, now Sunbury, was held as a strategic point by the Iroquois at an early 
day, being made the seat of a viceroy who ruled the tributary tribes of the Susquehanna. 
The missionaries called it the very seat of the Prince of Darkness, in 1745, when its inhab- 
itants were half Delawares, the others Senecas and Tiitclocs. 

'^ See "Memorials Moravian Church," p. 90. 



WALKING PURCHASE, TEEDYUSCUNG 75 

the Indians expected, they went across the country, using a compass 
to secure a straight path. It was an exciting walk or run, as the In- 
dians soon complained. Two of the three white men succumbed to 
fatigue, one dying three days later. Only Edward Marshall continued, 
and at the close of time he had covered ()3J miles. 

Not content with this, the lines were so- run as to include many 
thousands of acres far up the Delaware River. The Delaware Indians 
both saw and complained of the fraud, nor would they relinquish the 
land until compelled to do so in 1743 by the Six Nations. 

As to this "Walking Purchase," Parkman says, the white men 
were put in training for the walk, and that a smooth road was laid 
out that no obstructions should mar their speed. The Iroquois met 
the Delawares at council in Philadelphia in 1742, and thus addressed 
them, by the chief Canassatego : 

"You ouglit to be taken by the hair of the head and shaken soundly till 
you recover your senses. You don't know what you are doing, — How came you 
to take upon you to sell land at all? We conquered you, we made women of 
you, you can no more sell land than women — We charge you to remove in- 
stantly — We assign you two places to go, either to Wyoming or Shamokin — We 
shall then have you more undjr our eye, and shall see how you behave. Dont 
deliberate, but take this belt of wampum, and go at once.'' ^^ 

Parkman says the Delawares dared not disobey. They left their 
ancient homes and removed to the Susquehanna, some settling at Sha- 
mokin and some at Wyoming. But, naturally, they had a very hostile 
feeling toward the whites, and this was doubtless the principal cause 
of their engaging against the English ; even the Iroquois resented the 
aggressive acts of the white settlers in Pennsylvania, and became allies 
of their own former foes, the French. 

War had been declared between France and Great Britain in 1744, 
and it was speedily carried into the colonies, where the English had 
already resolved to put a stop to French aggression, but it was not 
until 1755 that Pennsylvania became the theatre of the contest. Con- 
spicuous among the Indians during the French War was Teedyuscung, 
the man who led the Delawares and their allies against the English. 
Reichel, in "The Crown Inn," thus describes him : 

"July 17, 1756, appeared a lusty, rawtoned man, haughty and very desirous 
of respect and command ; dressed in a fine dark brown cloth coat laced with 
gold given him by the French at Niagara. * * Tadeuskundt. the Delaware 
King attended by a wild company of adherents, the women wearing skirts of 
Dutch tablecloths," etc. The next year 1757, the following gorgeous parade 
dress was furnished by Col. James Burd from the store at Fort Augusta : "1 reg- 
imental coat, 1 gold laced hat, 1 ruffled shirt, 1 yd. scarlett shallown for collars, 
1 pr buckles, besides a great variety of miscellaneous articles suitable to the vanity 
of this 'big Indian.' According to his own statement, he was born about 1700 
in New Jersey in which neighborhood his ancestors of the Lenni Lenape stock 
had been seated from time immemorial. His father was Old Captain Harris, a 
noted Delaware of the Turtle clan. They were a high-spirited family, moody 
and resentful ; not in good repute with white neighbors, and when their lands 
passed from them, they migrated with threats and reluctance. Teedyuscung was 
convicted of sin under the preaching of Moravian Brethren, but, as, he was con- 
sidered as unstable as water, he was put on probation when he sought admission 
to Christian fellowship. He renewed the request, and was finally baptized as 

'^ See N. Y. Museum Bulletin, No. 78, p. 282, for meaning of wampum. 



76 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS . 

Gideon and received, but he failed to become a Christian, chafing under restraint 
and resisting the influence of the Spirit." 

Incensed at the oppression of the Iroqtiois, and the injuries of 
the whites, and being- urged by his untamed brethren to be their king 
and leader, he trafficked his peace of mind for the unrest of ambition 
and was chosen king of the Delawares in place of Tadoiic, who was 
friendly to the whites, and had been treacherously murdered. Teedy- 
uscung was a large, muscular man, haughty in his bearing, witty, 
fond of admiration, a bold warrior, and a sagacious counsellor, but, 
unfortunately, very fond of rum, which proved his undoing. It was 
largely due to his influence that the great body of the Indians in Penn- 
sylvania were arrayed against the English settlers or on the side of 
the French (though he claimed the French seduced them), for the 
Pennsylvania settlers were of all nationalities and could hardly be 
called English. 

When Teedyuscung held a council of war with the Delaware, 
Shawanese and Nanticokes in December, 1755, it was determined to 
make the settlers along the Delaware pay the price of the ''Walking 
Purchase" in blood. Nearly the whole of the family of ^Marshall (the 
man who successfully achieved the walk) were put to death, and soon 
the whole valley of the Delaware was devastated. There was another 
reason for the defection of the Indians as follows. March 1, 1755, 
Conrad Weiser wrote to Governor Morris, saying : 

"When Tachnechdorus^" the Chief of Shamokin, of the Cayucker nation 
was down here in the beginning of winter, he told me the Indians had been 
Informed that a lot of people from New England had formed themselves into a 
Body to Sitle the lands on the Susquehanna, and Especially Seahoantov/ano 
(Wyoming) — The said Chief then desired to make it known 'that whosoever of 
the whites should venture to Setle any land on Wyonuck or thereabout, belong- 
ing hitherto to the Indians will have his Creatures Killed first, and then If they 
do not desist they themself would be Killed, without distinction, let the Conse- 
quence be what it would.' I found he had intelligence that some of the New 
England people had been up the river Spying the lands." 

Weiser suggests that this was the second warning, and that inat- 
tention to the matter might lead the Indians to array themselves on 
the side of the French (Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. II, page 260). 
The warning was disregarded and, as Weiser thought, incensed by the 
English occupation of more lands than they had ceded, the Indians 
favored the French, and many of them engaged against the English. 
Until this time the Iroquois were friends of the English, and for nearly 
sixty years there had been few depredations. 

There were, however, a few Indians of good repute who remained 
friendly to Pennsylvania. Paxinosa. an aged Shawanese chief, a res- 
ident at Wyoming, and later at Diahoga ; Scarooyady, Andrew Mon- 
tour,^'^ son of Madame Montour, and some others. Some friendly 
Indians were also reported at Diahoga. 

^^ Tachnechdorus was Sliikellimy's son, who ruled for awhile in his father's place, but 
soon forgot his father's teachings. 

1" The boys will enjoy reading Zinzendorf's description of Andrew Montour and his 
dress: "Andrew's cast of countenance is decidedly European, and I would have taken him 
for one, had not his face been enriched with a broad band of paint applied with bear's grease. 
He wore a brown broadcloth coat, a scarlet damaskeii lappel waistcoat, breeches over which 
his shirt hung, a black handkerchief decked with silver bugles, shoes, stockings and hat. His 
ears were hung with pendants of brass and other wires plaited together." 



TIOGA IX THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 77 

Vtut with the defeat of Braddock, July, 1755, the whole country 
was ablaze, the Indians losing confidence in the English. And now, 
Pennsylvania, for the first time, felt the scourge of Indian wars. 
Through the autumn of 1755 the storm raged with devastating fury; 
so much so that early in 1756 Governor Morris offered that most 
hideous of rewards, a scalp bounty. His proclamation gave great 
offence to the Assembly, and it is claimed no Indian was wantonly 
killed for the reward. In this proclamation the following paragraph 
shows the location of Diahoga, and refers to- it : 

■'And whereas sundry of our good friends and Allies ; the Six Nations and 
other friendly Indians are seated upon and do inhabit the Country to the North- 
ward of the Mouth of a River falling into the Sasquehannah, called Cayuga 
Branch, and those of the Six Nations have desired that our Hostilities might 
not be carried on more Northerly than a line extending from the mouth of the 
said Cayuga Branch at an Indian Town called Diahoga or Tohiccon — to the In- 
dian Town called Cashetunk upon Delaware, I do declare that the Indians living 
northward are not included in the declaration of war." 

From the very inception of this struggle Tc-a-o-ga, or as it was 
now most frequently called, Diahoga, was a centre of activity. Mid- 
way between Shamokin and the Long House of the Iroquois, it was 
a rendezvous for council, and almost invariably the place to which the 
captives were taken. We have given 1755 as a date for Teedyuscung's 
operation, forgetting that Reichel tells us that his apostacy and fiendish 
raids began in 1754, and in November of that year he was the leader 
or participant in an attack upon the Moravians themselves in the wild, 
sequestered valley of Mahoning. It was here that Susanna Nitchs- 
man, a young Aloravian girl, was first disabled by a shot and then 
taken prisoner, bound and handed over to an attending Indian, "to 
grace his triumph on his return to Diahoga." She was first taken to 
\\A'oming, where she saw Sisters Abigail and Sarah and piteously im- 
plored their aid ; thence she was conveyed to Diahoga where, after 
having been subjected to the horrors of Indian captivity in its most 
revolting form, she sunk into deep melancholy, death releasing her 
from suffering in May, 1756.^* We think this is the first white pris- 
oner of whom there is any record as detained at Diahoga; surely the 
first recorded death. 

The French had a fort at Niagara, to which prisoners were gen- 
erally taken after a sojourn at Diahoga. January 4, 1756, the Rev. 
Gideon Hawley, who was a missionary at Onohquoge (now Wind- 
sor), wrote to the Governor of Pennsylvania that the Governor's mes- 
sengers had found all the Delazvares along the Susquehanna were in 
the French interest, and that there w^ere five English captives at Dia- 
hoga, and that the Delawares were so thick they dare not return by 
way of the river. They reported fifty cabins at Diahoga and about 
ninety grown men. In the Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. III. is the 
deposition of Henry Hess, who was made prisoner by Indians led 
by Teed}"uscung, January 1, 1756, that when they came to Wyomick 
they found no Indians there, all having started up the river tO' settle 
at Diahoga, which now became the stronghold of Teedyuscung and the 

^* From "Memorials of the Moravian Church." 



78 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Delawares.^^ Hess says that the Indians stayed at Diahoga, "situate 
at the mouth of the Cayuga Branch," until planting time, then some 
of them went up to a place near the head of the Cayuga Branch, where 
they planted corn and lived for awhile. There were not only Dela- 
wares, but Shawanese, Nanticokes and Mahicans, now living at 
Diahoga. 

It is said that the Iroquois, after the complaint of Tachnechdorus, 
told the Delawares they were not fit to live among white people, and 
commanded them to remove from Wyoming to Diahoga. Beauchamp 
says that Sir William Johnson had a long council with the Indians 
about this time. That a treaty was made with the Delawares and 
Shawnees, and the former were fixed at Tioga Point by the Six Na- 
tions, zvhcre some Iroquois then lived. Also, evidently for conciliation, 
that Johnson declared the Delawares were no longer women but men, 
and this was with the consent of the Six Nations. 

At the Easton council, soon after this, Teedyuscung tells that 
though previously called woman, having a right to hold only a pestle, 
he had now a tomahawk, given by "his Uncles." 

Later investigation shows that in 1754, alarmed at the French 
depredations, the Delawares asked the Six Nations to take ofif their 
petticoats so they could fight for themselves and their families. 

Another deposition in the Archives states that the Wyoming In- 
dians moved first to Tunkhannock, and when the weather was milder 
to Diahoga. 

Samuel Clift'ord, who was taken prisoner near Oswego^ in 1755 
or '56, escaped, and was recaptured near Diahoga, relates he was after- 
wards taken about forty miles up the Cayuga Branch, and later, with 
Henry Hess and others, to Wyomink, escorted by Teedyuscung and, 
he thinks, one hundred warriors. That twelve or thirteen English 
prisoners were left at Diahoga and vicinity by Teedyuscung — six men, 
four young women and three or four Dutch children ; that "the children 
were painted black like themselves, and often cruelly beat and treated 
worse than the rest." 

Leonard Weiser was taken prisoner and carried to Diahoga De- 
cember 31, 1755. He said that at planting time they went to Little 
Passeeca, an Indian town on the Cayuga Branch, probably the same 
town mentioned by other prisoners. Weiser reports the Delawares as 
saying that the country was all theirs, and they were never paid for 
it, and this they frequently gave as a reason for their bad conduct. 
This examinant saw at Diahoga about twenty prisoners, nearly all of 
whom were women and children, whom he knew, whose husbands and 
fathers had been killed by the war parties of Teedyuscung, and their 
homes and stock destroyed. Provisions were very scarce ; how sadly 
these poor prisoners must have fared ! They were expected tO' provide 
their own food, and it was chiefly berries and fish ; they were sometimes 

^^ It is a curious fact that the various writers of the Wyoming \'alley ignore so much 
concerning Tioga Point. For instance, the Archives show that from ITSO to 1758 H'yoming 
zvas abandoned by the Indians, all of zvhom moved iif> to Diahoga early in the spring of 1756, 
and for those two years Diahoga was the headquarters of Teedyuscung. Paxinosa also lived 
there and in that vicinity for some years before removing to Ohio. Historians, as a rule, 
ignore this and write of Teedyuscung and Paxinosa as living o);/.v at Wyoming. 



DIAHOGA THE INDIAN STRONGHOLD 79 

given a share of the trophies of the chase, but never bread or sah. 
They reix)rted the Indians as cultivating much ground and having old 
apple and peach trees. They were generally forced to run the gaunt- 
let, a fiendish ordeal, thus described by Mrs. Whittaker, an eye witness : 

"The Indian women and cliildren formed two lines with clubs stones & 
whips in their hands. The prisoners would be started at the head of the lines 
& made to run through the whole length — the women and children pelting them 
as they ran with their clubs & stones & striking them with their whips." 

April 19, 175(5, Edward Shippen reported to Governor Morris'-" 
that it had been told him by Johnny Shekallimy that there were about 
four hundred Indian warriors at Tiaogo,' oi the Six Nations, Dela- 
wares, Munsies and Shawanese, and about forty more at Wyoming, 
Mohicans, Mingoes and Shawanese ; and that if an attempt was made 
to build a fort at Shamokin, as desired, they might expect to be at- 
tacked by five hundred Indians. At this time a long line of block 
houses and forts were erected from the Delaware River to the Kit- 
etchiny Hills, and one at Shamokin was in contemplation. 

Just previous to this report, April 5th, one McKee had written 
to Shippen saying it was reported that the Delawares were moving 
from the Susquehanna to the Ohio, and wanted the Shawanese to go 
along, but that the latter declined and were "going up to a town called 
Teaoga, where there is a body of the Six Nations." (Pennsylvania 
Archives, Vol. II, page 615.) It was also reported that many canoes 
were being built, by which they hoped to reach the Ohio. They re- 
moved their families over the New York State line, probably to the 
towns known as Choconut (Vestal) and Owege. Or, as Mr. Craft 
puts it, "The Monseys (Wolf clan of Delawares) removed their fam- 
ilies to the Iroquois country, where they would be beyond the reach 
of provincial scouting parties." 

Diahoga being now the recognized stronghold of the Indian forces, 
in April, 1756, the Governor decided to send some friendly Indians 
as messengers to attempt to conciliate Teedyuscung and his followers ; 
meanwhile suspending the declaration of war for thirty days, and ap- 
pointing a day of fasting and prayer to Almighty God for peace, har- 
mony, etc. Sir William Johnson exerted his influence to induce Teedy- 
uscung to meet in this council, and Captain Newcastle,-^ Jagrea and 
William Laquis started early in May with an invitation to the chief : 

"To come down and meet his friends, the children of William Penn and tell 
them the causes of an alienation as unexpected as it was calamitous ; if you lay 
down the hatchet and come to terms, we, the English will no further prosecute 
the war." 

This was a hazardous mission, especially as the suspension of hos- 
tilities was not fully known, and scalping parties were abroad. Their 
experiences can best be told in Newcastle's report to the Governor, 
which was transcribed by Conrad Weiser JMay 31st, and read in council 

-" Pennsylvania Archives, \'ol. II, p. 6.34. 

-' Cashiowaya or Kannksusy was a Six Nation Indian who, when a child, was formally 
presented by his parents to William Penn at Newcastle. He rendered eminent service as a 
messenger to the disaffected Indians at the commencement of the French War, and Governor 
Morris gave him, in 1755, the name of Newcastle, saying: "In token of our affection for 
your parents, and in expectation of your being a useful man in these perilous times, I do in 
the most solemn manner adopt you by the name of Newcastle, and order you hereafter to be 
called by that name." — From Reichel's "Memorials of the Moravian Church," p. 233. 



80 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

at Philadelphia June 3, 175G (Col. Rec, Vol. VII, page 137). It states 
that after tarrying four days they arrived at Wyomink and found no- 
body there, so they proceeded to Tiao<;;on where they found a great 
number of Indians, to whom they made known their errand, reciuest- 
ing that they would order a meeting of all their people. Messengers 
were sent out to all the small towns summoning the inhabitants to 
Tiaogou. They returned the next day with haughty replies to the 
effect that the Pennsylvania messengers having come so far, might as 
well come further and come to their towns. This Newcastle refused 
to do, saying : 

"It was customary to transact matters of importance, and of a public na- 
ture in the most public places and that he insisted the meeting should be at 
Tiaogou." " 

The chiefs now yielded and assembled the following day, when 
they were addressed by Newcastle. He had already advised with 
some friendly Indians, and in his speech took the liberty of departing 
somewhat from the Governor's instructions. He exhorted them in the 
name of the King of England, as well as the Governor of Pennsyl- 
vania ; told them he knew very well it was for want of understanding, 
and finally urged them to "dig a hole as deep as the waters hclon.' the 
earth and there bury the Jiatchet, never to be found again." He was 
favorably answered by old Paxinosa, in behalf of the Delawares, Shaw- 
anese, Alohickons and Memksies (Monseys), showing what a large 
assemblage there was in this region. Teedyuscung also spoke, saying 
the Delawares, who were under French influence, were going to the 
Twightwees (in Ohio). Many strings of wampum were exchanged, 
and the council was dissolved with a friendly feeling. Jagrea, however, 
thus closes his report to the Governor : 

"A happy foundation is laid on which you may erect a good Building, but 
it behooves you to use Dispatch, and send us back quickly with your answers, 
least, as Times are dangerous, anything may intervene to frustrate the good 
Work so fortunately begun." 

A further proclamation was immediately issued by the Governor 
and Assembly for a suspension of hostilities for thirty days longer. 
Even the short delay caused by arranging this made the Indian mes- 
sengers very uneasy, and Conrad Weiser, their interpreter, reported 
to the Governor that they feared "their long stay -cvould make the Dia- 
hoga Indians believe either that they zvere cut off by the English, or 
that this Gozvrnnient did not mean to conclude a peace ivith them, that 
Captain Newcastle was out of humor," etc. Whereupon the Governor 
informed them he was waiting to hear the result of the council of the 
Six Nations, which was in session at Onondoga. This was expected to 
be favorable, as it was largely due tO' the dictates of the Six Nations that 
the messengers to Diahoga had been favorably received. It having 
been decided, however, that it was unwise to detain them, the mes- 
sengers were intrusted with a long message from "The Govertwr and 
the People of Poinsylvania to the Indians gathered at Diahoga." In 
this he thanked them for the kind treatment accorded his messengers, 
praised their present disposition, invited them to a council later at the 

--Col. Records, \'ol. \'1I, pp. 137-150. Note this was not called a treaty. 



NEWCASTLE'S COUN'CIL AT "DIAHOGA" 81 

house of Conrad W'oiser, promised to release prisoners, relieve their 
distress, and told of the fort to be built at Shamokin to shelter friendly 
Indians. All these messages were interspersed with presents of wam- 
pum, after the curious Indian fashion, according- to which no council, 
however small, could be conducted without the presentation of in- 
numerable strings and belts. Several Jersey Indians were prevailed 
upon to accompany Newcastle on this second journey. They had been 
gone but a day or two when the expected messenger. Colonel Clap- 
ham, arrived (from Colonel Johnson) as a representative of the Iro- 
quois living on the N^orth IJranch of the Susquehanna, requesting, 
among other things, that a fort be built at a place fourteen miles above 
Wyoming, called Adjouquay, "at the entrance of a deep creek — an old 
woman may carry a heavy pack of skins, from thence to the Minisink 
and return in two nights." Surely a curious way of measuring dis- 
tance ! This fort was not built, however. 

On the 17th of June the Governor received a message that New- 
castle's party had been detained at Bethlehem on account of a scalping 
party of one hundred from New Jersey who were on the war path. 
An express was sent at once to Governor Belcher of New Jersey asking 
that their friendly messengers should not be hindered or delayed. June 
28th very careful directions were received from Captain Newcastle, 
saying that he would come again in about twenty days, and that he 
would have a certain signal by which he or any advance guard would 
be surely known and protected, the said signal to be a Green Bush in 
the hands of the foremost of the party. Previous to this there had ar- 
rived some friendly Indians from Diahoga, who passed Newcastle on 
the wa}'. 

These friendly Indians were Jo Peepe and Nicodemus, who re- 
ported as follows : 

"That several hundred Indians of divers Nations in & abt the Allegeny 
Mountains were gone to hold a Council, & form themselves into a Body, (to 
whom the ill-dispos'd Indians at Diaogu were gone in order to join them) and 
then come down from Allegeny, Whither the way was free & open, & murder 
all the white People. This moved Nicodemus & Jo, with their families, to retire 
from Diaogu & come down to the English, that they miglit not be forced by the 
imbitter'd Indians of Diaogu to assist them in their wicked Purposes against the 
English. And now these Indians are afraid that the French & the Indians will 
again commit many Murders & Ravages, particularly this Harvest. — Further they 
believe that there will be no Peace with the Allegeny Indians & their wicked 
Consorts so long as the Lands on the Ohio continue in the French Possession ; 
for that these Indians will be instigated by the French to do Mischief to the 
English wherever they can." 

The Governor immediately sent several of these Indians to over- 
take and accompany Newcastle with additional messages to the friendly 
Indians remaining at Diahoga. It is evidently untrue, that the chief 
accompanying Colonel Clapham, who had been sent with a message to 
Diahoga from the Six Nations, claimed that at Diahoga he had found 
"only a few women, some sick with the smallpox, many dead, and a 
few others planting corn." 

On July Gth four more Indians from Diahoga arrived with a letter 
from Newcastle, asking that they shotild be given provisions. On 
being interviewed they reported they were all Shawanese, formerly of 



82 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Wyoming, noii.' of DiaJwga. One of them said he knew that the Five 
Nations were all friends to the English, but when asked about the 
Delawares answered: "About them I can say nothing." July 20, IToG, 
Governor Morris reports the return of Newcastle, bringing with him 
Teedyuscung and forty others, men, women and children, "with whom 
I hope to establish an Accommodation and break the confederacy," says 
]\Iorris. 

They had stopped at Bethlehem-* until assured that all prepara- 
tions were made at Easton, where the council was to be held. Al- 
though, according to the Archives, Vol. II, page 715, the Governor 
attempted to change and hold the council at Bethlehem, it was not so 
done. Reichel says because the Indians raised objections. Quite as 
probable, judging from the correspondence, because the Moravian 
Brethren were very uneasy ; there were nO' troops stationed there, and 
they feared an attack from Indians or French. When the Governor's 
proposition was made to Teedyuscung. who had already gone to 
Easton, he gave this amusing reply : 

"Brother, I am very glad to hear from you. At the distance of 400 miles 
from hence I received your invitation to come and make peace. I understood 
you had laid a Junk of Fire here at Easton that I might come and smoke my 
pipe by it. Brother since you sent that message I am come and will stay here. 
And cant understand what you mean by sending me about from place to place 
like a child." 

Before the arrival of the Governor it was reported that "the King 
and his wild company were perpetually drunk very much on the Gas- 
coon — the King, full of himself, saying. 'Which side soever he took 
must stand, and the other fall." " 

On Saturday, July 24th, the proceedings were begun by the sending 
of a string of wampum by Governor Morris to the Delaware King, as 
Teedyuscimg had announced himself to be on his arrival at Bethlehem. 
On the 26th the Governor entertained the chiefs at dinner ; consid- 
erable difficulty was experienced in selecting interpreters, but this being 
adjusted the conference began in earnest on the 2Sth. (It is a curious 
circumstance that this council or treaty is ignored by several historians, 
when it is all contained in the Archives.) 

The Governor opened the conference, giving a hearty welcome, 
offering protection, and asking answers to messages sent by New- 
castle. Teedyuscung replied in a long and able speech, offering to 
carry the message of the English to the United Nations, ez'en if dis- 
agreeable. Teedyusctmg had already said outside, in the most boastful 
manner, that he came from the French, and was now in the middle, 
between French and English, and would publish aloud whichever side 
he joined ; that he had been made King by ten Nations, who w^ould 
ratify what he should do. In the council he made use of a curious 
word, "Whish Shiksy," which he explained by saying he wished the 
English to help them in every way to be strong, etc. ( See Pennsylvania 
Archives, Vol. VII, page 209.) 

The Governor replied at length, two days being taken up by him 
and the interpreters. He promised protection, provisions and presents, 

°* For a most interesting and detailed account of their entertainment at Bethleliem, see 
Reichel's "Memorials of the Moravian Church," pp. 229-250. 



CLOSE OF COUNCIL AT EASTON 83 

and asked their assistance for Pennsylvania, and loyalty to the English. 
Teedynscung- replied by presenting a belt from the Six Nations, which 
he claimed indicated that they had once more made men of the Del- 
awares, and proposed they shovild all stand together in resisting the 
French, etc. The conference continued until July 31st, Teedyuscung 
speaking fair at times, and again being angry, suspicious and trouble- 
some, due, no doubt, largely to the quantities of rum he was imbibing. 
The Governor, at the close of the conference, appointed Newcastle and 
Teedyuscung as agents for the Province, authorizing them to do public 
business together. A peculiar incident of this council was the appeal 
of Newcastle for protection, claiming that the Delawares had be- 
witched him, and he should die soon. Although a very sober man he 
appeared at this time to be "much in liquor." He claimed that Teedy- 
uscung had warned him that he had overheard two Delawares say 
they would put an end to his life. Here Teedyuscung burst into the 
room in a violent rage and desired that Newcastle should not be be- 
lieved, but there is little doubt but there was bad blood between them. 
The Archives say : 

"To the surprise of everybody Captain Newcastle was seized this morning 
(day following above) with a violent pleurisy, and thought to be in great dan- 
ger, but on losing some blood and taking proper physick the violence of the dis- 
temper abated and he recovered." 

Very early in this council a letter was received from the Moravian 
Spangenberg- saying it was currently reported at Diahoga that Teedy- 
uscung was the man that occasioned the late war. That he made an 
exceedingly great belt of wamptun and sent it to all Indians living on 
the West Branch, saying, "I am in exceeding great danger; the Eng- 
lish will kill me ; come and help me," etc., conseqtiently that he was 
the 07ily person who could make all things good again. But that he 
was poor and must have much wampum given him to send again to 
all the Indians he had inflamed. 

At the close of the council many presents were given, also pro- 
visions, and Teedyuscung boldly asked for a horse to convey his share 
on the road. The Quakers of Philadelphia had sent considerable gifts, 
in addition to those of the State, all of which were now^ distributed. 

The results of this conference were not definitive, although Teedy- 
uscung gave the assurance that he wotild exert himself faithfully in 
the service of the Province, agreeing that he would, without delay, 
return to Diahoga, lay all that had passed before the Six Nations, who 
would be pleased, and that he w^ould send belts and strings of wampum 
to all Indians, far and near, over whom he had any influence ; also that 
in two months he would return with great numbers of Indians of dif- 
ferent nations and there hold a council, when everything should be 
finally settled. 

It can hardly be said that he kept his word. Newcastle, called 
"the faithful old chief who had risked his life for the restoration of 
peace,^' now set out for his home. Teedyuscung repaired to Fort Allen, 
and three weeks later was reported as still there and, with all his com- 
pany, "perpetually drunk." and that they had expressed themselves 
in terms inconsistent with their professions at Easton. 



84 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Conrad Weiser was at once dispatched to represent to the chief 
and his comrades the great danger that might be to the pubhc from 
this long delay, and to send them away directly. Captain Newcastle, 
on hearing of this stay and behavior of Teedyuscung, became so un- 
easy that he offered to go to the Six Nations to inquire into the char- 
acter and credentials of the Delaware King. The new Governor, 
Denny, immediately dispatched him on this errand, sending him by 
stage boat to New York to hasten matters, for, on inquiry, it was 
found that Teedyuscung had been doing very mischievous work among 
the Bethlehem Indians, and telling that in three weeks a body of In- 
dians would come to destroy all the inhabitants of that region, and 
that he should continue in the French interest. Late in October New- 
castle returned, reporting that "The Delaware chief did not speak the 
truth when he told the Governor he had authority from the Six Na- 
tions to treat with Onas." However, in September, a report had come 
from Diahoga that the Six Nations were highly displeased, and that 
now Teedyuscvmg (who evidently had returned tO' Diahoga) had 
altered his mind and spoke very much to the English interest to the 
Indians. 

And how fared things at Diahoga? Let some of its story be told 
by another poor prisoner, one John Cox, who, having escaped from 
his captors, came before the Council at Philadelphia in September, 
1756. He told that in March previous he was taken to Dia"hoga by 
three Indians. There they found about fifty warriors of the Delaware, 
Mohican and Minesa tribes, and about twenty German prisoners ; that 
while he remained at Diahoga small parties of Indians often went out 
to destroy the inhabitants, and as often returned with their scalps, but 
no prisoners ; that their whole conversation was of vengeance against 
the English, and resolutions to kill them ; that all summer the prisoners 
had nearly starved, and some had died, having only dog flesh, roots 
and berries for food; that one hundred Indians went to the Ohio' for 
provisions and ammunition ; and that the condition was so distressing 
that the Indians at Diahoga proposed to make peace with the English 
rather than starve zvith the French. That when the Indians started 
to the council it had been said the object was to know of the Governor 
whether the English would agree to make peace, but he was told they 
were only gone to see whether the English were strong and to get 
provisions from them. When he was first taken prisoner at Kittatiny, 
in February, a party came from Diahoga with seventeen scalps fixed on 
a pole, carrying them to Fort Duquesne to obtain their scalp bounty. 

At this same council John Shickelamy came from Diahoga and 
reported to the Governor that he had met Teedyuscung thirty or forty 
miles above Wyoming on his journey to Diahoga and the Six Nations. 
That he, Teedyuscung. had attended a treaty lately held at Onontago, 
at which four of the Six Nations had received the King of England's 
hatchet and danced the war dance, and will certainly fight the French. 
But the Cayhukus (Cayuga) claimed they were obliged by treaties to 
stand neuter, and the Sinickers had sent no deputies. Also, that all 
the Delawares and Shawanese who had lived on the Susquehanna 



SECOND COUNCIL AT EASTON 85 

River were for peace, and joined with Colonel Johnson. That last 
winter the Six Nations had sent many belts to the Delawares and 
Shawanese and desired them to leave off doing mischief. That Teedy- 
uscung was the only person who set up the Indians against the Eng- 
lish, and that the Six Nations were much displeased with him. Shikil- 
limy did not seem to think Teedyuscung had been made king ; said he 
was present at the treaty at Onondaga, and that Colonel Johnson made 
the Six Nations take up the hatchet against the French. 

Two of the men of Teedyuscung's retinue deserted and came to 
Philadelphia, giving as a reason that they saw nothing but want and 
hunger before them if they went to Diahoga, and therefore they would 
stay with the English till the King came again. 

In September more prisoners escaped to tell about Diahoga. Daniel 
JMcMullen reported that he had been there ten months a captive; that 
some of the ^lohawks were friendly to the English ; that he was first 
sold by his captors to a Mohawk, and then to French Margaret's 
daughter, from whom he escaped with a companion who was at Wio- 
ming in March, 1756, when all the Indians (hearing the English were 
coming) collected and marched in a body with their families and ef- 
fects to Diahoga. There, having called a council, and being still afraid 
of pursuit by the English, they divided themselves, and about one-half, 
Avith their families, removed to Alleghany, the other half to Conasetego, 
on a fork of the Northwest Branch, about forty miles west of Dia- 
hoga.-^ Moffatt also told that he heard the Delaware King say, in a 
drunken frolic, at his mistress' house above Diahoga. that the Indians 
could make peace and they could also break peace when made ; this 
was about a week before Teedyuscung went to Easton. He also told 
that the King sold an English woman prisoner for a horse on which 
to perform his journey. There is little doubt but that Teedyuscung 
was a black-hearted rascal. 

However, he was now on his way down the river for the second 
treaty. As an advance guard he sent some of his men with four Eng- 
lish prisoners, and desired that his own wife and children, who had 
remained at Bethlehem, should be sent to him. The wife refused to 
go. This was probably done as a test, as three times on the journey 
Teedyuscung and his party had received messages (purporting to be 
from Colonel Johnson) not to go further or the English would kill 
them. Reassuring messages were sent to the chief, and October 29th 
Teedyuscung arrived at Fort Allen with about thirty Indians ; a large 
part of those who had come with him from Diahoga tarried behind to 
see what reception their chief would meet with. Captain Newcastle, 
who had recently returned from his mission to the Six Nations, was 
just at this time taken with the smallpox, which proved fatal. Weiser 
proceeded to Easton to arrange for the treaty, and soon reported the 
arrival of Teedyuscung, and that the old man seemed very glad to see 
him. Weiser proposed that the council should be held in Philadelphia, 
but to this the king objected, not being sure it would have a good 
eft'ect on those not yet arrived. Weiser wrote to the Governor thus : 

-° According to this, the Iroquois did not order removal. 



86 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

"I am apt to think Teedyuscung's authority is not so great as he gave out. 
but I take him to be entirely in our interest," etc. 

Some runners from those holding back arrived to see if the king 
and his companions were alive. On Monday, November 8th, the con- 
ference was opened, the Governor, some members of the Assembly, 
and some interested Quakers having come from Philadelphia, Benja- 
min Franklin being the Chief Commissioner. This council lasted nine 
days; the causes of the late 1756 war, complaints of the Indians, etc.. 
were discussed. Teedyuscung claimed to have done his duty faith- 
fully, though he asserted the ground on which he stood was his in- 
heritance and taken from him by frawid; explaining that he meant all 
the ground on the riz'er Susquehanna, from Tohiccon Creek (Chemung 
River) to IVyoniing. When asked what he meant by fraud he men- 
tioned forged deeds, and said the Delawares had never been satisfied 
since the "Walking Purchase" in 1737. 

On the third day of the conference a runner arrived reporting 
that forty Indian warriors from Diahoga were on the way, having been 
told that Teedyuscung and all his company were cut off. They were 
come to revenge his death, but hearing the chief was safe they were 
glad and would not advance. It was thought proper to invite them 
to attend the treaty, but they decided to remain at Fort Allen, wdiere, 
in case of success, the goods would be brought for distribution. A 
full account of all these proceedings is given in Col. Records, Vol. VII, 
in which it is said that this treaty was not concluded because the In- 
dians did not bring their prisoners as had been requested of them. 

At the close the King presented the Governor with fifteen deer- 
skins to make him some gloves, many goods were distributed to the 
Indians, and all parted on friendly terms. Conrad Weiser, by the 
Governor's orders, escorted the Indians to* Fort Allen, and had many 
trials with Teedyuscung because of his fondness and demand for rum. 
The dividing of the goods was completed and the Indians made ready 
to return home. Weiser, in his journal, says : 

"Deedjoskon quite sober parted with me with tears in his eyes, desired me 
to stand a friend to the Indians and give good advice till every thing desired is 
brought about. Though he is a drunkard and a very irregular man, yet he can 
think well, and I believe him to be sincere in what he said." 

While it is supposed Teedyuscung returned to Diahoga little is 
known of the events of the next two months in that locality. In De- 
cember Governor Denny wrote to Sir William Johnson apologetically 
concerning the late treaty, since Sir William had been appointed sole 
agent of Indian affairs in this part of North America, and had appar- 
ently been dissatisfied with the various conferences in Pennsylvania, 
as Lord Loudon had prohibited Governor Denny from holding further 
treaties or conferences. He appealed to Sir William to endeavor to 
establish peace on foundations laid ; said that he looked upon Teedy- 
uscung as the chief of tiie Susquehanna Delawares, so regarded by 
the Indians "now settled at Diahoga, zdio are a collection of Dela- 
wares, Shaiimiese, Mohicans, and some of the fugitive Six Nations 
formerly on the Ohio." He also stated that the chief had proposed 
another meeting in the spring, and desired Sir William to fix a time 



TEEDYUSCUXG'S TREATY AT LANCASTER 87 

for the council of the Indians "when they can best be spared." In re- 
sponse to this Sir William appointed George M. Croghan "Deputy 
Agent for to transact Indian affairs in this Province." 

January 12, 1757, Jo Peepy and Lewis Montour were sent to invite 
the chief at Diahoga and the Susquehanna Indians to meet Mr. 
Croghan in conference at Harris Ferry later in the season. 

This conference, known as "Teedyiiscung's Treaty," proved to be 
"Croghan's," and was held at Lancaster in May. According to the 
Moravian records, for two or three months previous, Indians, "all from 
Diahoga," men, women and children, with an occasional captive, were 
arriving at Bethlehem asking to stay "till the king comes," and that 
they were sent by him to say they were all for peace. They were 
lodged near the present Lehigh Valley station in South Bethlehem, 
and fed at the expense of the Province, the accounts in full being found 
in the Memorials of the Moravian Church. While the Brethren were 
often annoyed and troubled by the Indians, whose friendship was so 
dubious, they were uniformly kind and gentle, even caring tenderly 
for the sick, giving land for the savages to plant corn and beans, and 
ministering to their souls' needs also, when possible. The appointed 
opening of the conference was delayed by the non-appearance of 
Teedyuscung. Many of the Indians became very uneasy, and some 
returned home, saying if they met the chief they would accompany 
him back. Those who remained appealed to Governor Denny, who, 
out of respect to Johnson and Croghan, did not propose to be present. 
He thus reports to the Proprietaries : 

"When they (Indians) heard nothing from him nor that he was returned 
from the Seneca country where they were told he was gone, as they passed 
thro' the Diahoga Town where he lived * * they began to repine * * and 
to be much out of humor. . The season for planting Indian corn approaching, 
they sent two of their chiefs to tell me they could stay no longer, and to request 
I would come and take them by the hand, having many things to say to me. It 
was very disagreeable to leave the seat of Government to attend Indians with 
whom I had nothing to do ; nevertheless with the advice of the council I went 
to Lancaster. I had the mortification to hear from their own mouths that these 
very Delawares, who were treated as Women, thrown out of the Council, and 
ordered to live on the Sasquehannah, by their Uncles the Six Nations — had now 
put the Six Nations to defiance, and were so strongly supported by the Senecas, 
that their other uncles could not terminate the difficulties between them and 
this Government. Sensible of this, and honest, they advised me to write to the 
Senecas and solicit their favor as the only means to bring about, a firm and last- 
ing peace with Teedyuscung and the Delawares." 

As if in defiance of the attempted treaty, there was an Indian raid 
at this time, desolating a large tract of country to within thirty miles 
of Lancaster; and four dead bodies, "scalped and butchered," were 
brought to Lancaster and laid at the very door of the Court House, 
"a spectacle of reproach," says Governor Denny, "to every one there, 
as it must give the Indians a sovereign contempt for the Province." 

On account of the absence of Teedyuscung this conference was 
closed without transacting any business of importance, though many 
tribes of the upper Susquehanna were represented.-" The king sent 

-"Croghan reported Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Senecas, Cayugas, Tuscaroras, 
Xanticokes and Delawares, in all about 200. They reported that they did not wait at Diahoga 



88 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

word that he was coming and had b^en detained only by going so far 
among the Six Nations. Messengers were dispatched to inform him 
of the proposed later conference, and promises to redress all grievances, 
inviting him to come down with his Uncles, the Senecas, when con- 
venient. The Indians present reported that they heard at Diahoga 
that a great number of Indians would come with Teedyuscung, "some 
with a true love of peace with their brethren, the English, and some 
for want of everything, especially victuals." Conrad Weiser, acting 
as their interpreter, they said to him: "Is it true that you are become 
a fallen tree, that you must no more engage in Indian affairs? What 
is the reason thereof?" On being told that Sir William Johnson had 
been appointed by the King of England to manage all Indian affairs, 
and had ordered Pennsylvania to desist from holding treaties, they ex- 
pressed much regret. 

All these negotiations for peace had as yet been of little avail, for 
the Province was still exposed to the devastations of the French and 
the western Indians, who roamed over the country in small parties 
and, especially in the southern counties, kept the inhabitants in con- 
tinual alarm. It has been truly said that there was a great lack of 
ability and energy on the part of the authorities of the Province at 
this time. Well-directed efforts might have driven the savages back, 
but imbecility distinguished the British ministers, and discord pre- 
vailed in Pennsylvania. 

In the Grand Council at Easton : 

"Teedjaiscung, with an eloquence unsurpassed by any Indian chieftain, 
supported the rights of his nation with great dignity and spirit. Unfortunately 
the Commissioners struck out so much of his address as reflected on transactions 
of Provincial Government of Pennsylvania." 

It is evident, however, that the king was not in good repute with 
all the Indians, or that they were not in sympathy with the English ; 
for some of them even went so far when the powder was given them 
after a treaty as to say "nonf im haz'e got souiething to kill our breth- 
ren zvith," at the same time declaring they did not mind Teedyuscung. 
It was even claimed that he was party to some distressing raids and 
murders which occurred in his vicinity, when he was on his way home 
from the treaty of November, 175G. After this treaty some Indians 
claimed that Teedyuscung had not told all the truth ; Conrad Weiser 
having said that he did not understand about the cause of the war; 
the chief blamed now the English, now the Proprietaries, and now the 
Indians, etc. Weiser was told that while all that the chief was to say 
was agreed on beforehand : 

"He was so often overcome with Liquor that he spoke confused, though 
nothing that was wrong ; and that he never mentioned what drew the Delawares 
heart from the English and their Indian allies. That he should have told of the 
differences between the Delawares and the Mingoes ;"' how the latter cheated the 
former out of a great deal of land and sold it to the Proprietaries. That the 
Mingoes abused the Delawares as if they were their dogs and ordered tliciii to 
settle oil the SasqtiehannaJi, which they did, thinking themselves safe. But in 

for the king because it was such a hungry country, "They have nothing to eat but walnuts 
and wild potatoes." Deer had been scarce for two years and the Indians had petitioned the 
Governor for provisions. 

^ Delaware name for Iroquois. 



THIRD TREATY AT EASTON 89 

about three j-ears a compain^ of New England men came, making draughts and 
planning settlement, and telling the Delawares the land was not theirs but the 
Mingos. When the Delawares made complaint, saying they would go over to 
the French, the Mingos deceived them, concealing the fact of the sale to New 
Englanders. At last our people were terrible angry, and suspected they would 
be cut off, and by that alarm our Indians gathered at Diahoga to see what would 
be the consequence; either they would join the French or maintain their lands." '^ 

The narrators said the chief was afraid to tell this story when 
the ^Nlinq-oes were present, who had always been deceitful and artful. 
But they begged Weiser, as later did Teedyuscung himself, to en- 
deavor to persuade the Governor to lay out a larger tract on the "Sas- 
quehannah" and secure it to them and theirs, and Weiser promised to 
do it. (Here it is plain that the Connecticut settlers had other foes 
than Pennamites.) Some of the Indians who came to Croghan's treaty 
reported that there was another company from about Diahoga who 
were minded to come down and do mischief to the white people. Also, 
that they had encountered a band above Wyoming who had the same 
evil design, and who claimed they were waiting for twelve more who 
were "coming down on a raft;" that they might go to Mitmisink or 
down the Susquehanna. This naturally created a feeling of uneasiness 
and extra messengers and supplies of food were sent to meet the king. 
But it proved that he was too far away to come on time. 

January 18, 1757, the messengers returned to Bethlehem and 
reported that the king would arrive in eight days ; that he was still 
one hundred miles above Diahoga, and that he had been diligent in 
performing the several matters he undertook at Easton. He requested 
that the Governor should be ready for the treaty and not detain him 
longer than necessary. Whether this was on account of harvest time 
or a specimen of his pomposity is not recorded, but the Indians were 
very uneasy and wished the matter settled. 

It is worthy of note that when the messengers were sent to Dia- 
hoga the Council there, tJic same night, dispatched messengers of their 
own to Ohio to inform the Delawares and Shawanese, and that if none 
of them should choose to come, the messengers were to insist that the 
Ohio Indians should not come to war against the English until after 
the treaty. It is interesting also to read in the Colonial Records that 
these messages being referred to the Senecas in control, they told the 
other Indians they must not accept the call, because the n'ampum belts 
sent were not the proper kind, in which sentiment Teedyuscung later 
acquiesced. Teedyuscung not only asked the Governor to be prompt, 
but that he should have good tobacco ready, and that he should send 
several horseloads of provisions to Wyomink to meet him, as he should 
have a great number of people with him; also "a little Dram." He 
furthermore sent word that the French were cognizant of the proposed 
treaty, and were trying to intercept the travelers, and urged him to 
trust no Indian unless he gave a certain signal. 

It was reported by the messengers that the Indians had at first 
been afraid to come, but when their friends rettirned in safety they 

^ Here we find a settlement at Tioga Point due to the pressing of the Connecticut 
claim, just as it was thirty years later; an interesting coincidence. Also further evidence that 
the move to Teaoga was not by order of the Six Nations. 



90 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

were ready. Early in July Teedyuscung arrived at Fort Allen with 
twenty Indians, reporting that one hundred Senecas would follow in 
a few days. Soon they invaded Bethlehem, and once more the Mo- 
ravian Brethren were kept in a state of excitement and trouble. 
Reichel gives a good, concise account of the treaty,-" which it seems 
well to use : "The third treaty at Easton, held between Teedyuscung 
for the Indians, and George Croghan for the English, opened formally 
on July 27th and closed on August 7th. Governor Denny and his 
Council, and gentlemen from Philadelphia, were present. Of Indian 
counselors and warriors there were 159 of Teedyuscung's followers 
and 119 Senecas. Teedyuscung having demanded a secretary to take 
down the minutes for his revision, it was reluctantly granted him. He 
at once named him 'Man of Truth.' This was really an amusing inci- 
dent, the king evidently being determined to impress the assembly 
with his importance. He said his memory was weak, and that to have 
minutes would prove the truth." Conrad Weiser, however, believed 
it was not his own idea but suggested to him by meddlesome per- 
sons. Teedyuscung said he was a king, and as such had a right to 
have a clerk, would haz'c one, and would be no longer led by the nose, 
and desired the Governor might be told so,^*' also.^^ 

When the real business began the king once more claimed that 
the fraudulent land purchases had provoked the war, and demanded 
that the matter should be investigated closely, and that if injury had 
been done the Indians should have redress. He said, "I will speak 
with a loud voice, and the nations shall hear me." He stated his pur- 
pose to return and settle at Wyoming, saying he would have a white 
man's town, with provision for education and religious instruction. 
He demanded that the deeds of purchase should be made public, even 
laid before King George for his determination. This being promised 
he claimed to confirm a lasting peace in ancient method, closing by 
the presentation of two belts of wampum tied together. The Gov- 
ernor responded in a similar strain and presented a large white belt 
with figures representing King George, the Five Nations and Teedy- 
uscung. The king had already requested that they should have as- 
sistance in re-establishing themselves at Wyoming, which had been 
promised. On one occasion, some exceptions being taken to the king's 
minutes, he answered : 

"Don't you see that I aim by having a clerk of my own to exceed my an- 
cestors, by having everything for the best ?"' 

Weiser also reports that he did not drink as much strong liquor 
as usual, sO' it is evident he was endeavoring to do' right as far as 

"" "Mem. Moravian Church," p. 327. For fuller information see "Colonial Records," 
Vols. 7 and 8; also Pa. Archives, 1756-60. Egle ignores this treaty in his "History of Penn- 
sylvania," a curious circumstance. He has an exalted idea of Teedyuscung which can hardly 
be sustained if the State records are carefully read. 

30 "Colonial Records," Vol. VII, p. 658. 

31 Sherman Day, in Hist. Coll. Pa., says the Quakers suggested to Teedyuscung the pro- 
priety of having a secretary "to prevent that convenient forgetf illness which often seized the 
proprietary secretaries whenever the proprietary interest required it." He says the Quakers 
not only desired peace, but to see justice done to the Indians; also that the chief, though 
plied with liquor, was proof against the wiles of the Governor and Colonel Croghan. For it 
is a disgraceful fact that the white men really attempted to muddle the Indian brain with 
rum on such occasions. 



INDIAN TREATIES 91 

possible. However, the Six Nation Indians became very angry with 
him for dwelling so long on the land affairs ; they even interrupted 
one of his speeches to the Governor, saying, angrily : 

"Why did you bring us down? We thought we came to make peace with 
our Brethren the English, but you continue to quarrel about the land, which is 
dirt, a dispute we did not hear of till now. We desire you to enter upon the 
business we came down for, which is for peace." 

Here most of the Indians gave sounds of approbation. Of this, 
Conrad W'eiser made careful report. The deeds were shown in open 
council, an exchange of all prisoners agreed upon, and a grand enter- 
tainment was given to all the Indians, men, women and children. After 
this dinner peace was proclaimed, and all were recommended to treat 
the Indians kindly and preserve their friendship. Both the Province 
and the Quakers present provided quantities of gifts. With these, 
however, the Indians seemed not satisfied, Teedyuscung complaining 
evidently of the lack of firearms, urging a scalp bounty, etc. How- 
ever, by the 7th of August, he announced that the treaty being over 
and peace confirmed, he had decided that it would be for the public 
service if he proceeded immediately to Diahoga to proclaim there the 
confirmation of peace, which he accordingly set out to do. 

It is worthy of note that, following a peculiar custom of some 
Indian tribes, the Nanticoke Indians present at this treaty asked that 
the Governor would grant them an escort to Lancaster that they might 
remove the bones of their friends that died there during a former 
treaty, to their own town for burial.^- 

The need of making the most of peace with the Indians was shown 
within a few days wdien news was received of the surrender to French 
forces of Fort William Henry. Great concern was felt for the safety 
of the colonies. 

Teedyuscung was faithful to his promise. He hastened toward 
Diahoga, but returned to Bethlehem August 25th, bringing with him 
a peace belt which he had received from four Alleghanys above Wyo- 
ming, who came from two chiefs of Ohio Indians. They said they 
had struck their brethren, the English, at the instance of the French, 
adding : 

"We have heard O Teedyuscung of the good work of peace you have made 
with our brethren the English ; we will not lift up our hatchet to break that good 
work." 

This belt Teedyusctmg conveyed to Philadelphia and delivered to 
the Governor in council August 30, 1757. A few days later, being 
summoned to meet the Governor, he made much complaint because 
the treaty had not been published ; called Croghan a rogue, and wished 
to deal directly with Pennsylvania rather than with Sir William John- 
son. However, he was pacified and friendly messages were sent to 
Ohio. The king seems now to have changed his inind about hastening 

^- The Nanticokes always exhumed their dead after a certain period and reburied their 
bones, generally in a common pit known as an ossuary. Heckewelder relates they were known 
to go from Chemung to the eastern shore of Maryland for this purpose, even when they were 
obliged to take off the flesh and scrape the bones before they could carry them, and that they 
sometimes passed through Bethlehem with such bones, "which being fresh were highly of- 
fensive." 



92 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

to Diahoga, indeed, it seems he never returned there. On his return 
from Philadelphia, September Gth, he asked the Moravian Brethren 
to allow him to pass the winter at Bethlehem. Permission was re- 
luctantly granted ; he had a lodge built near the Crown Inn and Reichel 
says : 

"Here he held court, and give audience to the wild einbassies from the im- 
placable Monsey (who did not concur in treaty,) from the gates of Diahoga and 
from the Alleghany or the Ohio country." 

4 Meanwhile there was trouble enough at Diahoga. A body of 
French and Indians had appeared near there, their mission being to 
go all along the frontier and spy the strength of the forts. Teedy- 
uscung at once advised offering rewards for scalps and prisoners, 
and sending a black belt of wampum. However, but a few days after 
the arrival of the Diahoga messengers with the above information, 
the son of the old chief Paxinosa arrived with the intelligence that 
the French and Indians had been compelled to halt at Diahoga, the 
Delawares there refusing to permit them to pass. On the return of 
this messenger the king sent two belts to the Ten Nations "who had 
taken hold of the peace belt at Easton." By the first he commanded 
that they discover the perpetrators of the late assaults on settlers, and 
restore all captives ; by the second he notified them of his residence at 
Bethlehem, where visiting chiefs could be given by him safe escort 
to Philadelphia. In October he spent two weeks conferring with the 
Governor, advising that the black belt be not sent ; learning of the 
appointment of commissioners to build a fort and houses, as requested, 
at Wyoming, and, as usual, making not too modest recjuests for wam- 
pum, money, horses, etc. 

In October there was reported "another great company not far 
from Tiaoga, mixt with French, going to war against the English." 
In November he accompanied the commissioners to Wyoming. In 
December he was again at Philadelphia, wishing to postpone building 
until spring. In December messengers came from the west reporting 
a proposed expedition of French and Indians in the spring against 
Shamokin and vicinity. In May, 1758, Teedyuscung and his following 
removed from Bethlehem to Wyoming, and the Moravians rejoiced, 
Reichel saying: 

"And on the going out of these spirits 'The Crown' was swept and gar- 
nished, and Ephraim Colver, the publican had rest." 

With the year 1758 all the Indians but Lhe Munseys seemed re- 
solved to keep the peace along the Susquehanna. In Jantiary Job Chil- 
laway came to Fort Augtista to trade with skins. He was "from the 
Munsey Country at the Heads of the Cayuga Branch above Diahoga." 
He assured the people at the fort that the only unfriendly Indians were 
the Munseys, who were then planning to join the French in an attack 
on an eastern fort. 

Early in March three Indian deputies came from Diahoga, whom 
Teedyusctmg escorted to Philadelphia, asking audience of the Gov- 
ernor. The king was in an insolent mood, and the Governor appealed 
to the Council, by whom it was decided that it would be wise to receive 



TEEDYUSCUXG AT PHILADELPHIA 93 

him, which was done March loth. He announced that the deputies 
came to say that news of the Easton treaty had been widely spread, 
and he boasted, "/ hai'e made all these Nations as one man." Indeed, 
he made a characteristic and vainglorious speech ,^^ and urged that the 
work be continued. He also said they had discovered that the trouble 
all came from the French, who must die. For himself he made some 
further demands as to the re-establishment at Wyoming. He suggested 
that a messenger should be sent to the Cherokee Indians urging them 
to be English allies rather than French. He made great demands for 
reimbursement of all his expenses. After consultation in council the 
Governor replied, acquiescing in many of the demands ; proposing 
that the peace belt should be sent to all the Ohio towns. The chief 
was also informed that it seemed "necessary to open a great road from 
Diahoga and the Heads of Susquehannah to Fort Augusta." Teedy- 
uscung objected to this and was told it was only a proposal for the 
Indians to consider. With this the Indians were dismissed March 25th. 
They were, however, to have had another public meeting, but hearing 
of the advance of some Cherokees they begged Teedyuscung to allow 
them to return to put the northern Indians on their guard. They de- 
parted, although the king assured the Governor they would return 
soon with answers, etc. 

A few days later a delegation of twenty Indians from Diahoga 
arrived at Fort Allen w^ith a belt of white wampum, assuring the 
English they would keep their young men at home, and would do no 
more harm to the inhabitants. Doubtless, they came because of the 
proposed French and Mousey attack on Fort Allen. 

On the tenth of April the king returned to Philadelphia to urge 
that the western Indians should be left to him to settle, but before 
leaving he asked the English to join With him. He was informed that 
raids and murders continued in the Province, and urged to go or send 
some of his young men to stop this work, and that thereby he would 
show he was in earnest. He at once departed to comply with this re- 
quest, and was soon at Fort Allen, promising his young men, and also 
arranging to send several messengers to the western Indians. He then 
returned to Philadelphia, whereupon the people at Fort Allen and 
Bethlehem had much trouble with the proposed messengers, who took 
a good deal of rum, claimed they had w-arning dreams, etc. Two mes- 
sengers arrived from up the river, also, who seemed to give the im- 
pression that there would be serious trouble again. The king's visit 
was to urge haste in building the Indian houses at Wyoming for fear 
he would be blamed. He also said he could not tell what Indians had 
committed the late depredations, and he w^as requested by Governor 
Denny to send out scouts and rangers on his return to Bethlehem. 

There seem to have been troublous times at Te-a-o-ga since 
Teedyuscung had deserted it. There was a rumor of a conspiracy 
among the French to destroy the Six Nations, and migrations toward 
the south were frequent. Early in May a Delaware family went from 
"Tiahogan" to Fort Augusta, reporting that more would follow them 

33 See "Colonial Records," Vol. VIII, pp. .33-42. 



94 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

that li'onki not be coiiumindcd by l^ccdyuscuiig, as his way of acting 
was disagreeable to the Indians about Tiahogan, ahhough, because of 
the good work of peace, they would be advised by him. These Del- 
awares reported the Indians about Tiahogan as all well affected to 
the English, no danger of breaking with them again. Soon after this, 
Benjamin, a Mahikan, from near Bethlehem, was sent for by his 
sister, living in the Nanticoke town, Cennigo (now Binghamton). On 
returning he reported that near Diahoga he found the old Shawanese 
chief Paxinosa and his entire family, who told him they were about 
to move to the Ohio. That all the Indians were in a hurry to move 
from the Susquehanna, having heard the Bnglish had very bad de- 
signs on them, and that even the Wioming settlement was only a pre- 
tense. Benjamin tried in vain to pacify Paxinosa, but the old man 
"was quite deaf to anything in favor of the English," and even urged 
Benjamin to join them. At Cennigo he found the same feeling; no 
planting had been done, and all were inclined to move toward the 
French rather than the English. He was even told he could not return 
to Fort Allen without being intercepted or murdered. Every day new 
and bad stories were told of the English, the source of complaint being 
that they had allowed the Cherokees and other southern Indians to 
come so far north. On his way home he met Teedyuscung, who was 
amazed at Benjamin's reports ; said he would be on the lookout, and 
that he would go again to the Five Nations and search for the evil 
that possessed them, the Maquas and Mohocks especially seeming to 
favor the French. 

Soon after this a message was sent to Teedyuscung, now settled 
at Wyoming, asking him to endeavor to control all the Indians in that 
vicinity ; also to inquire of the Indians at Diahoga what had become 
of the messenger sent with belts to the Indian country, especially the 
one sent to the Senecas inviting them to further council. Christian 
Frederic Post carried these messages, with instructions to go on and 
confer with the Senecas himself. But this Teedyuscung urged him not 
to do, as there were parties of Indians, possibly hostile, scattered all 
through the woods. It was reported to Post that Diahoga and Owege 
were completely deserted, and he finally concluded to return, Teedyus- 
cung sending word that another treaty must be held in the summer, 
and that there were with him some Alleghany Indians who had come 
intending to visit the Governor, but they were suspicious and afraid 
because of the many idle reports afloat ; also they complained that 
they had never had a satisfactory account of the last treaty at Easton. 

Soon after his return it was decided to send Post on a mission to 
the western Indians. Teedyuscung predicted that he would never 
return alive, but that did not deter Post. He carried copies of the 
Easton treaty, belts of wampum and messages from the Governor. 
He had, of course, a very perilous journey ; his own account is found 
in the Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. Ill, 1750-1700. Just previous to 
his start Teedyuscung, with fifty Indians, once more came to confer 
with the Governor, bringing with him the much delayed messengers 
from the north. The story of the Easton treaty and the previous 



POST'S MISSIOX TO WESTERN INDIANS 95 

council at Diahoga was told for the benefit of those who had not been 
present, and arrangements were made for another great council at 
Easton soon. Even at this late day it appears that the great king 
zvas not well kiioz^'ii to the Six Nations, Sir William Johnson writing 
he could learn little about him, and he suspected "he was not the con- 
sequential person he pretended to be in Indian proceedings, and that 
he was cither a tool or a vain, forward fellow." Johnson even sug- 
gested he might still be the instigator of the frontier murders. So 
much doubt prevailed that it was arranged that all Indians friendly 
to the English should wear a broad yellow band on the head or arms. 

Shortly after Post's departure the king's son returned from the 
west reporting that all the Delawares agreed to peace, but that the 
Shawanese and other nations would continue the war, being much 
prejudiced by the French. 

About the same time that Post was sent out (1758 and '59) Moses 
Titani}- and Isaac Hill were sent on a similar peace mission to the 
Minisinks. They returned the first of August, and their journal is of 
great interest, especially as they traveled by the Susquehanna. On 
arriving at Diahoga they report : 

"All the houses in this town are in ruins, no Indians live there, the road 
bad. From there we went to the house of Ehlanemet, son-in-law of French 
Margaret." 

They were told that all the way the Susquehanna, quite to the 
head, was thickly settled, chiefly with Delawares. All the Indians 
whom they visited agreed to attend the great treaty. On their return 
they met a war party at Diahoga, but were not molested. It was 
evident that the French influenced the Indians by telling the most 
preposterous lies. The war party at Diahoga was reported by Teedy- 
uscung as made up of Mohawks with a French captain ; all but ten 
were persuaded by the Indians near Diahoga to turn back. 

During Post's absence Governor Denny had various preliminary 
councils with Indian delegates. Post returned in September. After 
various vicissitudes he had held a council near Fort Duquesne, where 
the French used every efifort to persuade the Indians to decoy him into 
the fort. Post very soon found that the western Indians had no use 
for Teedyusctmg, declined to hear his agreements read, repudiated the 
late treaty because it was his, and wished to hear only from the Gov- 
ernor. "I must confess the difficulties I met with this day made me 
sweat," he says. His companion also was a great trial, proving a 
veritable turn-coat, and thwarting Post in everything. Even the In- 
dians discovered he was a very false fellow. However, he succeeded 
under the very cannon of the fort in thwarting the plans of the French 
and persuading the Indians to attend at Easton. On his safe return 
he wrote : 

"Praise and Glory be to the Lamb that was slain, that brought me through 
the Country of DreadfuU Jealousy and Mistrust." — 

By the last of September, 1758, the Indians began once more to 
assemble at Easton. Croghan reported great drunkenness, adding that 
he believed Teedyuscung was kept drunk to serve some purpose, and 



96 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

complaining of the commissary being permitted to give out so much 
Hquor. 

October Tth the great treaty began with about oOO Indians, as 
three old land disputes were to be settled, /. c, the Iroquois sale of 1754, 
the "Walking Purchase," and the claims of the Alinisinks in New Jer- 
sey. And there were also many magistrates, freeholders and citizens of 
the Province and from Philadelphia, with Conrad Weiser as inter- 
preter. During the council the Mohock chief, Niclias, attacked Teedy- 
uscung, saying, "Who' made Teedyuscung the chief of the nations?" 
This sentiment was repeated by a representative of each of the Six 
Nations, all disowning his authority over them, and wishing to know 
whence he derived it. Weiser refused to interpret these attacks except 
in private conference. The Governor attempted to smooth over these 
insults by saying that he really only knew Teedyuscung to be chief of 
the Delawares, and that the chief had always called the Six Nations 
his L^ncles, and so the storm was averted. 

Eghohowin (the chief of the Monseys settled at old Sheshequin) 
was present and was blamed because he was holding English prisoners. 
Various reasons were given for having turned against the English ; 
Teedyuscung wisely had little to say, and after nineteen days' confer- 
ence they confirmed their ancient union, and agreed to a firm peace in 
which they would engage all other nations tO' join. Quantities of pres- 
ents were then distributed as usual, the only complaint made being that 
they were given no ammunition, and that they desired wagons to 
carry the old and infirm to Wioming. "'Some Wine and Punch zcas 
then ordered in, and the Conference concluded with great Joy and 
mutual Satisfaction." Many of the chiefs went home in the regalia 
of the white men, ruffled shirts, laced hats and regimental coats. 

In less than a month the French evacuated Fort Duquesne, which 
terminated the struggle between the French and English in the Ohio 
Valley, and in 1759 Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Niagara and Quebec 
were won for England. Early in this year it was recommended by 
Stanwix to send Post on another mission to the Indians of W'yoming 
and the Susquehanna. After the council at Easton he had been dis- 
patched to Pittsburg to deliver peace belts to the western Indians, an 
errand which he had successfully accomplished. In 1758-'59 several 
conferences were held at Pittsburg to conclude matters with the west- 
ern Indians. Both the Alleghanies and the Delawares had asked that 
he might be sent to preach to them. Post, expressing the same desire, 
the Governor issued to him a passport which should allow him to travel 
back and forth unmolested. 

Diahoga, this year (1759), lay deserted still, but late in the year 
Teedyuscung reported at Philadelphia that he had attended a great 
meeting of Indians at Assinising, on the Cayuga Branch ; that depu- 
ties from many nations were present, all disposed for peace except the 
Minisinks, whom he recommended to the Governor. The chief also 
related that he had traveled much during the summer and told of the 
treaty of peace to eleven nations. In responding, the Governor spoke 
of a great council to^ be held in Ohio and insisted on his attendance, 



POST'S SECOND MISSION 97 

offering to send Frederiek Post with him. Soon after this there were 
some murders once more committed. Teedyuscung was at once sum- 
moned by the Governor and came bearing many belts and strings 
from the Indians on the upper Susquehanna. 

Arrangements were now made for the mission to Ohio, Post being 
very carefully instructed, especially as to the return of all English 
prisoners. Post started from Bethlehem May 8, ITGO. It was ar- 
ranged that the party should go up the Susquehanna first. Having 
joined Teedyuscung at Wyoming they soon arrived at Quihaloosing 
(Wyalusing), where Post preached by request. A few days later they 
arrived at Diahoga ; evidently it was once more inhabited, as Post's 
companion, John Hays, says that here "Teedyuscung had a conference 
with the chiefs and sent messages to the chiefs at Assinsan,^* whither 
they went the following day ; the next day they sent to the Mingoes 
at Pachsaheunk''''' to call to council. 

"This day the Indians began to Sacrifice to their God, and spent the day 
in a very odd manner, howling and dancing, raveling like wolves and painted 
frightful as Devils." — Hays. 

The messages from the Alingoes were not reassuring, being that 
if the party advanced further they would roast them in the fire. While 
waiting for more pleasant messages Hays says : 

"We were diverted with a strange story of the Indians at Diahogo seeing 
a vision in the moon, viz. that they saw 2 horses in the moon, one came from 
the East, the other from the West, and they fought a battle, and the easterly 
horse prevailed and threw the other Down and fell a top of him, and then men 
appeared about one foot long from the East and drove all before them ; the In- 
dians were very much grieved at this strange sight and wanted to know our 
opinion, we thought best to say nothing." 

After many days parley by messenger the Mingoes (Senecas) re- 
fused, for various reasons, to let the white men pass through their 
country, although they agreed to allow Teedyuscung and his Indians 
to go.^** It is worthy of note that on this journey the chief steadfastly 
refused to drink rum. 

Mr. Hays speaks of "all the little towns above Diahoga," showing 
how thickly settled the country was. On their return they staid over 
night at Diahoga, but give no information as to its inhabitants. Several 
persons were delivered up to Post, although on this one point the In- 
dians seem to have been very obstinate in spite of the treaty, the Min- 
goes telling Post that they desired that none of the nations on the 
"Sisquhana" should give their prisoners, it was their orders (the Iro- 
quois) they should keep them. It may be noted here that white pris- 
oners were generally given to their individual captors, and zvere not 
considered the /property of the tribe or nation. 

*• Beauchamp thinks this was at Big Flats. Ettwein says it was a Mousey town at the 
confluence of Tioga and Conhocton, now in Steuben County. 

'^ Supposed to be at Colonel Bill's Creek at this time. Zeisberger says it was the "last 
on the Tiaogee." Below Teaoga, at earlier date; there may have been two towns. 

•'^ Concerning their refusal they thus expressed themselves later (at the same time man- 
ifesting a desire for his return) : "That is a road which the Minguise never suffer any white 
man to travel, and if he has any business at ye Allegheny he must go in the Great King's 
road opened there." Evidently they were willing and even anxious that he should go to the 
Ohio, if he went by the direct road. 



98 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Friendly visits from various Indians of the upper Susquehanna 
were made to the Governor all through the year 1760 ; some prisoners 
were returned, also a number of stolen horses. No party seems to 
have been direct from Diahoga, although from nearby towns. Several 
satisfactory councils were held at Pittsburg with the western Indians, 
and Teedyuscung brought from Ohio, as he expressed it, "a deal of 
Good News." At the same time he expressed not only dissatisfaction 
but indignation at the settlement of the Connecticut people at Wyoming, 
saying, "If the Governor coii't the Indians iwll put a stop to it."^" 

At a conference some months later the Governor informed the 
chief that the Connecticut settlers claimed to have deeds from Jersey 
Indians, which Teedyuscung claimed must be a pretense. Early in 
1761 Governor Hamilton wrote to Sir William Johnson concerning 
the chief's unwillingness to hold a treaty or council with Johnson.^* 
He also says, "We are like to have fresh trouble, and I am afraid re- 
newal of Indian war from a most micked revh'ol of the Connecticut 
claims." Teedyuscung insisted that the government of Connecticut 
should be desired to recall, the settlers, and a letter was written to the 
Governor of Connecticut concerning what Hamilton called "a flagrant 
piece of injustice offered to the Indians" (disregarding the deed ob- 
tained by the Susquehanna Company from the Indians). This was, 
however, soon brought into discussion, and Teedyuscung was advised 
to urge the settlers peacably to desist from further encroachments until 
the matter could be settled by lawful authority. 

Messengers from various nations were now continually visiting 
Philadelphia to inquire when the great council fire was again to be 
lighted, but there seems to be no mention of Diahoga. In August, 
1761, the council once more began at Easton, about four hundred In- 
dians being present. At this council the Indians begged that the Gov- 
ernor would take pity on them and erect a trading" house at Diahoga, 
that we may be able to buy our goods cheaper, at the same thne com- 
plaining that General Johnson's prices were dear. 

Here was an efifort to make Diahoga once more prominent, and, 
as usual with the Delawares, to avoid intercourse with Johnson. To 
this request the Governor replied that he could not set up another 
store-house at so great a distance as Diahoga, as it was expensive and 
difficult to maintain those already built, and that they could supply 
themselves from the one at Shamokin. Doubtless it was this request 
which led to the establishment of a private trading post at Sheshequin. 
See Chapter VIII. 

At this council Teedyuscung addressed his Uncles, the Six Na- 
tions, with some warmth as to his settlement at Wyomink by their 
commands, which was n'ow to be taken from him. The Governor was 
asked to make some satisfaction to the Delawares for their'lands; in- 

^' Reflection on this would lead one to find a cause not often assigned for the later 
horrible events at Wyoming. Far better to think it was the Indians' claim rather than that 
of Pennsylvania that was at the bottom of the trouble in 1778. 

°* Feb. 12, 1761, a Pennsylvanian writes to Sir William Johnson: "The Connecticut 
people are making their grand push both in England for a new grant from the King, and in 
this province for a forceable entry and detainer of Indian lands on no other pretence than 
that their charter extends to the South Seas, and so like mad men they will cross New York 
and New Jersey, and come and Kindle an Indian War in the Bowels of this poor Province." 



SECOND TREATY AT LANCASTER 99 

deed, all the Indians present combined to ask that the lands should be 
deeded to two reliable Indians for the Delawares. It is notable that 
at this treaty the Indians north of Wyalusing would not agree to peace, 
that is, the unfriendly Alonseys at or near Diahoga, and the Senecas. 

As the Ohio Indians did not attend the above council another was 
held especially for them at Lancaster in August, 1762. This was very 
largely attended, although much difficulty was experienced for lack 
of a good interpreter, Conrad Weiser, the faithful, having died sud- 
denly in the previous summer. While this was a very important treaty 
there is little concerning Diahoga, except the statements of the Oneida 
chief, Thomas King, that the sale of lands to the Susquehanna Com- 
pany was a fraudulent one — "not sold by our consent in publick coun- 
cil, but it uxis as it were stolen front us," although he acknowledged 
that it was very well known that the land was sold by the Six Nations 
for $3,000. He also spoke of the fire kindled by himself at Diahoga 
and other places, still kept burning. At this treaty Teedyuscung re- 
tracted his charge of forgery and fraud made against the Proprietaries 
at a council six years previous. As usual, bitter feeling was shown 
between him and the Six Nations, they claiming that it had been cur- 
rently reported that he would poison all who attended the treaty. 

It was but a few months later, in April, 1763, that Teedyuscung's 
hut, with twenty others, was set on fire at Wyoming, and he, being in 
a drunken sleep, was burned to death. It seems to be an unsettled ques- 
tion whether this was done by some of the Six Nations, or, as they 
suggested, by some Connecticut settlers. 

After the general treaty at Lancaster peace seemed about to de- 
scend on Pennsylvania and, indeed, on all the colonies, the French 
having been vanquished. But in 1763 there came to a climax that most 
remarkable scheme called the "Conspiracy of Pontiac." Parkman, the 
able historian, has so well told this story that it needs here to be said 
only that Pontiac was an Ottawa chief whose sympathies had always 
been with the French, and w^ho resented the growing supremacy of 
the English, as well as the advance of civilization. Therefore, he plan- 
ned with other western Indians to attack simultaneously all the fron- 
tier forts. While that special plan failed, the country surrounding 
Detroit was involved again in a bloody war, in which, however, the 
Indians of the North Branch of the Susquehanna seem to have taken 
little part ; although along the western frontier of Pennsylvania "ter- 
ror reigned supreme ;" and in October, 1763, according to Parkman, 
occurred a most horrible attack and massacre of the Connecticut peo- 
ple at Wyoming, said to have been conducted by Captain Bull, a son 
of Teedyuscung, possibly in revenge for his father's death. This was 
called the First Wyoming Massacre. 

The attacks in Pennsylvania were known to proceed from a de- 
bauched rabble of Indians living on the West Branch of the Susque- 
hanna. It was during this year also that occurred the massacre of the 
Conestoga Indians by the exasperated whites. This small band was 
supposed by early historians to be the remnant of the formidable An- 
dastes, but that hardly seems to have been corroborated. At any rate 



100 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

they were now completely annihilated. The struggle with the Indians 
continued two or three years, although the western tribes were some- 
what intimidated in 1764 by the successful campaign of Colonel Bou- 
quet. During these troublous times the Moravian Brethren continued 
their journeys up and down the valley. They had a real mission set- 
tlement at Wyalusing and at Sheshequin (now Ulster). 

When application was made to establish the Wyalusing mission, 
Togahaju, the Cayuga sachem, who controlled the Indians in this vi- 
cinity, objected, saying that the valley was stained with blood (pre- 
sumably alluding to the terriffic battle at Gohontoto). After some 
time, as he still objected, Zeisberger determined to apply in person. 
In his journal is this record. May 25, 1766, "Passed Tioga where at 
present no one resides." The chief proved very friendly, and thus 
responded to their request : 

"Up to this time you have only sojourned at Wihikising, Now I take you 
and set you down there finally. And we give you all the land from Wihilusing 
up to a short distance above Tioga, which is two fully days' journey by land. 
There you can build, plant, fish and use as you like. It is yours." — "Life of 
Zeisberger," p. 315. 

He also said it was for the Christian Indians only. This grant be- 
ing disputed by a jealous Indian, in October of the same year, Zeis- 
berger resolved to apply to the great council at Onondaga. Here he 
was well received and the grant of Togahagu was not only confirmed, 
but he was told that the jealous chief, Newalike, a Dciazimre, had no 
authority, while Togahagu was their accredited deputy. On this trip 
he merely mentions passing Teaoga. In 1767, on another mission, this 
record is given : 

"Oct. 1 came to Schechschiqumunk where we met Achohund the chief of 
the town^" — Passed Diahoga, and in the afternoon reached some huts of the 
Tuteloes, and in the evening reached IVilazvane, quite a new town of Monsey 
Indians who moved here from Cayuga Lake last spring." 

In this same year, in the Wyahisirig Diary, edited by Dr. J. W. 
Jordan, it is recorded that "a string of wampum was sent by the In- 
dians of Tioga for corn. It w^as accepted at a valuation of two bush- 
els." This shows that once more Indians were living at Tioga. Indeed, 
when the town w'as last found deserted, it may have been all were ofT 
hunting, as Cammerhoff reports "hunting camps" of the Tioga Del- 
awares down the river ; or they may have all gone iip tJic riz'cr, as here- 
tofore, to plant corn. 

Early in January, 1768, the whole valley of the Susquehanna, in- 
deed, much of the Province, was in an uproar on account of the "bar- 
barous and unprovoked murder" of several Indians, men, women and 
children, hy a white man. This was turning the tables, indeed. This 
deed was committed at Middle Creek, on the west bank of the Sus- 
quehanna, by a Dutchman, Frederick Stump, without provocation, 
other than that the Indians were drunk and disorderly, and he was 
afraid they might do mischief. These Indians seem to have been in 
a temporary hunting camp, being from different localities. A few days 
later some poor Indians from "Wighaloosing" having arrived in Phil- 
adelphia to ask for relief ; the Governor wisely seized the opportunity 



INDIANS ^lURDERED BY STUMP 101 

to send messages, and the usual belts of wampum by one of their num- 
ber to the relatives and friends, whose residence is told in the following 
message,^'' addressed to the Indians at "Wighaloosen" : 

"Brethren, We desire that this Belt of Wampum may be sent forward by 
Zaccheus. or any other Indian that shall chuse, to the Indians living up the Sus- 
quehanna, and particularly to those who live at the North West Branch, which 
runs into the Susquehanna at Diahogo or Tohicken, because we are informed 
that the White Mingo, and some of the others came from some Town on that 
Branch." 

The message was to assure the friends that justice would be done 
and compensation made. White INIingo was a Seneca Indian who had 
lived at Diahoga. Stump was arrested and imprisoned, but, as had 
been previously shown by the murder of the Conestogas, the white 
man had in that locality more friends than the Indians. In spite of 
his most atrocious deed, equal to any Indian's, he was rescued from 
jail by a party of masked men in true lynch law fashion, and escaped 
unhting. 

Many people thought the Governor very remiss in not following 
up this matter, and, of course, there w^as increasing discontent among 
the Indians. The Assembly addressed the Governor in a formal letter 
of scathing inquiry, which he resented as "tmkind and indecent ;" but 
as the murder of the Conestogas five years earlier had gone tmptmished, 
the Assembly's query seems justifiable. Soon after an act was passed 
allotting £3,000 "toivard removing the present discontent of the In- 
dians." At least one of the relatives of the Indians, a chief, Shawana 
Ben, soon sent a very friendly message saying that he blamed none of 
the English, but Stump. Conferences were held both by Sir William 
Johnson, at Johnson Hall, March 3, 1768, and by Commissioners at 
Fort Pitt, at which great efTorts were made to mollify all the Indians 
who had entered into the last treaty. At Johnson Hall the Indians took 
occasion to complain of many abttses heaped on them by the whites, a 
most characteristic criticism being that saying: 

"The Rum Bottles are hung at every door to steal our land, and instead 
of protecting us, as we thought they would do, the English employ their superior 
cunning to wrong us." *" 

Peace was temporarily restored and presents freely distributed at 
the close of this council. 

In August of this year Sir \\'illiam Johnson called a Congress 
of the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix, which convened in September. 
This was attended by Governor Penn and representatives, and here 
was consummated what is known as the new purchase to the Pro- 
prietaries, including "all that part not heretofore purchased, beginning 
at 'Owege,' down the east side of the river to Tawandee Creek." etc.*^ 

\\'hile. as has already been shown, the Indians residing in the 
bounds of this purchase were deeply incensed, peace prevailed over 
the Province for a number of years, though an occasional murder of 
an Indian roused a temporary disturbance ; however the Indians com- 
plained that the terms of the Fort Stanwix treaty were not observed 

=» See "Colonial Records," \'ol. IX, p. 437. 
■"> See "Colonial Records," Vol. IX, p. 499. 
*^ See "Colonial Records," Vol. IX, p. 554. 



10;^ OLD TIOGA rOlXT WO l-.ARl.Y ATlllvXS 

by the English, and thov had to bo mot. consolod and prosonts given 
as horotoforo to keep the peace.*- the Indians often showing" surprising 
nobihty of character on these occasions. 

In ITTt^ the Governor received in conference several Monsoy In- 
dians from this locality, as shown in the address of their chief, MccthcDi: 
"Brothers, tiv hair conic frotii Jniaicatiing, or the Big Horn, where 
zi*c keep a great fire." They wont on at length to explain the need of 
further conference; announced themselves as sent by the Six Nations 
to request a big conference "in the spring, as soon as the bark peels." 
They also asked to have "a storekeeper and a gunsmith to live among 
us at our town, the Big" Honi." In resix^nding. the Governor referred 
them to Johnson as to a treaty ; but promised to "encourage some of 
my people to come and build a Store House among you. and to en- 
deavor to get a Smith to go with him." Great complaint was made 
by all the Indians of this period as to the cargoes of rum sent among 
them, realizing its demoralizing power, and that the white men delib- 
erately tomptetl them, a pitiful fact! In 177^' the Wyalusing Diary has 
the following record : 

"Feb S Joe Peepe*^ who went to Shamunk returned with three belts of 
wampum, one of seven, one of eight, one of tliirteen rows, and these messages : 
I We the Six Nations regret the late war. and we take the hatchet out of your 
heads. II Henceforth there shall be everlasting peace between us and the Mun- 
sies and Delawares. Ill Uncles in Shamunk. Hollebank. Wyalusing and She- 
shequin. we give you the land at Tioga, to be yours. Live on it. and when tired 
sell it. it is yours. Send us an answer soon." 

Parkman reports Xanticokes. Conoys. Mohicans and some Del- 
awares as living high up on the Susquehanna previous to the Revolu- 
tion. Doubtless, some of each composed the shifting population of 
Teaog"a. Of course, there were always some Cayugas, Senecas and 
Oneidas. Monseys. Tuteloes. and probably others. 

The last Indian war in Pennsylvania prior to the Revolution was 
in the extreme southwest in 1TT4, consequently did not affect this re- 
g^ion. It was often called Cresap's war on account of the murder of 
all the family of the Indian chief Logan (son of Shikellimy\ alleged 
to have been committed by one Colonel Cresap. Mrginia was chietly 
concerned in this war, but it was believed it would become general, 
and messengers were kept flying between the Governors of the States 
concerned ; also to the chiefs of the Delawares and Shawanese. as well 
as the Six Xations. However, tlie danger was averted, the war being 
declared over in December. 17 T4. It was reported to England that on 
account of this war the Indians settled in the Province had generally 
withdrawn over the western or northern border. However, it may 
have been with Diahoga proper. Queen Esther's Town was established 
at this period. 

*- See "Coloniai Records." \'ol. IX. — 
♦* To Peepe lived at Sheshequin. 



CHAPTER VI 

OLD SHESHEQUIN 

The Tzco Toi^'Hs — The Moravian Mission — Queen Esther and Her 

Town 

There have been many misunderstandings about Sheshequin or 
the Sheshequins down to the present day ; because the present town 
is across the river from where the original town or towns were. And 
some careless w'riters have thought Sheshequin the same as Queen 
Esther's town. It is hoped that this narrative will make the whole 
matter clear, very much time and labor having been expended on all 
the matter here found. The original Indian town of Old Sheshequin 
was located in Ulster, the present one being really New Sheshequin. 

At the close of the Pontiac War Eghohowin (Chief or King of 
the Minsis or Wolf clan of the Delawares) and his clan planted a 
town near the mouth of what is now Cash Creek in the present 
village of Ulster. It is quite possible this settlement was made earlier, 
"previous to this Eghohowin is said to have had a town farther up 
the Cayuga Branch, often mentioned in the Archives." We assume 
this to have been Wilawana. The late Mrs. Jennie F. Snell, in her his- 
torical sketches of some years since, makes two statements which are 
here given, although her source of information as to the first is un- 
known : 

"It is said the Monseys (same as Minsis) or Wolf tribe had occupied this 
ground (Queen Esther's Flats) years previous, and that they called their town 
Wilawana (or MonseytownJ, from which they removed to Venango." 

Doubtless Mrs. Snell was in error as to location. Here it is worthy 
of note that the former generation always gave the name of "Queen 
Esther's Glen" to a gorge or ravine in the mountains near the present 
Wilawana. The other statement is : 

"There is in the Gore' family an Indian deed from Nicholas Tatemy. it 
embraces 180 acres called 'Tudelamohong.' situated on East branch of Susque- 
hanna river, opposite an indian settlement called Sheshequenung, in Northumber- 
land Co, Pa." 

It will thus be seen that Xew Sheshequin may have been inhabited 
at one time by the Tuteloes.- Eghohowin's town was called originally 
Schechschequanink or Calabash town," the word meaning the gourd 
used for rattles. Eghohowin seems to have been a man of little im- 
portance, seldom mentioned ; his name is also given Echobund. Acheeo- 
bund, Eghobund, Echgohund and Echogohund. In another statement 
Craft says : 

"Sheshequinink was an old Indian village, abandoned during the Pontiac 
war, but afterwards resettled by tw-o distinct bands of Indians; Echobund with 
quite a number of Delawares, above the creek, and another band of Christian 
Delawares below the creek, under Wehoholahund." 

* One of the pioneer families of New Sheshequin. 
2 See Chapter V. ^ Ettwein said it meant a sieve or rattle. 

103 



104 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

A conflicting statement (but one now generally credited) made 
by Craft, and also by Clark, was that the Christian Indians were on 
the north side of the creek. Probably the history of their settlements 
can best be told by giving the annals of the Moravian Mission as set 
forth in the various journals and diaries of these devoted men. 

Heckewelder says that Echgohowin was deeply interested in the 
Moravian Mission at Wyalusing and interceded with the Six Nations 
in its behalf : 

According to his own diaries Zeisberger visited Sheshequin June 
27, 1763, and^says: 

"About 13 or 14 families live here consisting almost entirely of a circle of 
relations. With these families Andrew (Montour) and Nathaniel are con- 
nected." 

Zeisberger preached twice to them, and tells of "an old chief" 
preaching. Zeisberger's journal of 1766 says: 

"Oct. IS came to Sheshequin, this town has increased very considerably 
during the past summer, this is a very promising town." 

He locates it as ten miles from Diahoga. 

Zeisberger tarried at Sheshequin over night May 4, 1766, and, 
by request, preached to quite an assemblage. From this time interest 
in the gospel increased, and parties often went to Wyalusing to listen 
to the Word of God. In May, 1767, Jo Peepe (alias Wehoholahund) 
came with his family to live at Sheshequin. He was of unusual in- 
telligence and urged the Moravians to establish a mission there. In 
February, 1768, the Moravian brethren were formally invited to visit 
Sheshequin and consider the matter. In May, Ettwein, Zeisberger and 
Sensemann came. Ettwein says : 

"Sheshequin is a town of 12 cabins. The meadows and good land run up 
one side of the Susquehanna to near Tioga. From here there leads a path to 
the West Branch." — — 

This plainly shows the town was north of Cash Creek. 

Echogohowin was away, but Jo Peepe entertained them. They 
held religious services for two days ; after the morning discourse on 
May 12, Jo Peepe and several others counselled together, and thus 
addressed the missionaries : 

"Our four families desire to have the Word of God preached to us. We 
often go to Wyalusing, but can not always go. We would like to settle there 
but we have much cattle and large families. In Wyalusing there is not much 
pasture — here there is plenty of good land and meadows. Hence we desire to 
have brethren come here and settle and preach to us." 

Zeisberger asked if the other Indians would not oppose and disturb 
them, to which they made answer, "The four or five huts over the 
river yonder have done lately just such things, but the chief, who is 
of our mind, has forbidden them." August 18, 1768, Achohund and 
wife visited Wyalusing Mission, doubtless to press the matter. Loskiel 
says : 

"The Moravians entertained this request favorably and urged upon the 
people the necessity of getting permission for establishment of the mission from 
the Great Council at Onondaga through the Cayuga chief. * * Sd. permis- 
sion was obtained without difficulty and the chief declared he would come to 



MORA\^IAN DIARIES 105 

Shcshequin to hear the Word of God. l)cing convinced that it pointed out the 
only way to eternal happiness. Roth came in 1769 & kept 2 discourses daily. 
In March a couple of native assistants from Fricdenshutten ( Wyalusing) moved 
up to help him, for this mission was regarded as a dependency on Wyalusing, 
and, until Roth was ordained the people repaired to Wyalusing for the sac- 
rament." 

Jolin Rotli, a Prussian by birth, was appointed, and arrived Feb- 
ruary 4, 17()9. Extracts from his diary are here appended from 
February, 1769, to May 3, 1772. February 8, Roth writes to the 
Moravian bishop Nathaniel Seidel : 

"I am living here at present in a trader's house in which a quantity of 
merchandize belonging to Mr. Andersen is stored. This is in charge of an Irish 
servant. T am to live with him until the Indians have built a 'house for me, 
some of the Indians here w'ere baptized by the Presbyterians (probably the 
Brainerds) in 1749." 

A Moravian diary in the Craft collection, not labelled, bttt evi- 
dently written at Wyalttsing. gives further information concerning; 
Mr. Anderson : 

"Feb 2, i/Sq James and Sam Davis and an Irishman came to Wyalusing 
(from Sheshequin) & were delighted to hear of Roth's mission stating a hut was 
ready for him. 

"May 10 Mr Anderson and 2 surveyors came up from Wyoming to survey 
lands at M'escha'schung, Tawandenung and above Sheshequin & at Tuscororas — 
M'escha'schung is 7 miles above us. 

"May 15 There came from the Jerseys Isaac Still with his wife purposing 
to move up to Sheshequin to occupy a tract of 200 acres given him by good Mr 
Anderson." * 

(Here reports the coming of Stewart, the surveyor, and Indian op- 
position.) June 12. Capt. Ogden and Mr. Anderson passed down the 
river in canoes with merchandize from Zeninge (Chenango)." 

Additional information from an unknown source is here given: 

"Some idea of the trials of the Indians in this locality may be gleaned from 
the fact that their masters the Iroquois, discovering the whites considered their 
lands valuable, disposed of coveted tracts as often as a purchaser appeared. In 
1754 a part of them sold the Susquehanna valley to the Susquehanna Company, 
another part of them having already sold the same to Penn. In 1766 they gave 
the Christian Indians all the land from Wihilusing to above Tioga, and in 1768 
the}' sold the same tract to the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania." 

The Indians applied to John Penn, then governor of Pennsyl- 
vania, for indemnity or protection in 1769. The petition from Sheshe- 
quin reads as follows : 

"Samuel Davis (Anderson's clerk) and his friends the Indians that live at 
a place called Tshetshequanink, on the west side of the Susquehanna — humbly 
sheweth — That their settlement of the name aforesaid is out of the new pur- 
chase, but on the line thereof; and that they have made some cornfields on the 
east side of Susquehanna (New Sheshequin) within the said purchase; and fur- 
ther that there is on the same side a tract of about half a mile in breadth, and 
five miles in length of grassy lowland, reaching from the point of their settle- 
ment up near to Diaogu, on which they have hitherto subsisted their cattle, 
grazing being chief occupation of your petitioners. (This evidently refers to 
Queen Esther's flats.) 

"And your petitioners humbly pray that the said cornfields and grass-land 
may, by your special warrant be survej^ed and reserved ; not that they want any 

* This shows that Mr. Anderson had large possessions, evidently from the Penns. 



lOG OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

property or estate in the same, but the use thereof for the purposes aforesaid, 
during the pleasure of your Honor the Proprietor." 

This petition was a part of the petition of Wyahising Indians, to 
the whole of which the Governor rephed in the most reassuring man- 
ner in June, 1769. Yet, with the usual deception and dishonesty that 
seems ever to have been the lot of the red man, only tzvo months later 
warrants signed by the Governor were issued for surveys in this very 
reservation. 

Diary of Roth continued : 

"Feb 5 Reached Sheshequin and on this day Kept service for the first time 
for the Indians. 

"Feb 10 Some Indians from Wilawamink came to hold the feast of the 
meat ofifering with the heathen Indians of the neighborhood. 

"Feb 13 Selected site for my dwelling. James Davis donated the white pine 
logs he had squared for himself, for the building. It will have to serve for a 
meeting house for a time. 

"Feb 16 Brought timber to site of my intended dwelling. 

"Feb 18 Two white men came to town (Lukens and Stewart?) to view the 
land in the neighborhood, from whom I learn that the land above and below 
Sheshequin for five miles has been reserved for the Indians. 

"Feb 21 At night the meat-offering feast began, it being held about half a 
mile from settlement. There were some 50 of the heathen shouting and screech- 
ing like fiends (see Craft's Bradford Co. Hist., p. 25). 

"May 12 The surveyor came and measured land here, ordered by Gov- 
ernment. 

"May IS James Davis first fruits of mission was baptized. 

"Dec 31, 1769 Up to this date I have baptized 4^ — 3 children died, 1 birth. 
Admitted into church but not to the Lord's supper were Jo Peepe and his mother 
Mary — 4 log houses were built this year. To us came 18 souls — left us 3 souls 
at the close of year mission numbers 50 souls. 14 Baptized 36 Not Baptized. 

"1770 July 9, Began to fell trees for building a meeting house as my house 
is too small. (This no doubt was the first house of worship erected in Athens 
Township.) 

"Dec 31 This year I baptized 2 infants and 1 woman — admitted 2 to the 
Lord's supper, 2 births. 2 deaths, 6 left the place and 16 came to the place. The 
mission numbers 58 souls. 

"1771 May 26 The Susquehanna began suddenly to rise so rapidly that in 
4 hours our town was all under water, and a strong current flowed between the 
houses. We had to take to our canoes and retired to the wooded bights back 
of the town. 

"July 25 The women went to Tunkhannock to harvest huckleberries. Sam- 
uel returned from the bear hunt below Tunkhannock and reported berries so 
abundant that harvesters picked each a bushel in an hour. 

"Aug 19 Some of our people went up to Tioga to cut grass and on the 21 
returned with their canoes laden with hay. 

"Dec 31. 1771 Statistics of the Mission — Married couples 10 — widowers 1 — 
widows 7 — Single men 7, single women 3 — half grown boys 6 — girls 4 — children 
15—63 souls. 

"1772 Nothing of note in this year." 

This meagre diary has the following note, appended by Mr. W. 
Reichel of Bethlehem : 

"I find that the above diary has gaps, and at best is uninteresting — The 
meeting house had a small hell. The mission was of course much visited by 
Indians from Tioga and the Towns above the state line — about the same as was 
Freidenshutten." 

Notwithstanding the promises of Penn to reserve land at Wyalus- 
ing and Sheshequin, proprietary warrants were granted early in 1769. 



QUEEN ESTHER. THE MONTOURS 



107 



Soon came also the Connecticut surveyors. As the white settlers 
advanced up the river the Moravian missions were exposed to all the 
irre^e^ularities of frontier settlements, creating great uneasiness. It 
was finally decided, after grave councils''* to accept the invitation of 
Delaware chiefs who lived in the west. The migration took place in 
June, 1773. led 1)\- Roth. As this was the same year that Echgohund 
died, it is safe to assume that it was at this period that Queen Esther's 
Town was planted further north, and possibly that not many Indians 
from Sheshequin joined the migration. Heckewelder's narrative merely 
speaks of "Roth and his party." 




The True Story of Queen Esther and Her Town. 

There have always been many conflicting stories and conjectures 
about this remarkable woman, but it is only in very recent years that 
the whole Montour family has been carefully studied. Our readers 
are here given the benefit of the research of Gen. John S. Clark and 
Oscar J. Harvey, as well as our own. 

About 1 ()()."), a Frenchman by the name of Montour emigrated 
to Canada," took unto himself an Indian wife of the Huron nation, 
and had three children, Catherine, Margaret and Jean. Catherine 
was born about 1()81 or 1()82. She was always called Madame Mon- 
tour ; her first recorded a])pearance was at a conference at Albany, 
August 24, 1711, when she; acted as interpreter. "When ten years 
old she was captured by some of the Iroquois, and adopted as a mem- 

^ Ettwein tells of consulting an old chief as to migrating mission to Cayuga Lake. The 
Indian said not good place because of absence of nil game, and they were accustomed to 
meat. Up branch of Tioga (Conhccton) wovild be better as game there was plenty. 

* The historian Ston2 says: "The first historical notice of the name of Montour is 
that a Monsieur Montour was wounded by the Mohawks in the neighborhood of Lake Cham- 
plain in 1649. He was undoubtedly an officer in the French service at that time. In a letter 
of M. de \'audreil to M. dc Pontchartrain, dated Nov. 17, 1709, he commends M. de Jon- 
caire for making his men kill (not three weeks before) one Montour, a Frenchman by birth, 

but entirely devoted to the luiglish, and in their pay." Lord C writes to the 

Board of Trade about the same time as follows: "There is come from Albany one Montour, 
a son of a French gentleman who came above forty years ago to settle in Canada. He (the 
elder) had to do with an Indian woman by whom he had a son and two daughters. The 
man I mention is the son." "It is quite certain," says Stone, "that this is the son of the 
Montour killed." Beauchamp says: "Joncaire killed the original Montour in 1721 by \'au- 
dreil's order." — No authority given. 



108 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

ber of their tribe."' Mr. Harvey thinks she was not captured, but 
lived with her father among the Senecas, and that she was adopted 
by them and considered as a Seneca as long as she lived, and her 
descendants were known as Senecas. Dr. Egle, in his notes, quotes 
from the journal of Witham Marshe^ as follows: "Mrs Montour," 
Marshe says, "was at the treaty at Lancaster in 1744; he visited her 
cabin. She had little remembrance of birth or parents, but said her 
father was a French Governor of Canada (did not say her mother was 
a squaw), and that she was taken captive when only ten years old 
by some of the five nations, and was brought up in the same manner 
as their children. She was sixty years old, a handsome woman, genteel 
and of polite address. She was in great esteem with the best sort of 
white people, entertained in Philadelphia homes, and treated with 
courtesy." As early as 1702 she became the wife of Carandowana, 
an Oneida chief (who assumed for himself the name of Robert 
Hunter, a Governor of New York). Prior to 1727 they had settled 
at Otstonwackin, or French Town, on the west branch of the Susque- 
hanna, where Madame ]\Iontour died in 1752. She is said tO' have 
been well educated, and to have associated to some extent with people 
of refinement. She was treated with great consideration by the whites 
on account of her influence over the Indians. This, no doubt, gave 
rise to the belief and statement of some writers that she, as well as 
her daughter and grand-daughter, were "much caressed by the wealthy 
people of Philadelphia." Madame Montour had four sons, Andrew, 
Jean, Henry and Lewis ; and one daughter, Margaret. Margaret Mon- 
tour, commonly known as "French Margaret," was probably the oldest 
child of Madame Montour. She was the wife of Katarioniecha, a 
Mohawk chief, also called "Peter Ouebeck" ; known as a man "of good 
character." They had five children, Nicholas and an unnamed son ; 
and three daughters, Catherine, Esther and Mary, commonly called 
"Molly." Possibly they had other children. Egle says : "French Mar- 
garet, prior to 1744, lived with her husband at Alleghany. In 1753 she 
had a village of her own, at the mouth of the Lycoming Creek, on 
Scull's map of 1759, called French Margaret's Town.'' She frequently 
attended treaties at various places, acting as interpreter, like her 
mother. According to Moravian Archives this couple traveled in 
1754 in semi-barbaric state with an Irish groom and six relay and 
pack horses through Bethlehem, en route to New York. Some of the 
Montours were educated at Elizabeth, N. J." Catherine's husband 
was Thomas Hutson, or Telenemut, one of the most noted of the 
Seneca chiefs, who died prior to 1760. 

^ W. Max Reid and others make this statement. 

* Witham Marshe in Journal of Lancaster Treaty of 1744, Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., 
Series I, Vol. 7, pub. 1801. " 

^ "Colonial Records, \'ol. ^'II, p. 620. In the deposition of one George Ebert, who 
was taken captive by the French and Indians in the spring of 1757, he relates that he escaped 
with some others, "and the next day came to French Margaret's at Diahogo ; that they stayed 
about four weeks with lier, during all which time she concealed and supported them. That 
some french Indians came in search of them whereupon Margaret told them it was not safe 
to stay longer and advised them to make their way homeward." This proves that Margaret, 
who was Queen Esther's mother, must have lived here in 1757, though no further record 
has been found. 



QUEEN ESTHER'S TOWN 109 

Catherine lived in an Indian village, Catherinestown, located on 
the hii^h ground a little south of Havana, New York. The town was 
on both sides of the inlet, about three miles from Stneca Lake, and 
is mentioned in journals of Sullivan's expedition, also by Robert Sut- 
cliffe in 1805. (Catherine had a son named Amochol, and two 
daughters. Roland and John ^lontour were not her sons.") Catherine 
was living in 1791 "over the Lake, not far from Niagara," having 
married an English trader after the death of Telenemut. Clary's 
husband Avas also a famous chief, Kanaghragait, or John Cook, some- 
times called "White Mingo," who died at Fort Wayne in 1790. We 
give this account of Esther's family because many writers have con- 
founded her with her sisters, mother and grandmother. Esther's hus- 
band was Eghohowin, already mentioned. ]\Iost of the Alontours (for 
according to the Indian custom they all bore their mother's family name, 
even after marriage) were much better known than Queen Esther, 
who did not frequent the great councils. Her mother was called a 
"living polyglot of the tongues of the West." Esther may have been 
fully as accomplished, but she seems to have adopted to some extent 
the ways and feelings of the savages. The Montours, a^ a family, 
were frequently employed by the whites as interpreters, and often 
taken to large cities and councils where treaties were to be made with 
the Indians. 

About 1772 Eghohowin died. As he had been called King, his 
wife was called Queen Esther, and had control of the clan, which was 
said to be only a handful of warriors, but, as has been seen, with some 
knowledge of civilized life, doubtless acquired from the Davises and 
other whites ; their chief business was the raising of cattle, of which 
they had large herds, and their meadows and pasture fields extended 
up to Tioga. General Clark says it was the Aloravian converts who, 
with Queen Esther, planted the town six miles further north, named 
for her Queen Esther's Town. This was situated on the river flats 
or meadows, above Milan, a part of the original farms of Watkins and 
Page ; now Page, Williams and Alorley, directly opposite the meeting of 
the rivers. The exact location of Queen Esther's Town is easily decided 
from descriptions, deeds, relics, and, best of all, by the topography of 
the country. It was between Redington's and Buck's Creeks, whose 
courses have changed little, if at all, judging from the descriptive deed 
given to Erastus Loomis, a settler, in 1785. (See view from Round 
Top, Chap. I.) It was opposite the point which is indicated in the 
accompanying plate by a small black cross. There is an old well, al- 
ways called "Esther's." exactly east of the house built by Thomas R. 
Page in 1851. The local surveyors for a hundred and twenty years 
have known the exact location and kept the records, regardless of the 
fact that considerable reliance has been placed on the journals and 
maps of Sullivan's expedition. A section of one, used as seal for 
Tioga Point Historical Society, has already been shown. 

i*Here Harvey differs; does not speak of Amocho!, but says she had three children, 
Roland, John and Bell. 



110 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 




House Built by Thus. R. V.\i,h, Iboi 




Site of uueen Esther's Town, from Southwest 



QUEEN ESTHER 111 

Here Esther had a castle, or palace, thus described by Robert Cov- 
enhoven^^ (who claims to have destroyed it) : 

"It was a long, low edifice, constructed with logs set in the ground at in- 
tervals of ten feet, with horizontal hewn planks or puncheons neatly fitted into 
grooves in the posts. It was roofed or thatched and had some sort of a porch 
or other ornament over the doorway." 

Mrs. Perkins, in "Early Times," says : "Qtteen Esther's village 
was said to contain abotit seventy rude houses." Queen Esther is 
described as a large, heavily built woman, of commanding appearance, 
walking erect. She had great intiuence with the Indians, and prior 
to the Wyoming massacre she treated the whites with uniform kind- 
ness and courtesy. She was a prominent figure in the Stisquehanna 
\''alley until the time of the Sullivan expedition. In 1790 she was 
living on the east shore of Cayuga Lake with a band of Tuscarora 
Indians under Steel Trap (so says Craft). What became of her is 
not certain, though many localities claim to hold her grave. Thomas 
Maxwell, in notes for "Schoolcraft," says he inquired of many of Sul- 
livan's soldiers, and several told him that Queen Esther was killed 
while the army lay at Tioga Point, by a party of Sullivan's troops, in 
revenge for her atrocities at Wyoming, and that all the old settlers 
said she was no longer alive when they came, in 1788 or 1790. The 
following accotints make this seem dubious. He also records that he 
interviewed Mrs. Matthias Hollenback and her daughter, Mrs. Tuttle, 
about Brant and Queen Esther. They represented Esther as looked 
upon universally with horror and detestation. Mrs. Perkins says, "she 
was represented as quiet and trustful in time of peace, and that after 
the war closed she often went back and forth from Tioga to Onondaga 
unprotected. Judge Gore's daughter, Hannah (Mrs. Durkee), lived 
near Esther's final home on Cayuga Lake. Mrs. Durkee relates that 
she was well acquainted with her, that Esther once stopped at her 
house and asked in broken English for a night's shelter for herself 
and her sister, who was much intoxicated and carrying a papoose. As 
all they asked was a sleeping place on the kitchen lloor, the request 
was granted. Mrs. Perkins says her last known residence was at 
Onondaga. Queen Esther had, it is supposed, several children. One 
son, much beloved, was killed at Exeter, just before the Wyoming 
massacre. This inflamed all her latent vengeful Indian blood, and, 
although it was contradicted by some writers, there is no doubt btit 
that she was at Wyoming.^- All know the horrid story, how the 
prisoners (fourteen at least) were arranged in a ring, and one after 
the other tomahawked by the enraged woman. The next day, when 
the Indians and British came into the fort. Judge Gore's daughter 
tells that Esther was heard to say she was never so tired in her life 
as she was yesterday, killing so many darned Yankees. Col. Franklin 
says that, as the visitors entered the Fort, 

1^ As to Covenhoven see Meginnis' "Otzinachon," p. 554. 

1- Craft says: "In one of the scouting parties up the river, of which Wni. Dalton, 
afterwards of Wyalusing was one, a son of Queen Esther was shot. Though mortally wound- 
ed, he had strength to raise his rifle, fired and wounded Dalton in the knee. The death of 
her son inflamed all the Indian blood of the haughty queen." 



113 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

"Queen Esther, with all the impudence of an infernal bemg turned to Col. 
Denison and said : 'Well, Col. Den-i-sen, you make me promise to bring more 
Indians, here, see (waving her hand) I bring all these.' Col. John Butler, in- 
censed, told her 'that women should be seen not heard.' " 

She evidently understood, a.s later in the day "she was seen riding 
astride a stolen horse on a stolen side saddle, placed hind end forward, 
with seven bonnets one upon the other upon her head, with all the 
clothing she could contrive to get on, and over all a scarlet riding cloak, 
carrying in her hand a string of scalps from the slaughtered friends of 
those who were the witnesses of her savage pride, and sufferers from 
her brutality." ^^ 

Craft says, "She was a frequent visitor in the family of Air. Van 
Valkenberg at Wysox, and all her intercourse with the whites was 
marked with kindness and courtesy. But her fiendish brutality at 
Wyoming obliterated every kindly recollection and made her name a 
synonym for cruelty." Gen. Clark says that Roswell Franklin, who 
lived near Wysox, was well acquainted with her when living on the 
Susquehanna. It seems reasonable to believe, from all these eye- 
witnesses, that Queen Esther was certainly at Wyoming, especially as 
most of the Indian participants were Senecas, and no real attempt has 
been made, as in the case of Brant, to prove an alibi. We have found 
at a late day, among the Smiley papers, in a narrative of David Allen, 
some additional accounts of Queen Esther at Wyoming. 

"A squaw called Queen Esther came over with the warriors, a bloody spear 
in her hand. She made motions, and said 'seven Yankees' blood,' meaning she 
had with the spear killed that many prisoners in revenge she said for the Indian 
killed up the river, a relative of hers. She now ordered the women in the forti- 
fication to prepare dinner for the considerable company that were with her. 
They were not only forced to prepare it in haste, but the Indians refused to eat 
a mouthful until the white people had first eaten some of it." 

David Allen was an eye-witness ; it is reasonable to believe his 
statement, which was as a whole corroborated by others. 

Queen Esther's Town was entirely destroyed by fire by Col. Hart- 
ley's soldiers, September 27 or 28, 1778. Covenhoven put the brand 
to her castle himself : "several canoes were taken and some plunder." 
We believe some other Indian village preceded this one on Queen 
Esther's Flats, for in her day the Indians had firearms, and we have 
been told by members of the Watkins family, present owners of part 
of Queen Esther's Flats, that many years ago, after the spring floods, 
innumerable arrow points were plowed up on the plain, indicating a 
great battle, prior to the use of firearms. Also that particular location 
is full of Indian graves, as can be attested by the many pieces of 
pottery and other relics in our Museum. The pottery is much larger 
and coarser in make than any other found in this valley, and also differs 
from most varieties hereabouts in being colored, or, more probably, 
made of brick clay. A true relic of Queen Esther's clan, however, is 
also in Tioga Point Museum, a very perfect pipe, on the bowl of which 
is carved a wolf's head, the totem of her clan. This was found on 
Queen Esther's Flats, the general name for the river flats above 
Milan, and is shown in a plate with other Indian relics. 

^^ This seems a highly exaggerated story — not well corroborated. 



MRS. WHITTAKER'S NARRATIVE 113 

The late Judge Avery of Owego recorded many interesting facts 
concerning Queen Esther, related to him by Mrs. Whittaker, who was 
Jane Strope of Wysox. 

By courtesy of the Wisconsin State Historical Society, Mrs. 
Whittaker's narrative, as written down by Judge Avery, has been 
copied for our use. There are also various additional facts, related by 
Judge Avery, in articles published in the OwegO' St. A'icholas. Mrs. 
Whittaker related that she had often seen Queen Esther at the house 
of her father, Sebastian Strope, where she was always a welcome 
visitor and hospitably received ; that she spoke English poorly, yet ordi- 
narily made herself understood. That she boasted that there was an- 
other language (doubtless French) with which she was quite as 
familiar as with the Indian. Just prior to the Wyoming massacre the 
entire Strope family were made captives by the Indians and brought 
to Tioga Point. Here, of course, they again met Queen Esther. Mrs 
Whittaker says : 

"All of my father's family were well acquainted with Queen Esther of Shi- 
shcquin before we were taken prisoners. She treated us well, and showed us 
the same kind disposition after we were captives that she did before. Her in- 
fluence with the Indians was unbounded ; when she appeared she was treated 
with the utmost deference. * * She was supposed to be of French and Indian 
parentage. She was a tall, but not very fleshy woman — not as dark as the usual 
Indian in complexion — had the features of a white woman — cheek bones not 
high, hair black, but soft and fine like a white woman, not the heavy black hair 
of the squaw. Her form erect and commanding, her appearance and manners 
agreeable. She walked straight and had not the bend of the squaw ; she had 
not the Indian mode of turning toes in. She had a sister Mary — a tall fleshy 
woman — and there was a squaw named Chemuah, from whom I heard the river 
(Chemung) was named. She was called a queen and Queen Esther called her 
sister; I think undoubtedly they were of white blood. Her dress was rich and 
showy with a profusion of glittering ornaments. She had short skirts reaching 
a little below the knee, made of imported blue cloth, and stockings to meet the 
skirt and beautifully worked pantalettes of blue cloth and other material. The 
skirt was ornamented with brooches of silver," as were the warriors' clothes. 
All the squaws had small bells on their moccasin strings and pantalettes. They 
used blankets varying in texture as did the males. Queen Esther wore a neck- 
lace of pure white beads from which hung a cross of stone or silver. Mrs. W. 
thought it was carved from a whitish stone, polished by long use, possibly spar." 

This would indicate life in a Catholic colony or Jesuit influence. 

Queen Esther was very kind to the Stropes during their captivity 
at Tioga Point. She not only interposed in behalf of the males, that 
they might escape running the gauntlet ; but at one time she invited 
Jane, then a girl of twelve, to accompany her to her castle for a visit. 
Mrs. Strope objected; but later she and Jane crossed the river and 
rambled over the premises of the Qtieen. The plain on which the castle 
stood, Jane said, was near the mouth of the Chemung, in full view^ of 
the point. The main building w^as long and low, built of hewn logs 
and planks, neatly done, w'ith a porch over the doorway, and sur- 
rounded by a number of other buildings. 

Mrs. Whittaker stated that once, when Queen Esther visited 
Wysox, she was accompanied by a half-breed called Catherine, be- 

^* These brooches passed for a shilling and were as current among the Indians as 
money. Brant's wife had several tiers of them on her dress of calico or chintz. Smith & 
Wells' Journal; see Halsey's Old New York Frontier. 



114 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Heved to be her sister. When the captive Stropes were on their way 
to Niagara they stopped a week or two at Catherine's Town, where 
she saw this same woman, doubtless the Catherine Montour often con- 
founded with Queen Esther. 

There is another pleasant story of Esther, antedating Wyoming. 
In 1777 John Jenkins and James Sutton made a journey to Queen 
Esther's Town to obtain the liberation of a prisoner, Mr. Ingersol. 
They were treated with great respect by the Queen, who entertained 
them herself, told them she was opposed to war, etc. These visitors 
said she had correct views of religion and moral obligations, indicating 
a civilization quite at variance with her later conduct at Wyoming. 
WJiile in her house, feeling quite at ease, they heard the Indian war 
whoop outside. The Queen at once went out and talked to the war- 
riors ; returning, she told the visitors that the outsiders were deter- 
mined to waylay and kill them, adding, "I can do nothing with them; 
lay down until I call you." When all became quiet in the night she 
called them, told them to go to the river, take her canoe, and hold 
paddle edgewise, so as not to splash the water, and try to get away 
before discovered, which they were able to do, in safety. 

Craft says he thinks she lived near Tioga after the war, as he saw 
her name on books kept by Matthias HoUenback after his store was 
opened in Athens. We have searched in vain for these HoUenback 
account books, wherein others have also told Queen Esther had ac- 
counts. The only one found has accounts as in Pearce's "Annals of 
Wyoming," /. c, "December 15, 1774, Queen Esther Dr. to sundries 
£3, 11 pence." 

It is very apparent from the various narratives that Queen Esther, 
or Easter, as she was often called, in her whole life and character 
showed the half-breed to an unusual extent ; first, seemingly influ- 
enced by the white blood, and then by the red, presenting a most in- 
teresting phychological problem- to the thoughtful mind. Her per- 
sonality, as distinguished from the other Montours, has generally been 
a matter of conjecture, but recent investigations seem to have un- 
ravelled the web of mystery surrounding the whole Alontour family. 
They have not here been considered as a whole because Esther was 
the only one closely connected with the history of this locality. How- 
ever, it may not be amiss to here record that the post stained with the 
juice of the wild strawberry (erected by Cornplanter to mark the 
burial place of a great chief and brave) was supposed to have me- 
morialized the son of Catherine Montour. The Painted Post has always 
been well known, and gave its name to a certain portion of the vast 
Pidtney estate in southern New York, first known as a part of the 
Phelps and Gorham purchase. . 



CHAPTER VII 

EARLY TEMPORARY SETTLEMENTS 

The White Settlers in this Vicinity Prior to the Rez'olution — Tories 
on the Upper Susquehanna — Tioga Point and Neighborhood 
During the Revolutionary War — Preparations for the Descent on 
Wyoming — Flight of the Fngitircs — Indian Dances or Festivals 

There are few reliable records of pre-Revolutionary settlements 
along the river, though doubtless there were many now unknown. As 
to this immediate locality, the journals of the early Moravian mis- 
sionaries are about the only sources of information absolutely de- 
pendable. It has generally been said that Rudolph Fox (or Fuchs) 
was the first settler in Bradford County. No doubt he and Peter 
Schufeldt came from the Palatine settlement in the Mohawk \"alley, as 
the surnames are found in the list of Palatine emigrants noted by Dr. 
Cobb in "Story of the Palatines." Fox and Schufeldt came in 1770, 
fully fifty years after the first Palatine migration to Pennsylvania ; 
and settled, respectively, at present Towanda and Asylum. While it 
seems certain that Fox was the first permanent settler, Old Sheshequin 
(present Ulster) can boast the presence of white men at an earlier day, 
as attested by Heckewelder, Ettwein and Roth. The journal of John 
Ettwein^ (who visited the Monsey town at Sheshequin in May, 1768, 
December, 1768, February, 1769, December, 1770, and in the spring of 
1772) mentions at every visit some Irish people living there; first a 
single Irishman and later a family. These Irishmen were doubtless the 
clerks or agents of the trading post established at Sheshequin by John 
Anderson, who appears to be the pioneer Indian trader on the upper 
Susquehanna. While there are no records known to us that identify 
the Irishmen, names of residents there are given as Samuel and James 
Davis, and Isaac Still, the latter "from the Jerseys." As for Anderson, 
he was the associate of Ogden, the first white settler at Wilkes-Barre. 
Heckewelder tells of him that: 

"He lived near Fort Allen, (near Sunbury) but had established a 
trading house here (Sheshequin) as earh' as May 1765. For four or five years 
he made two trips each year to the Indian villages on the Susquehanna, to trade 
with the natives for peltry. The Ogdens of Wyoming were associated with him ; 
their trading house at Wyoming was destroyed by Connecticut people in 1770. 
Henceforth no more is heard of Mr. Anderson." 

Heckewelder relates that the Indians called John Anderson "the 
honest Quaker trader." It will be remembered that Roth, the first 
settled missionary recorded living in Mr. Anderson's house, which was 
"in charge of an Irish servant,"- probably James Davis ; and as he was 
preparing to build himself a house, it may certainly be said that at 
Ulster was the first settlement by white men in Bradford County.^ 

^ See transactions Moravian Historical Society. - See previous chapter. 

^ As to early settlers in this vicinity, the H'yalusing Diary says: "Feb. 3, 1766. Three 
white men from Shamunk came to buy corn." No names given. 

115 



116 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

The Indian town was at the mouth of Cash's Creek, and doubtless 
this trading post was located nearby ; antedating by tzventy years the 
trading post of Alatthias Hollenback at Tioga Point, which has always 
been recorded as the first trading post in this region. 

According to Westmoreland Records one John Lord had an im- 
provement on the first flat below Sheshequin as early as 1770 or 1772. 

In Susquehanna Company's Records, Volume I (March 27, 1794), 
is a quit claim of John Lord of Wyoming for one share in Susque- 
hanna Company, which Lord bought of Maj. Jno. Durkee July 7, 1770. 
"together with my improvement on the first flat on the east side of the 
river below Sheshequin," etc., set seal 17 February, 1773. 

This shows that Lord was the next settler and that he made his 
pitch between 1770 and 1773. — From Craft's Notes. 

In 1774 a few of the Susquehanna proprietors came up the river 
and selected townships at various points in Bradford County, the 
farthest north being old Ulster, the original grant of which* was made 
that year to Asahel Buck, Lockwood Smith and others. While this 
survey and allotment were not made because of breaking out of war, 
family traditions indicate that temporary settlement was made by both 
Buck and Smith. The same year settlement was made at Standing 
Stone by Henry Birney, ancestor of some of the V^alley people, and 
Simon Spalding, later settler at New Sheshequin. 

Tories. — At the outbreak of the Revolvition many of the Indians 
promised neutrality, but British agents were soon at work among them, 
the new States were too inactive, the council proposed by the Indians 
themselves was not held, and very soon most of them decided to con- 
tinue their allegiance to King George. 

Miner says that at this time Tories^ were found all along the river, 
no sympathy existing between them and the Connecticut settlers. In- 
deed, on Col. Butler's list of 61 names of such families three only were 
from New England, but from the Mohawk, Kinderhook, Minisink, 
and West Chester, New York. It is supposed they deliberately settled 
along the Susquehanna to protect the route from New York to Niagara. 
That the Indians were also concerned in this is shown by their opposi- 
tion to the erection of a proposed fort at Wyalusing" for protection 
of the frontier; saying "it zvould block up our nezi" made, lande and 
smooth road." Many of the Connecticut settlers at once withdrew to 
Wyoming; the Indians were also withdrawn from the valley between 
Tioga Point and Wyoming, and the Tories removed higher up on the 
river, doubtless having headquarters at the settlement made at Tioga 
Point by the four Secords. John; John, Jr., and Cyrus, his sons; and 
James, son or brother. Probably Jacob Bowman was also a resident 
there. 

When Thomas Dongan came over as Governor of New York, he 
soon familiarized himself with all the adjacent county. Adventurous 

' See Pennsylvania Archives. 

^ For full account of Tories see Harvey's "History of Wilkes-Barre," and Note Book 
No. 5 in Craft collection. 

" It seems of interest to note here that this was not the first fort proposed for Wya- 
lusing. 



DOXGAX'S EFFORTS, JOHX SECORD 117 

young men were sent out on journeys of exploration. Dongan resented 
the amount of territory claimed by Penn, and in his report to the 
Committee of Trade in 1G87 he says he does not believe His Majesty 
intended to annex so much to Pennsylvania, and after some explana- 
tion adds : 

"If, therefore. His Majestj' were pleased to have a line run from 41d and 
40m in Delaware River to the Falls upon the Susquehanna, and to let Mr. 
Penn keep all below * * * it being conjectured to contain more than all Eng- 
land. * * * To preserve the Beaver & Peltj- trade for Albany, and to be an en- 
couragement to our Beaver hunters, I desire I may have order to erect a Cam- 
payne Fort upon Delaware River in 41d 40 ; another upon the Susquehanna 
where his Majesty shall think fit Mr. Penn's bounds shall terminate." * * * "It 
will be very necessary for us to encourage our young men to goe a Beaver Hunt- 
ing as the French doe." 

With this report Dongan sends a map to show * * * ''and 
where it will bee necessary to erect oitr Country Forts for the securing 
of beaver trade." (See Documentary History XTew York. Volume 
I.) Halsey says the point for the proposed fort was evidently 
Wyalusing. He also says that from 1680 to 1690 Dongan showed 
great activity in sending out Indian traders, his design being to thwart 
Penn. In 1686 he requested the Indians to see "that neither French 
or English go and live at the Susquehanna, nor hunt nor trade 
amongst the brethren without my pass or seal.'' 

John Secord is said by Miner to have first settled on the west side 
of the Susquehanna, above the narrows, nearly opposite Tunkhannock. 
It is evident from his son's letters (appended) that he was a Pennsyl- 
vania claimant living on Alonockonock Island previous to ITTl. Of 
his early history, however, nothing is known.' Col. Jenkins says in 
his journal that the Secords were among the families appointed on the 
committee of inspection or safety* ( Aitgust 8, 1TT5) to watch and note 
the conduct of the settlers as regarded their conduct toward the British 
cause, "but he afterwards became lukewarm in the American side of 
the conflict, and was said to have become an active enemy, or Tory." 
He was very soon suspected of acting as a spy, harboring suspicious 
persons, etc. Several British prisoners, who escaped from Connecticut 
to the Susquehanna X'alley, were supposed to have been assisted by the 
Secords in their flight to Niagara. The Wyoming committee of in- 
spection at once caused his arrest, but he boldly petitioned Congress, 
complaining of the outrage, and was soon liberated; and then arrayed 
himself at once on the side of the British, removing to Tioga Point 
about 1777. Mr. Harvey has kindly furnished from his "History of 
Wilkes-Barre" (unpublished) some information about one Jaines 
Secord and his son Solomon ; we have found no connection, though 
they must have all been of the same family, as all were living at 
Xiagara later. From the name it appears James may have been a son. 
There are still in existence some very interesting letters written to ]\Iat- 
thias Hollenback in 1817-18-2.5 by John Secord, Jr. From these it 

" Miner mentions Secords among Ihe Tory families en the Susquehanna, from the 
Mohawk, Kinderhook, Minisink and West Chester, N. Y. 

* This committee was appointed at this time in every town by the recommendation of 
Congress. 



118 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

may be inferred that the Secords formed part of a Colony of Tories 
at Niagara, in which Hved also the Bowmans, Pawlings, Forsyths and 
others. After many vicissitudes, due to the war of 1812, in 1825 they 
were "progressing towards improvement and wealth." John gave con- 
siderable family history ; mentioned the death of John Secord, Sr., in 
1804, and Stephen in 1805. At this date he had been encouraged to 
follow up his father's Pennsylvania claim. As to where the Secord's 
location was, we here insert some affidavits, incontestable: 

"June 29, 1785, before Wm. Maclay Esq, one of the Justices of the court 
of Common Pleas for Northumberland county, came Jacob Bowman of Tioga, 
and James Whitney of Wyoming, labourers and made affidavit that they re- 
spectively knew of John Secord's dwelling at Tyoga Point, nearly where Mat- 
thias HoUenhack has a dzvelling &• improvements, before the year 1780, & that 
the said Secord had a suitable house, barns, etc. Bowman says improved land 
to the value of seven or eight acres." 

These records locate Secord's pitch from river to river on the 
land now occupied by Cornelius Hunsiker and M. B. Stiles, also part 
of Mrs. E. H. Perkins' property (1907). Matthias Hollenback said 
that Secord dug the well still in tise in Htmsiker grounds and planted 
the apple trees which have only recently gone to decay. Another affi- 
davit of the same date was as follows : 

"Philadelphia County. Personally appeared before me Plunket Fleeson, 
one of the Justices of the aforesd. County, Rudolph Fox of the county of North- 
umberland, being of full age, who being duly sworn according to law, Deposeth 
and saith, That this Depont. was at Tioga in the year 1778, where he saw John 
Secord settled with his Family at the point of Tioga in a Cappen Build by the 
sd. Secord, & that the sd. Secord had a considerable stock of Cattle and horses. 
This Depont. further saith that he and the said Secord, and all the settlers in 
that settlement had positive warning from the Indians for them to remove up 
Emediately into their Lines or Settlements, and in case of Neglect or Disobed- 
ience of this order they might Depent upon a Totall Distruction. That the sd. 
Secord with the rest of the settlers was removed in consequence of these orders. 

And this Depont. further saith that he never new sd. Secord to take up 

arms for, or against the Country: and further this Depont. saith not." 

"Sworn 31st day of October 1785 before Plunt. Fleeson." 

"Rudolph Fox." 

There are other records showing the Secords lived at Tioga Point 
at least two years : one is an account of an Indian and Tory raid to 
Wyalusing in 1778, in which Secord and his son James joined. There 
is considerable information in the narrative of Mrs. Jane Whittaker, 
already mentioned. She relates that she and her famuly were taken 
captive by Indians May 20, 1778, and brought at once up the river to 
Tioga Point, where they were kept for many months ; that Secord was 
then acting as commissary for the garrison of British and Indians there 
(just previous to the Wyoming massacre). 

"While we were captives on the Susquehanna a man by the name of John 
Secord, a tory, had some flour which had been brought from Niagara, and 
mother went to him and begged for some for her children, who were almost 
starving. He refused ; his son Cyrus said she was not to blame for her hus- 
band's being a rebel ; but he steadily refused ; Cyrus however secretly supplied 
their wants." 

This son, though acting in concert with his father, sought every 
opportunity to befriend the captives, which action was appreciated and 



JOHN SECORD'S LOCATION 119 

remembered ; for the same narrative tells that after the ratification of 
peace the Secords returned to the valley, intending to make a settle- 
ment on "Franklin's Flats" at Wysox. Sebastian Strope (who had 
returned with his restored family), hearing of Secord's intention, 
armed himself with a heavy ox-whip and sought an interview, as fol- 
lows : "John Secord, do you think we are going to have you among 
us, when you refused to let my wife have flour for her starving chil- 
dren?" following this up with a severe whipping and threatened repe- 
tition if he attempted to stay. At the same time offering to treat 
Cyrus as a friend and neighbor if he chose to remain. Secord ac- 
cepted this "notice to quit," though Cyrus remained and was well 
treated. That John Secord had some definite claim to the clearing or 
settlement here is evinced by the following deed, which, however, was 
not recorded : 

"Northumberland County ; June 6. 1785. John Secord of the state of New 
York conveys to Matthias Hollenback all his right title and interest in a certain 
tract of land called Tioga Point in the county of Northumberland and state of 
Penna., at the Junction of the Tyoga and Susquehanna Rivers, with the improve- 
ments ; consideration one hundred pounds. No boundaries given — Conveyance 
witnessed by John Shepard. Daniel McDowel and Jacob Bowman. 

"Proven by Daniel McDowell before Wm. Maclay Esquire July 25, 1785." 

It seems safe to assume that the above deed is evidence of the very 
first sale of land on Tioga Point. ^ While it is now impossible to un- 
derstand this transaction, we may be assured it had an amicable settle- 
ment, as John Secord's son writes to ^^latthias Hollenback : 

"I am happy to have it once more in my power of manifesting my friend- 
ship to you, which I shall ever cherish with the fondest recollections." 

As to Other settlers here at this early date there seems to be no 
definite record. Craft says : 

"It is very certain that quite a number of Loyalists had homes of more or 
less permanence, extending from Tioga Point to Chemung, but their name and 
locations cannot be fixed and would be of little historical value if they could." 

"Provost's Plantation" was one of these. John Jenkins, in his 
field notes of the first survey, gives this as "Genl. Provost's plantation 
N1GE98 rods to a ridge of land near the fording across the river." As 
this is above "the end of a mountain on the other side of the river," 
we locate it about where the old Elsbree farm house is, below Tozer's 
bridge, or thereabouts. Of this Walker says : "Which the writer has 
ascertained was located on Pitney Snyder farm, at the foot of Spanish 
Hill, where subsequent settlers found buried quite an amount of house- 
hold utensils, such as iron kettles, pewter dishes, etc."' This is an 
error, doubtlessi due to the fact that Provost was confounded with 
some other Loyalist, settled temporarily in this vicinity. One called 
Fitzgerald's farm was mentioned by Sullivan's soldiers as opposite 
Barton, and in rtiins in ///p. 

» In the narrative of Mountpleasant in the "Holland Purchase" he says: "Our best 
hunting grounds used to be off toward Genesee river; Secord was an early and successful 
white trapper in this region." We may infer from this that it was as a hunter and trapper 
that John Secord first came into this region, possibly before settlement at Tunkhannock, and, 
of course, was well acquainted with the British at Niagara. 



120 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

When the news of the battles of Concord and Lexington reached 
the Susquehanna settlement, a meeting was called at Wilkes-Barre, 
August 23, 17'7(), the result of which was the organization of the First 
and Second Independent Companies of Wyoming, mustered into 
service September 17, 1776, joined Washington's army December 12. 
The settlers all along the river, Spaldings, Bucks, Smiths and others, 
left their farms, and returned to Wyoming to join these companies. 
There was also formed later the Twenty-fourth Regiment, Connecticut 
Militia, whose history has been well told by Hon. Charles Tubbs. (See 
pamphlet published by Tioga Point Historical Society.) 

Tioga Point in the Barly Days of the Revolution. 

Naturally, this strategic point was of much use to British, Tories 
and Indians during the Revolutionary struggle, though somewhat 
slightingly treated by general historians. Not only was it useful as 
commanding Pennsylvania, but, by the establishment of Fort Schuyler, 
the old Indian trail between the Mohawk Valley and LTpper Canada, 
much used by Brant, was unsafe. A new route was adopted by Iron- 
dequoit Bay, up the Genesee and one of its tributaries to the Conhoc- 
ton, thence to Painted Post and down the Chenung through Newtown 
to Tioga Point, thence up the Susquehanna to Unadilla. The latter 
became Brant's northern headquarters, whence were made the de- 
vastating raids on the valleys of the upper Susquehanna, Mohawk, 
Delaware and Hudson. Tioga Point seems to have been his southern 
headcjuarters, the place where councils were held with the British, 
raids planned, etc. For it quickly became the rendezvous for Indians, 
British, Tories, and deserters from the American army ; the latter find- 
ing shelter at Sheshequin with Lord and Hopkins, and at Tioga with 
the Secords. The hostilities began by raids down to the river on the 
unprotected settlers from Tioga Point to Wyalusing.^" Those who 
were not cruelly murdered were held captives at Tioga Point, or for- 
warded to the British fort at Niagara : or, in case of sudden alarm, 
sent to Unadilla. For "from Tioga Point to LInadilla," says Judge 
Avery, "our valley was their stronghold, unvisited by colonists except 
as captives. * * * Here they drilled and trained themselves to warlike 
feats and prepared for those deadly incursions intO' our frontier settle- 
ments, * * * and to this valley they returned as to a fortress." 

To protect themselves. Miner says, that in 1776 or '77 a system 
was established at Wyoming by which scouts were sent up the river 
to watch Indian trails and bring intelligence. Each party, of five or 
seven men, was generally out a week, their number increased as emerg- 
encies required. Few, if any, of these scouting parties reached Tioga 
Point, though many of its settlers were included in the parties, and 
their stories are handed down to the present generation, full of hair- 
breadth escapes and blood-curdling experiences. The following inci- 

1" "About the first of December, 1777, the Tories and Indians pillaged the house of 
Richard Fitzgerald at Standing Stone, and made captive Mr. Lemuel Fitch, who never re- 
turned. This was the first hostile act in the valley — the Yankees were not therefore the first 
aggressors as has been charged." (From Wni. Houck's postscript to David Allen's narrative, 
Smiley mss., found in the Craft Collections.) 



TORIES AT TIOGA AND SHESHEQUIN 121 

dent, given to Rev. David Craft by Steuben Jenkins, we think has never 
been in print : 

"Wj'oming Sept. 22, 1875 I to-day had a visit from O. N. Worden (editor 
of first Athens paper) and obtained from him a very interesting document, of 
which the foHo-wing is a copy : 'Concerning news I would inform you we had 
some men went up the river on business and the Tories and one Indian toke 
them, but let them aU come away except John Jenkins wome they have takeing 
to Niagary we suppose,- and our people went up, a party of them and have killed 
the one Indian and tok and brought down 25 Tories nigh their whole parti. So 
now we e.xpect to be at peace no more, but our regards to all our friends and 
greatly desire to hear from you all.' 

"The document is without date in time or place, and also without signa- 
ture. It was said to have been sent to Elisha Worden as a 'note of warning' in 
December 1777 ; and though talked of a good deal in Worden family it was found 
only a short time ago in Vermont by O. N. W. It would seem from this that 
the taking of John Jenkins a prisoner was the direct cause of sending up the 
force under Lt. Col. Dorrance by order of Col. Denison to arrest the tories 
about Wyalusing and above. "Steuben Jenkins." 

The expedition to which Air. Jenkins refers was as follows : On 
December 20, 1777, Col. Denison" sent a force of 112 men under com- 
mand of Lt. Col. Dorrance up the river. They came as far as Sheshe- 
quin, raided the house of Captain Hopkins, known to be a refuge for 
tories and deserters, took some prisoners, and returned to Wyoming. 

C. F. Heverly, in "Sheshequin," narrates (without corroborative 
references) that Hopkins was an Indian, commissioned Captain by the 
British, and that he lived on present Culver property, that during the 
attack Hopkins was shot by one Rufus Baldwin, and that "this was 
the first blood shed in this valley during the Revolutionary contest." 
that Hopkins recovered and was at the battle of Wyoming. 

The following memorial to the General Assembly of Connecticut 
was submitted by Col. Denison in January, 1778 : 

"On December 20, 1777. I was informed that a band of Tories was forming 
in order to stir up the Indians of Tioga to join said Tories, and kill and destroy 
the inhabitants of this state, upon which information I ordered a part of my regt. 
to be equipped and march to suppress the conspirators ; and also sent an express 
to the tribes of Indians at Tioga. The express was in service seven days." 

He then gives number of men who participated, and says : 

"The men marched up the river about eighty miles, and took sundry Tories, 
and happily contented the Tioga Indians and entirely disbanded the conspirators." 

This would seem to indicate that there were still friendly Indians 
at Tioga. However, this quiet was not long continued, and the year 
1778 opened with renewed hostilities all along the river. In March a 
second expedition was sent from W^yoming of 150 men under Col. 
Dorrance, whose avowed purpose was to remove the Whig families 
to safety. At Wyalusing this force constructed a raft of some of the 
timbers of the deserted Moravian houses, on which they removed sev- 
eral families with their belongings. Christopher Hurlbut, later a 
pioneer at Athens, was one of this rescuing party. 

Dr. Craft found in Connecticut Archives. State Paper No. 98, a 
Memorial of Samuel Gordon and Thomas Wigton to the General 

^^ Commander of the 24th Conn. Regt. 



122 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Assembly of Connecticut, wherein it is set forth that Gordon "out of 
regard to the ivelfare of the settlement offered to venture his life to 
make a discoz'ery of the situation of a number of Tories zvho lived up 
the rizrer at a place called Tioga and Shcshcquin." He made the ex- 
pedition, and by the neghgence of John Jenkins, who agreed to follow 
him with a force of men, Gordon was taken prisoner, evidently early 
in 1778. The whole paper is not at hand, but this shows where the 
Tories were ktiown to be in force. 

The familiar names of Van Gorder and Van der Lippe are found 
on lists of Tories, but we have been unable to follow up the history. 

The next Indian raid was, however, but two months later, show- 
ing them still undaunted. Indeed, by June, 1778, there was scarcely 
a white family, except Tories, left above the Lackawanna. 

John Hilborn, a Quaker and a native of Bucks County, in June, 
1778, was taken prisoner by Indians near Stroudsburg and carried to 
Niagara with other white men. At Tioga Point they rested, and all 
the loads so far carried on backs were put into canoes and paddled up 
the Chemung. (From Miss Blackman's ''History Susquehanna 
County.") 

Further extracts from the narrative of Mrs. Whittaker, afore- 
mentioned, are here introduced : 

She relates that her family lived at Wysox, then called Wysock- 
ton, having settled there five years before the Wyoming massacre. On 
the 20 May, 1778, while they were at breakfast, 13 Indians, 3 squaws 
among them, swooped down upon them and captured them, i. e., her 
mother, six children, her grandparents and three sisters of her mother. 
Her father had gone that morning to Wyoming to arrange, if possible, 
to move his family there, fearing the Indians. The Indians made 
Rudolph Fox, who lived at Towanda, go down with them, so that the 
Stropes would not fly on their approach. He was not a Tory, but a 
good-natured German. On their return he got away at Towanda and 
managed to get his family to a place of safety, fearing his turn might 
come soon. Mrs. Whittaker thought the Indians were Senecas ; they 
cam'C from the Genesee. 

"They took us at once to Tioga Point. There they gave us to Butler at the 
head of his rangers, composed of Indians and British soldiers. I was about 
eleven years old at that time. While at Tioga we picked our living from the 
fields and woods, strawberries, raspberries," etc. (The boys of the party were 
allowed to fish to eke out this scanty subsistence.) "We saw some prisoners run 
the gauntlet at Tioga Pt and Oquaga — the women and children pelting them as 
they ran with their clubs and stones & striking them with their whips. Our 
party was not compelled to run the gauntlet. When we were taken prisoners 
they tied the arms of our men, & sent them to Niagara & put them in confine- 
ment except the two boys left with us. When we were brought to Tioga, we 
found the flats there & at Owego cleared and corn raised. The stumps from 
many of the flats were ofif. Strawberries were wonderfully abundant." 

An enlightening account of the preliminaries of descent upon the 
Mohawk and Susquehanna valleys in 1778 is found in "Annals of 
Buffalo Valley," copied by Mr. Craft, Note Book No. 5, pages 13fi et 
seq., tell of an intercepted letter, written by a certain Nicholas Pickard 
to his cousin, both evidently Tories : 



THE DESCENT ON WYOMING 123 

"Wyoming March 7, 1777, Worthy Friend — I let you know that as soon as 
the river is clear of ice, we shall march from every part, therefore I advise you 
to go out of the way, for we then — intend to cut all off, there-fore I think it is 
better for you to go out of the way for against May it will go as you heard it 
will go. Perhaps against Easter I will be with you and give better account — I 
have wrote as much as I durst. '"Nicholas Pickard." 

According to minutes of the committee of safety of Northumber- 
land County sworn testimony of the cousin John shows that is a 
promised note of warning, the Indians having apprised Nicholas Phil- 
lips, a Tory at Tunkhannock : 

"That they would come down and cut off all against this Spring, or as soon 
as they got their orders, and would in particular strike upon the Mohawk river 
and the waters of the Susquehannough, — and that they did not want to kill any 
that did not take up arms against them, and if he would go out of the way there 
would be no danger. And that about a fortnight ago, (April 1777) they told 
him there were 500 Indians at Shamung waiting for their orders from Niagara, 
and 15,000 of the ministerial troops of Niagara which were to be divided, 4,000 
to come down North Branch of Susquehanna. 4.000 down the West Branch ; and 
7,000 down the Mohawk river, and a number of Indians were to be along with 
them, and that Nicholas Phillips of Tunkhannock notified Pickard and several 
others to move with their families to a place called Tiogo in the Indian country 
and that the informant was John De Pen who had gone and joined the English 
at Niagara, and sent this information by an Indian." 

We are in ignorance as to the delay of the expedition for one year. 

As Mrs. Whittaker has said, the final preparations for the inva- 
sion of Wyoming were all made at Tioga Point, under the supervision 
of the British Major, John Butler, and the Indian Brant. It is acknowl- 
edged pretty generally nowadays that the famous Joseph Brant was 
not at Wyoming, but the affidavit of Robert Jones, made at Minisink 
only a week after the massacre, shows that he was at least called in 
council. Jones says that he was at Oghwaga (now Windsor) with 
Brant, while there ; 

"Came an express from Butler to Brant ordering him to march imme- 
diately to Tioga, zvhich orders Brant immediately obayed, and stayd eight or 
nine days, saying when he returned that he had been at a treaty; that the In- 
dians refused to join in an expedition to the northward unless they tcere first 
assisted to cut off the inhabitants of the Susquehanna ; at which treaty it was 
agreed that Butler should go to Wyoming, and that Brant should stay at Anah- 
quago and collect all the provision he could against the return of Butler." 

By this deposition it surely appears that the Indians were specially 
anxious to dispossess the Connecticut settlers. 

It is unnecessary in this history to give the oft told story of W^^o- 
ming Massacre, but it is worth while to consider this great gathering 
at Tioga Point — 1,100 men, 400 British and Tories, the latter largely 
recruited by Brant along the upper Susquehanna, and 700 Indians, 
mostly Senecas, it is said. Of course, all of Queen Esther's braves 
were there. Imagine the busy scene ! The modern historian tells us 
the canoes for this great force were made at Tioga Point, though it 
has long been said that they were made up the Cohocton or upper 
Cayuga Branch.^- However, it was a busy camp. JJlicre zi'as it? 

1- "The canoes which carried a large party of Tories and Indians to Wyoming in 1778, 
were made on the Canisteo. At the settlement of the upper valley of that river the trunks 
of trees, which proving unfit for use had been abandoned after having been partially wrought, 
with other traces of work, and some tools and weapons, were found on the farm of Col. J. R. 
Stephens near Hornellsville. The settlers had this fact also from the Indians." — Erwin's 
Painted Post History. 



124 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

According to Mrs. Whittaker, John Secord, the well-known Tory, was 
the sutler or commissary. As already told, he had seven acres (prob- 
ably cleared), from river to river, just below the Museum-Library. 
The natural landing place was at the back of the present Museum- 
Library site. There is every indication that the camp was located 
there, and that one may look to-day from the windows of the Tioga 
Point Museum and imagine the fleet of canoes starting on their voyage 
of destruction. 

Mrs. Whittaker heard them speak of killing white dogs and roast- 
ing them. This curious Indian feast was over. Each warrior had 
partaken of the flesh said to give courage and bravery. Each warrior 
had put on their hideous war paint, black striped with the red ochre, 
such as is seen to-day in the museum. Some of them had the imposing 
feather head-dress, waving above their heads or tied at the side, Eng- 
lish fashion, with cord and tassels. Now they are all ready. John- 
son's Royal Greens, in their bright uniforms, adding to the hideous 
picture. One's heart thrills with horror, as did that of the miserable 
white captives, when, standing in their canoes, the Indians join in their 
awful war songs. The gibbering squaws and screaming children on 
the bank are giving them good speed, and the fleet is off on that ter- 
rible expedition, ending in the well-known Wyoming Massacre of July 
3, 1778. It does not seem necessary in this history to repeat the oft- 
told tale.^^ 

There were many families at Wyoming who came later to this 
lovely valley, and there are a few stories that have not been told, which 
were oft recounted to her children by Elizabeth Satterlee, who at the 
time of the massacre was a trembling child of thirteen, with an invalid 
mother and several small brothers and sisters. Her father, Benedict 
Satterlee, it is supposed, fell in the battle or during previous dis- 
orders. Was it not Elizabeth herself who, crouching behind the bed, 
sought to defend the others with the musket still possessed by her 
descendants, and well named "Old Trusty." Then came the awful 
moment when she had to yield, and one as awful when the Indians 
painted all their faces to keep trace of them. Brave as ever, she begged 
of the Indians her own pet pony, which they were driving away with 
other horses. The girl's assurance touched the Indians, and they par- 
leyed with her and put her to a strange test. The captured stock was 
all to be driven over a small bridge. The Indians asked her if she 
could tell her horse's step among the others ; she said she certainly 
could. So they told her to go under the bridge ; that they would ride 
her horse over with the others, and if she could tell its step they would 
leave it for her. This she was willing to try, and they rode ever so 
many horses over several times, but she always knew the step of her 
own. And after all this test, the horrid savages took it away from her. 
Then came the dreadful journey back to Connecticut, of which each 
survivor had a dififerent tale of harrowing experiences. None but old, 
feeble men, very young boys, women and children to go. Yet they 
were warned by their enemies, when driven out, that if found near 

1^ For complete account see Harvey's "History of Wilkes-Barre," p. 972, et scq. 



THE FLIGHT FROM WYOMING 125 

Wyoming after a certain time they would all be killed. So the pathetic 
company started through the dense forest, with only one or two old 
horses and hardly any food. When relating this to her children, Mrs. 
Matthewson would always pause and say, "But the Lord mercifully fed 
us all the way with whortleberries, which grew so thick that we gath- 
ered all we needed without ever stopping as we went along." She said 
that when night came they all were obliged to lie down under the open 
canopy of heaven, without any covering save that of angels' wings. 
She said they would look out a place to lie, in or near some little 
bushes, such as alder or whortleberry, that they might have the partial 
covering their leaves afforded. 

After several days they reached the Delaware at Stroudsburg, 
where they met with two companies of the Continental troops, who had 
been sent to the succor and relief of the people of WS'oming, but too 
late. Here they remained a week or more, and received rations from 
the military stores of the two companies. The mother, Mrs. Satterlee, 
had a young baby and was not strong, so they gave her the use of a 
horse most of the way. When only a day's journey from their destina- 
tion, their Connecticut friends, who had heard of their coming, met 
them at a small settlement with horses and food. The poor, tired 
mother asked to go in a house and lie down for a while to rest ; she fell 
asleep. The company waited a while, and she did not waken ; they de- 
cided to go on and return for her the next day. But she never waked 
— she died of fatigue ; and Elizabeth, left with the younger children to 
care for, soon developed the great determination and masterful char- 
acter well know^n in later years. Small wonder that there was an ele- 
ment of fierceness in the tiny, delicate body after such an experience. 
Though she never seemed to have much enmity for the Indians, the 
Tories had her undying hatred ; she never had the least bit of toleration 
for them. How she would and could have fought them, frail as she 
appeared, was shown in the contests of strength that in her old age she 
loved to have with her grandchildren and their playmates. Unques- 
tionably, her hatred of the Pennsylvania claimants was increased by the 
remembrance that they were supposed to sympathize with the Tories.^* 

There are many more stories of the massacre and the flight that 
could be told, but as much of this was never before printed, it has 
seemed wise to give it as a typical picture of the distress of those days. 

The Strope captives were still at Tioga Point when the party re- 
turned from Wyoming, laden with booty, among which, says ]Mrs. 
Whittaker, were cattle and horses in great numbers ; though she heard 
them say that some of the cattle tumbled off from Breakneck Hill and 
were killed. The Indians and other forces, and all the prisoners, went 
up the Susquehanna to Bainbridge and Teunadilla soon after their re- 
turn, going in canoes. While there, two British soldiers deserted ; 
curiously enough, making their w^ay toward Tioga Point. They were 
overtaken at Nichols ; court-martial was dispensed with, and they were 
shot down at once. Their bodies were left on the ground, as not 

^'' For much of these interesting reminiscences we are indebted to a grandchild, Mrs. 
Annie W'ashburn Lee. 



126 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

worthy of burial. Queen Esther (who told the story to the Stropes), 
however, herself superintended the digging of graves and had them 
buried in Indian fashion. 

Some of the Indians returned to Tioga Point with their captives, 
remaining there undisturbed until after Hartley's expedition. (This 
proves that Hartley did not come above the old town of Diahoga.) 

Afterwards all the captives were sent to Fort Niagara with an In- 
dian escort. On their way they stopped at French Catherine's a week 
or two. There the Indians had a great pow-wow, the squaws all went 
off evidently for the Green Corn dance. ^^ (From Mrs. Whittaker's 
Narrative.) 

Judge Avery thus comments : 

"There was something particularly interesting, so say various writers, in 
the Festival at the commencement of the year. A white wampum — the emblem 
of purity with the Indians was placed in the centre of the group & each Indian 
in his turn walked to the center of the room — took the white wampum in his 
hands — expressed in strong terms his determination for the future to lead a good 
Indian's life — talking his resolution 'into the wampum' as they signified it. In 
all their councils & treaties with the whites they passed a wampum, or belt as 
we would call it, over to the person for whom the harangue was intended. This 
was talking the law or the terms of the treaty into the wampum. There was 
an officer in the Confederacy whose special duty it was to preserve the wampums. 
He was called the keeper of them. He would be called in our deliberative bodies 
a Clerk — Keeper of the Records. 

"We cannot but admire this simple & firm belief of our Indian predeces- 
sors in the existence & superintending care of the Great Spirit — so far in ad- 
vance of the Polytheism of the Ancients — There was also among our predeces- 
sors an entire freedom from am-thing like idolatrous worship. In their simple 
faith they followed back to its source the warm ray which loosened the trickling 
sap — which reddened the berry — which embrowned the tassel of the corn & per- 
fected the harvest. The Indian savage with untutored mind but with a thankful 
heart looking from his yearly blessings as they returned up to the hand of Ha- 
wen-nee-gar — the Great Spirit — who gave them." 

'"Judge Avery thus comments here: "The dances, of which Mrs. W. mentions two, 
were important festivals, five or more occurring in the year; they were of a religious char- 
acter, thanksgivings to the Great Spirit for the yearly return of various blessings. The first 
was the Maple Festival, thanks being returned for the first running of the sap. The ne.xt 
was the Strawberry Festival, the first fruit of the season. The next was the Green Corn 
dance, when the corn was large enough to use. The next the Harvest Festival, and the last 
at the commencement of the new year, a propiatory ceremony that the Great Spirit would 
bring a return of usual blessings. These were all very sacred, conducted with gravity and 
decorum until the dancing commenced, when gay costumes, eagles' plumes, and ornaments of 
various sorts added brilliancy to the scene." 

"The chief dances of the Indians are the Feast of the First Fruits, the Great Feather 
Dance and the White Dog Dance. At the first dance thanks are returned to the Great Spirit 
for the first fruits of the season. These are the strawberries. At the second dance, which 
takes place in the fall, the Indian renders thanks for all the fruits of the year. The White 
Dog Dance is by far the most important of the three. It takes place once a year in the month 
of January. 

"According to the Indian's religion, the Great Spirit demands that he be rewarded 
the sacrifice of something that is very scarce in the tribe. It corresponds to the Eucharist 
in the Christian churches. The dog used is of a very rare kind and is bred especially for 
this purpose. It is milk white, and is selected as the fittest symbol of truth and veneration. 
The animal is always strangled, and never tortured. I have witnessed many of these dances 
and have never seen anything repulsive in them." — Harriet Maxwell Converse. 



CHAPTER VIII 



REVOLUTIONARY CAMPAIGNS IN THIS VALLEY 

The SuIIiz'aii Expedition, and Its Foreniinier, Commanded by Colonel 
Hartley — Some New Lights on Their History — Life in Fort Sidli- 
z'an — Cherry J ^ alley Massacre 

While to the casual reader "the Hartley Expedition" may seem of 
minor importance, classed, indeed, as an ordinary scouting expedition 
worthy of but passing notice ; careful investigation proves it to be far 
more. For the great Sullivan Expedition was planned by Washington, 
and only executed by Gen. Sullivan ; whereas its forerunner was en- 
tirely due to the clever conception and able execution of Colonel 
Thomas Hartley\ who, in being appointed to defend the frontiers, 
was given absolute freedom. And his consummated endeavor proved 
the feasibility of the more extensive later campaign, convincing both 
Washington and Congress. Not that the idea of a raid into the Indian 
country was original with Hartley, for the Pennsylvania Archives show 
that from the hour of the Wyoming Massacre some such experiment 
was under consideration. As nearly as can be judged, the suggestion 
first came from General Armstrong, who July 22, 1778, wrote to the 
President of Congress, saying he had already addressed to the State 
Delegates in Congress "a few promiscuous thoughts on expediency of 
carrying the war into the Indian Country, and that the first or most 
natural excursion would appear to be up the Susciuehanna to return the 
visit of ]\[r. Butler and his friends; but we have no person acquainted 

1 Thomas Hartley, lawyer, soldier and statesman, is not sufficiently well know^n to the 
people of his own State, or, perhaps, to the country. He was one whose brilliant life and 
bold deeds should be very familiar to the youth of America. His efforts in establishing or 
guarding the frontiers cannot be too highly estimated. Probably the best and fullest account 
of his life is in the valuable work, "Pennsylvania and the Federal Constitution." Dr. John 
W. Jordan has also written an excellent sketch, published in the Historical Magazine of 
Pennsylvania, accompanying a copy of the miniature possessed by descendants of Eleanor 
Hartley (Hall). The copy here presented, by the courtesy of Rev. H. E. Hayden, is evidently 
from the same miniature. The following is culled from above noted sources: 

Thomas Hartley, the son of George Hartley, a prosperous Pennsylvania farmer, was 
born September 7, 17'46, in Colebrookdale Township, Berks County. At the age of eighteen, 
after being at school in Reading, he chose the legal profession, and was admitted to the bar 
after several years study. He rose rapidly to legal distinction and was embarked upon a suc- 
cessful career, when the Revolutionary War began. He was successively elected to many 
responsible offices under the new Republic, and finally became Lieut. Colonel of the Sixth 
Battalion in January, 1770; and served in the Canadian campaign. In December Washington 
made him commander of a newly organized regiment which had an active part in the cam- 
paign for the defense of Philadelphia, and was also in active service at Brandywine, German 
town and Paoli. In July, 1778, he was ordered with his regiment to Sunbury, and was put 
in charge of the defense of the frontier, a service well and ably rendered. December, 1778, 
uponj the re-organization of his regiment with some independent companies, he was made 
commander of the whole by Congress. But two months later he resigned, having been elected 
a member of the Assembly of Pennsylvania. It seems strange that so brave a soldier should 
leave active service, but perhaps he saw in the new office greater opportunity to serve the 
young Republic. In 1783 he was elected as one of the Council of Censors; in 1787 was a 
delegate to the Pennsylvania Convention to ratify the Federal Constitution; and in 1788 he 
was elected a member of Congress by the Constitutionalists, and continued in that body for 
twelve years. He was the first Pennsylvania lawyer to be admitted a counsellor in the United 

127 



128 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

with that country of which intelligence at this time is much wanted." 
A few days later he wrote to Bryan, Vice-President of Peimsylvania : 
"Beyond all question the Seneca towns and others northward ought to 
be the first mark * * * would the Oneidas be guides ? their Cler- 
gymen might pick from them such as could be trusted." 

Later he writes again to Bryan ; suggests that, as an excursion is 
to be made into the enemies' country by Colonel Alorgan, that he should 
make a junction with Hartley and forces at Wyoming, or if more con- 
venient, "still higher on the Susquehanna at Tiahoga/' thence to pro- 
ceed to the Seneca towns, etc. He also says there should be not less 
than 3,000 men under a good commander. 

Congress and the Council evidently disapproved, as soon after he 
writes again: 'T am sorry to find that the necessary efiforts into the 
Indian country are not like to be carried out, or hang in suspense." 

With this indecision, arising, of course, largely from inability to 
decide where troops could be used to best advantage ; it was well that 
so resourceful a man as Hartley was in a position to act at this critical 
juncture. For, while the general historians touch lightly on these 
expeditions, it has come to be recognized by historical students that in 
the great issues of the Revolutionary War the Sullivan Expedition was 
a potent factor ; and that it could hardly have been possible without the 
bold effort of Hartley just before. The account of the Hartley Expe- 
dition as here given is the substance of a paper written originally for 
the Tioga Point Historical Society by Rev. David Craft, and read by 
him before that body in October, 1903. It was the desire and intention 
of the society to publish this at once. But through some misunder- 
standing it was withheld by Mr. Craft : and at a later date revised and 
read before the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, by whom 
it was published. The original paper, however, was finally given to the 
author for insertion in this work, with such corrections and additions 
as it seemed best to make. No credit, therefore, is due to the Wyoming 
Society for its appearance. 

States Supreme Court. He was one of the original members of the Society of the Cincin- 
nati, and one of the first trustees of Dickinson College. In 1800 he was commissioned Major- 
General in the State Militia. Having purchased 1,000 acres of land in the Buffalo \'alley, 
in 1799, he laid out a town which bears his name and perpetvjates his memory. 

His great admiration for W^ashington was evidently reciprocated, as his name is fre- 
quently mentioned as attending the social as well as official functions of the President. And 
in 1791 it is recorded that Hartley entertained Washington at his home in York, Pa. Thus 
it will be seen he rose to eminence in every position filled by him. A most remarkable tribute 
(appended) was paid by his friend and pastor at his funeral in December, 1800. It is strange 
that both he and Sullivan died almost before the prime of life at about the same age. Pos- 
sibly their constitutions were impaired by their rigorous campaigns. The large collection of 
Hartley's letters in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania show that he was both brilliant 
and witty. 

"If I could blow the trump of fame over you ever so 1-oud and long, what would you 
be the better for all this noise? Let not your integrity, patriotism, fortitude, hospitality and 
patronage be forgotten. Another (who need not be named) hath borne away the palm of 
glory, splendid with the never-dying honor of rearing the stupendous fabric of .\merican 
freedom and empire. Departed friend! you hear me not, the grave is deep and silent. In 
this work of blessings to future ages you bore, though a subordinate, yet an honorable part. 
Soldiers of liberty! come, drop a tear over your companion in arms. Lovers of justice! 
come, drop a tear over her able advocate, — and of science, come drop a tear over its warmest 
patron. Children of misfortune! come, drop a tear over your benefactor and protector. 
P.rethren of this earthly lodge! rejoice that our brother is removed to the temple of the 
Supreme. Ministers of religion! come, drop a tear to the memory of a man who was ever 
the friend of truth and virtue. And thou, my soul! come not into the assembly of those 
who would draw his reposed spirit from the bosom of the Father who is in heaven." — 
(From the funeral sermon by Rev. John Campbell, D. D.) 



THE HARTLEY EXPEDITION 



129 





^a/U^ 



Colonel Thomas Hartley and His Expedition Against the Tories and 
Indians at Tioga Point in 17/8. 

(As originally written by Rev. David Craft.) 
The Hartley Expedition may properly be called the prologue of 
the Sullivan Expedition the following year. The destruction of Wyo- 
ming was complete. The people were driven ofif, their property de- 
stroyed, their buildings burned, and their cattle and horses taken by the 
enemy; although Butler promised that if the people would not again 
take up arms against the British nothing should be molested. 

Having completed the devastation of the settlements on the North 
Branch, the enemy turned his entire attention to the settlements along 
the West Branch, where raids had been made early in the season. 
Pioneers had pushed up this stream as far as the "Great Island" (pres- 



130 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

ent Lock Haven). As troubles from the Indians began to be imminent, 
and to have actually begun, forts were erected at various points for the 
protection of the settlers in their neighborhood, and the inhabitants be- 
gan to rest in quiet and with some feeling of security. Soon after the 
sack of Wyoming the storm in all its savage fury burst upon these hap- 
less settlers. Parties of Tories and Indians made a descent upon the 
settlements, ambushed and killed and scalped parties at work in the 
fields, or traveling upon the highways ; or watching the absence of the 
men, attacked women and children in their houses ; and, growing bolder 
by their success, they ventured even to attack considerable bodies of 
armed men and the forts upon which the inhabitants depended for pro- 
tection and shelter. In a short time terror and dismay spread through- 
out the valley. Men were shot down and scalped, and their assailants 
made good their escape, almost under the guns and in sight of the forts ; 
women were killed while at their domestic work and children while at 
play in the door-yard of their homes. A detailed account of the mur- 
ders, pillaging and general destruction of life and property cannot here 
be given. A piteous but urgent cry was made to the military authorities 
for help in their great extremity. The appeals of the people to Con- 
gress were not made in vain, for that body at once ordered Colonel 
Hartley with his regiment to the West Branch valley.^ He arrived in 
the early part of August and immediately took steps toward strength- 
ening Fort Muncy,^ near the mouth of Lycoming Creek, and putting it 
in condition to make a stoiit resistance in case of an attack. A body of 
militia, amounting to 300 men, was ordered out in the country to assist 
those who w^re anxious to gather their crops now suffering for the 
sickle. This had the effect of encouraging the people, and they com- 
menced returning in large numbers to their desolated homes. Colonel 
Hartley seems to have been the right man for the place. The records 
show that 100 men belonging to Colonel Hartley's regiment, 220 militia 
from Lancaster County, 170 from Berks County, 100 from Northumb- 
erland County,- and between 60 and 70 of Captain Murray's company 
of six-months men, was the entire number of men enrolled in the val- 
ley. This made a force of about 700 men, which was deemed sufificient 
to cope with the enemy. They were stationed at various points by order 
of Colonel Hartley and directed to be vigilant. 

Colonel Hartley soon saw the advantage to the service of a troop 
of cavalry, where the enemy were so alert as those with whom the set- 
tlers had to contend. Accordingly, on the first of September he in- 
formed the Executive Council that he considered it highly important to 
have a small body of horsemen ordered to the valley, and he also wrote 
to the, Board of War making a similar request. In the same letter he 
stated that Captain Walker had succeeded in making the necessary re- 
pairs at Fort Muncy and that he had obtained a four-pounder from Fort 
Augusta, which had been properly mounted. '^ During the long and 
bloody war between Rome and Carthage a Roman general and states- 
man said that the best way to defend Rome was to carry the war into 
Africa and put the Carthagenians on the defensive. As the Indians 
continued to be very troitblesome, it occurred to Colonel Hartley to pur- 



THE HARTLEY EXPEDITION 131 

sue similar tactics and undertake some offensive measures to inflict upon 
the merciless savages the same treatment the frontiersmen were receiv- 
ing at their hands. With this end in view, as well as to obtain informa- 
tion useful for a much more formidable expedition against the Indian 
towns of Central New York then under consideration, Colonel Hartley 
in September, 1778, planned an expedition to Tioga Point, to destroy 
some of their villages and break up some of their places of rendez- 
vous.* This expedition, which proved to be entirely successful, was one 
of the most remarkable on record, and though to some extent over- 
shadowed by the much greater and more pretentious one of the follow- 
ing year under General Sullivan, really made that expedition possible 
and paved the way for its success. The line of march was by the some- 
what unfrequented Indian trail known as the Sheshequin path, which, 
beginning at Muncy on the West Branch, followed up the Lycoming 
Creek to its head at the southwest corner of this country. Here the 
path divided ; one branch leading northward through present Elmira to 
Canadesaga, the other down the Towanda to between LeRoy and W^est 
Franklin, when it crossed the divide to Sugar Creek near the County 
Almshouse, thence down Sugar Creek to near its mouth, when it fol- 
lowed near the line of the present highway across Hemlock Run over 
Gibson Hill, where the Moravians called it "The narrow way," to the 
great path along the river, at present Ulster. It indicates the topo- 
graphical skill of the men of the forest that every great railway in the 
country follows substantially an Indian trail. The Northern Central 
Railway of the Pennsylvania system follows the rule, taking the valley 
of the Lycoming, which it crosses just about as frequently as the old 
path did, while near Grover it takes the northern path to Canadesaga, 
instead of the eastern one. The Sheshequin path was familiar to the 
early travelers in the country, all of whom speak of its deplorable con- 
dition and almost insuperable difficulties. Forty years before (1737) 
Conrad Weiser, the intrepid Indian agent, had been over this route, and 
was the first to notice the divide between the Lycoming and Towanda 
creeks. 

A few years later Weiser, in company with Joseph Spangenberg 
and David Zeisberger, two intrepid Moravian missionaries, came over 
this same path, on which account it is afterward known in the Morav- 
ian records as "Joseph's path.'' All speak of its extreme difficulty and 
the relief experienced when the end was reached. The trouble experi- 
enced by Hartley's men, and which will be spoken of later, are not in 
the least overdrawn and are only a repetition of experiences given by 
all former travelers. The best source of information regarding this ex- 
pedition is Colonel Hartley's own report to Congress, in which Jie de- 
scribes minutely every step taken from his leaving Muncy until he 
arrived at Wyoming. From this report free quotations will be made.^ 

As to his force, he says : "What with volunteers and others we 
reckoned on 400 rank and file for the expedition besides 17 horse, which 
I mounted from my regiment under the command of Mr. Carbury. 
Our rendezvous was Fort Muncy, on the West Branch, intending to 
penetrate by the Sheshecanunk Path to Tioga at the junction of the 



132 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Cayuga with the main Northeast Branch of Susquehanna, from thence 
act as circumstances might require. The troops met at Muncy 18th of 
September. When we came to count and array our force for the expe- 
dition (instead of the 400, as had been expected ) they amounted to only 
about 200 rank and file. We thought the number small, but as we pre- 
sumed the enemy had no notice of our design, we hoped at least to 
make a good diversion, if no more, whilst the inhabitants were saving 
their grain on the frontiers." " Of this force were 150 from Wyoming 
under the command of Captain Simon Spalding, of whom 60 were 
from the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment (Hartley's), who' had been 
sent to reinforce the Wyoming garrison and now returned to their regi- 
ment, and 58 were Spalding's Independent Company, and 12 were vol- 
unteers under Captain John Franklin of the settlers, who- had returned 
after the battle of July 3d.' Of the other 70, a part was from Hartley's 
regiment at Fort Muncy and part was Captain Murray's six-months 
militia, and the 17 light horse under Captain Carbury.' The most of 
them were connected with the Sullivan Expedition the following year. 

At four o'clock of the morning of September 21, with the little 
force before mentioned, Colonel Hartley set out on his. tedious and per- 
ilous march. They carried two boxes of spare ammunition besides what 
was in their cartridge boxes, and twelve days' rations. The path they 
were to take, always difficult, presented unusual obstacles. For a num- 
ber of years it had been but little used, and was so overgrown with 
brush and obstructed with fallen timber as to be hardly discernible, con- 
stantly requiring a considerable force with axes to clear the way and 
make it passable even for experienced woodsmen. Their march fell 
upon the period of the equinoctial storms, rain fell almost every day. 
Their clothing was soaked, every bush and twig they touched let down 
a shower upon them ; the frequent swamps were filled with water, com- 
pelling them to wade knee-deep in the ooze and mire. The creek (Ly- 
coming), with its rapid current swollen to unusual depth, they were 
compelled to wade, sometimes breast-deep, no less than twenty times. 
The way lay over high mountains, up whose narrow paths they were 
compelled to climb on their hands and knees, down* precipices of slip- 
pery rocks ; their clothing constantly wet, and compelled to sleep upon 
the ground soaked with water; this three days' tramp up the Lycoming 
was enough to appall the most courageous — yet not a man flinched or 
hesitated. The Colonel says: "In our route we met with great Rains 
and prodigious Swamps. Mountains, Defiles and Rocks impeded our 
march. We had to open and clear the way as we passed. 

"I cannot help observing that I imagine the Difficulties in crossing 
the Alps, or passing up Kennipeck, could not have been greater than 
those our men experienced for a while. I have the pleasure to say they 
surmounted them with great Resolution and Fortitude. In lonely woods 
and groves we found the Haunts and Lurking places of the savage 
Murderers, who had desolated our Frontier. W'e saw the Huts where 
they had dressed and dried the scalps of the helpless women and chil- 
dren who had fallen in their hands." To guard against surprise an ad- 
vance guard of from 15 to 20 men was kept a little distance in front of 



HARTLEY AT TIOGA POINT 133 

the main body, and wherever the way would achnit, flankers were thrown 
out to beat the busli for ambuscades, while the rear had to be kept con- 
stantly well guarded. This necessary precaution added to the natural 
roughness of the path ; the drenching rains and the thick growth which 
had accumulated increased greatly the difficulty of the march over that 
of other travelers who have spoken of the tediousness of the route. 
Their first experience with the enemy occurred September 26, the sixth 
day of their march. The advance party of 19 met an equal number of 
Indians on the path approaching them.'' The whites had the first fire. 
A very important Indian chief was killed and scalped, the rest fled. It 
now became certain that the expedition, which, however secret it may 
have been before, could remain so no longer. The fleeing Indians would 
give the alarm and a force would be ready to receive them as soon as 
they emerged from the wilderness. Whatever success the expedition 
achieved now depended upon the celerity of its movements in reaching 
Tioga before the enemy could assemble his forces, which were consid- 
erably scattered, owing to recent attacks upon the New York frontiers. 
To hurry forward with all possible speed was now the order. A few 
miles farther on they discovered where upwards of seventy warriors had 
slept the night before on their march toward the frontier settlements. 
The fleeing Indians communicated their panic to this party, who joined 
them in their retreat to the towns on the Chemung. Unfortunately, we 
do not know the exact location of either the skirmish or the Indian 
camp. These events were, however, somewhere in the neighborhood 
of Le Roy or Burlington, on Sugar Creek, for that night the expedition 
reached Tioga, having made a forced march by way of Old Sheshequin. 
Sheshequinunk was an old Indian village on the west side of the river, 
on the site of present Ulster. During the Pontiac War ( IT'lJo-lTiio) 
the town was abandoned, but after peace quite a number of families of 
Delawares under Echobund, the husband of the notorious Queen Esther, 
returned and built their huts just above Cash's (Old-town) Creek. A 
little later several families of Jersey Delawares, Christian Indians 
(Brainerd's), came to Sheshequin and built hclozv the creek, which was 
the dividing line between the villages. At the request of these Christian 
Indians the ]Moravians sent a preacher among them. They had a 
church of hewn logs, a school house and a number of log dwellings. 
The settlement continued to thrive until 1773, when they joined the 
Wyalusing Indians in migrating to the Ohio. The heathen Indian vil- 
lage moved four miles up the river and located on what has since been 
known as Queen Esther's Flats." Echobund died probably about the 
time of the migration of the Moravian Indians, but his clan remained 
loyal to his widow, who upon the death of her husband assumed the 
government. She, with her warriors, was at Wyoming, where she 
raged like a fiend incarnate. She abandoned her village before the 
Hartley Expedition and later went to Canoga, N. Y., the birthplace of 
Red Jacket, where she married an Indian whom the whites called Steel- 
trap, and where she died. Tioga (Diahoga) was the oldest and most 
important Indian town in that part of the country. From time imme- 
morial it had been the "fore town" of the Iroquois and the residence of 



13-i OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

their viceroy, a Cayuga chieftain. It was a rendezvous for Indians and 
Tories during the Revokition. Hartley found it deserted, all the people 
having gone to Chemung. 

On the morning of the 28th, Hartley with his force crossed the 
river and made their way by the great warrior path to Wyalusing. 

Of the events of the 26th of September we let the Colonel tell the 
story. After speaking of the skirmish and the encampment he says : 
"No time was lost. We advanced towards Sheshecunnunk, in the 
neighborhood of which place we took 15 prisoners from them. We 
learn that a man had deserted from Capt. Spalding's company at Wyo- 
ming [one of the Van Alstynes] after the troops had marched from 
thence and had given the enemy notice of our intended expedition 
against them. We moved with the greatest Dispatch towards Tioga, 
advancing our Horse and some Foot in Front, who did their duty very 
well. A number of the enemy fled before us with Precipitation. It was 
near dark when we came tO' that town^^ [the evening of the 26th of 
September]. Our Troops were much fatigued. It was impossible to 
proceed further that Night. We took another Prisoner. Upon the 
whole information we were clear the Savages had intelligence of us 
some days — That the Indians had been towards the German Flats — in 
Mohawk Valley — had taken 8 scalps & brought off 70 oxen intended 
for the garrison of Fort Stanwix. That on their return they were to 
have attacked Wyoming and the settlements on the West Branch again. 
That Colo. Morgan or no other person had attempted to penetrate into 
the enemy's country, as we had been given to understand, ^^ and that 
the collected force at Chemung would be upwards of 500 and that they 
were building a fort there. We also were told that young Butler had 
been at Tioga a few Hours before we came — that he had 300 Men with 
him, the most of them Tories dressed in grcen^~ — that they were re- 
turned toward Chemung, 12 miles O'fif, & that they were determined to 
give us Battle in some of the Defiles near it. 

"It was soon resolved we should proceed no further, but if possible 
make our way good to Wyoming. We burnt Tioga, Queen Hester's 
Palace or Town and all the settlements on this side. 

"Several Canoes were taken and some Plunder, Part of which was 
destroyed. Mr. Carbery with the Horse only was close on Butler. He 
was in Possession of the Town 3 miles up the Cayuga Branch, but as 
we did not advance he returned. The consternation of the enemy was 
great. We pushed our good Fortune as far as we dare, nay it is prob- 
able that the good countenance we put on saved us from destruction as 
we were advanced so far into the enemy's country and no return but 
what we could make with the sword. We came to Sheshecunnunk that 
night (Sept. 27). Had we had 500 Regular Troops and 150 Light 
Troops with one or two Pieces of artillery we probably might have 
destroyed Chemung, which is now the receptacle of all villainous In- 
dians and Tories from the different Tribes and States. From this they 
make their excursions against the Frontiers of N. York and Pennsyl- 
vania, Jersey & Wioming & commit those horrid Murders and De- 



ATTACK (3N HARTLEY NEAR WYALUSING 135 

vastations we have heard of. Niagara and Chemung are the assihims 
of those Tories who cannot get to New York. 

"On the morning of the 28th we crossed the river and marched 
toward Wyalusing, where we arrived that night at eleven o'clock — our 
men much worn down — our Whiskey and Flour was gone. On the 
morning of the 29th we were obliged to stay until eleven o'clock to kill 
and cooke Beef. This necessary stop gave the enemy Leasure to ap- 
proach. "^^ 

Hartley found Wyalusing considerably dismantled. Early in the 
spring before a party had come up from Wyoming, who made rafts of 
the timber in the church and some of the best houses, upon which were 
loaded a few families who had remained in the vicinity during the win- 
ter ; and with their goods were carried to Wyoming. What was left of 
this once beautiful and interesting town was burned before the troops 
left their encampment. This town was on the flats about two miles be- 
low the present village of Wyalusing. 

The path up the Browntown Mountain was a few years ago easily 
traceable, and probably is so now. As was said, it was eleven o'clock 
on the morning of September 29 before the detachment was able to 
leave their Wyalusing encampment. The Colonel says of this day's 
march: "Seventy of our men, from real or pretended Lrameness, went 
into the canoes, others rode on the empty Pack Horses ; we had not 
more than 120 Rank & File to fall in the Line of March. Lieut. 
Sweeney, a valuable officer, had the Rear Guard, consisting of 30 men, 
besides five active Runners under Mr. Camplen. The advanced guard 
was to consist of an officer & 15. There were a few Flankers, but 
from the Difficulty of the ground and Fatigue [of the men] they were 
seldom of use. The rest of our little army was formed into three Divi- 
sions ; those of my Regiment composed the first, Capt. Spalding's the 
2d, Capt. Murrow's [Murray's] the 3d. The Light Horse was equally 
divided between front and rear. The Pack Horses, and the cattle we 
had collected were to follow the advance guard. In this order we moved 
from Wyalusing at twelve o'clock. A slight attack was made on our 
Front from a Hill. Half an hour afterwards a warmer one was made 
on the same quarter. After ordering the 2d & 3d Divisions to out 
Flank the Enemy, we soon drove them. But this, as I expected, was 
only Amusement. We lost as little time as possible with them. At two 
o'clock a very heavy attack was made on our Rear, which obliged the 
most of our Rear guard to give way, whilst several Indians appeared 
on our left Flank. By the weight of the Firing we were soon con- 
vinced we had to oppose a Large Body. Captain Stoddard commanded 
in Front, I was in the Center. I observed some high ground which 
overlooked the enemy. ( )rders were immediately given for the first 
& 3d Divisions to take Possession of it, whilst Captain Spalding was 
despatched to support the Rear Guard. We gained the Heights 
almost unnoticed by the Barbarians. Capt. Stoddard sent a small 
Party towards the enemy's Rear. At the critical moment Capts. Boone 
& Brady & W. King, with a few Brave Fellows landed from the canoes, 
joined ^Mr. Sweeny [of the rear guard, which had been driven in on to 



136 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

the Main body] and renewed the action there. The War Hoop was given 
by our People below and communicated round. We advanced on the 
Enemy on all sides, with great shouting & Noise. The Indians after a 
brave resistance of some minutes, conceived themselves nearly sur- 
rounded, fled with the utmost Haste, by the only passes that remained 
& left ten dead on the ground. Our troops wished to do their duty, 
but they were much overcome with Fatigue, otherwise, as the Indians 
imagined themselves surrounded, we should drove the Enemy into the 
River. 

"From every account these were a select body of warriors sent 
after us, consisting of near 200 men. Their Confidence and Impetuos- 
ity probably gave the victory to us. After they had driven our Rear 
some Distance their chief was heard to say, in the Indian Language, 
that which is interpreted thus, 'My Brave Warriors, zve drive them, be 
bold and strong, the day is ottrs.' Upon this they advanced very quick 
without sufficiently regarding their Rear. We had no alternative but 
Conquest or Death. They would have murdered us all had they suc- 
ceeded, but the great God of Battles protected us in the day of Danger. 
We had 4 killed and 10 wounded. The enemy must have had at least 
treble the number killed & wounded. They received such a Beating 
as prevented them from giving us any further trouble during our 
March to Wioming, which is more than 50 Miles from the place of 
Action. The officers of my Regiment behaved well to a Man. All the 
party will acknowledge the greatest merit and Bravery of Capt. Stod- 
dert. I cannot say enough in his favor. He deserves the Esteem of 
his Country. Mr. Carbery with his Horse was very active and rendered 
important services till his Horses were fatigued. Nearly all the other 
officers acquitted themselves with Reputation. Capt. Simon Spalding 
exerted himself as much as possible. Capt. Murrow [Murray], from 
his knowledge of Indian afifairs and their Mode of fighting, was serv- 
iceable. His Men were Marksmen and were useful. The men of my 
Regt. were armed with Muskets & Bayonets. They were no great 
marksmen and were awkward at wood Fighting. The Bullet and three 
Swan shot in each Piece made up in some measure for the want of 
skill." The place where this action occurred is still known as Indian 
Hill, and is crossed by the line dividing the county of Wyoming from 
Bradford. The remnants of muskets^* and bullets have been found on 
or near the battle ground. The first two skirmishes were on the Brad- 
ford County side of the line, while the heavy fighting was done in what 
is now Wyoming County. 

On the 5th of August of the next year Sullivan's army passed 
this ground on their expedition against the Western Indians. Some of 
the diarists call attention to the Hartley fight, but as they were going 
in the opposite direction, speak of the places in reverse order. 

Thomas Grant says : "Likewise passed the place where Col. Hart- 
ley defeated the Indians in '78. We then ascended a hill known by the 
name of Wyalusing Hill — the ascent very gradual, the descent very 
steep." 



OFFICERS IX HARTLEY'S EXPEDITION 137 

Col. Hubley, in whose command were the men who were with 
Hartley on this expecHtion, and whose means of information were, 
therefore, exceptionally good, says : "We arrived in a small valley 
called Depue's Farm [on Tuscarora Creek] ; the land very good. Ob- 
served and reconnoitered this ground for some distance, it being the 
place on which Col. Hartley was attacked by the savages last year on 
his return from Tioga to \\'yoming. The country being fine and open, 
some loss was sustained on both sides." 

Rev. Dr. Wm. Rogers, one of the chaplains of the expedition, 
says : "About twO' miles from Black Walnut Bottom we crossed a small 
run or creek called Tuscaroge, took a particular view of the two places 
where the enemy last fall attacked Colonel Hartley's legiment on its 
served and reconnoitered this ground for some distance, it being the 
regiment could have wished. We passed by the skull of one of our 
men who was then killed, hanging on a small tree. After we left this 
height, having marched over a low and swampy piece of ground, we 
came to Wyalusing ^Mountain." 

All of the accounts are necessarily somewhat vague, but compar- 
ing them with each other and the ground passed over we fix the place 
of the first discovery of the Indians near the place recently owned by 
the late Hamilton Brown, on the top of Browntown Mountain ; the 
place of the second discovery a mile or more beyond, on the border of 
the swamp now nearly dried, while the battle itself was fought on the 
hill about a mile above the present village of Laceyville.^^ 

Of the men mentioned by Col. Hartley but little can be said. Of 
Capt. Carbury I have already spoken. Capt. Simon Spalding is a 
name so familiar to all in this part of the county as to need no further 
notice. Capt. John Brady lived near Muncy on the West Branch, and 
was killed there the following April. Capt. Hawkins Boone was a 
familiar name on the West Branch frontiers. On July 28, 1779, he 
was in command of a party which was waylaid and defeated by the In- 
dians, from which he narrowly escaped with his life. Lieut. Isaac Swee- 
ney was the captain of a company in Hubley's Eleventh Pennsylvania 
Regiment. Captains Stoddard and Murray enjoyed a local reputation 
of being skillful, courageous and successful Indian fighters; further 
than this I do not Icnow. 

Colonel Hartley reported his loss at four killed and ten wounded. 
The Indians left ten killed on the ground, but according to their custom 
carried away their wounded and possibly some of their dead. If their 
wounded were in the same proportion to their killed as in Hartley's 
troops, the number would amount at least to twenty-five. The rest of 
the story is soon told. Without further incident the expedition reached 
Wyoming October 5th, having, as the Colonel says, "performed a cir- 
cuit of near 300 miles in about two weeks. ^"^ We brought off near 50 
head of cattle, 28 canoes, besides many other articles," and he might 
have added, recaptured sixteen prisoners taken by the Indians from the 
settlements on the Susquehanna, and destroyed four Indian towns, 
namely, Tioga, Queen Esther's Town, Sheshequinunk and Wyalusing. 
Colonel Franklin, who was with the militia, says the people were 



138 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

greatly pleased when they saw the returning expedition bring back 
some of the cattle and goods the Indians and Tories had stolen, but 
their joy was turned to disappointment when they learned that the 
plunder — a phrase in that day applied to recovered stolen goods — was 
to be sold at auction and the money applied to the expenses of the 
expedition, and that the only way they could regain the possession of 
their own property was by being, the highest bidder at the auction. 
But, besides these, other valuable results followed the expedition. 

1. It was demonstrated that an expedition of larger dimensions, 
which could penetrate much farther into the Indian country and be 
vastly more destructive tO' the native resources, was entirely practicable. 
Hartley made this expedition over one of the roughest trails in the 
country in two weeks' time, on twelve days' rations, mostly carried in 
haversacks, without the loss of a man, except the four in the casualty 
of battle on Indian Hill. The supplies could be supplemented in no 
inconsiderable degree by the food and corn growing on the ground 
about the Indian towns and on their cultivated fields. 

2. Of the two paths into the Indian coimtry, that taken by Hart- 
ley up to Tioga, and that taken by the river on his return, the latter 
was the only practicable one. 

That the Sheshecjuin path presented altogether too many obstacles 
to the transportation of a large body of troops with artillery, ammuni- 
tion and supplies to be at all practicable. 

3. Hartley learned and insisted upon the value of light troops — 
of men who were familiar with the woods and who were good marks- 
men and understand the Indian tactics in woods-fighting. He also saw 
the moral effect of big guns and urged thaf another expedition should 
have at least two or three cannon. These were all valuable facts and 
were made use of in the Sullivan Expedition the following year. 

4. The Indians were also^ taught that blows could be given as 
well as taken by the settlers. 

Shortly after the return of the expedition, the regiment, having 
become much reduced in officers and members, was by order of Con- 
gress recruited and reorganized. Colonel Hartley having been allowed 
to resign for the purpose of entering upon public life, the command 
O'f the regiment, now called the "New Eleventh" of the Pennsylvania 
Line, was given to Colonel Adam Hubley, and in the Sullivan Com- 
paign the next year formed a part of General Hand's Brigade of Light 
Troops and led the van of the historic expedition into the wilds and 
wildernesses of the Iroquois Confederacy. It continued in the military 
service until the close of the Revolutionary War, when it was dis- 
banded with honor. 

Notes by Author. 

^ Here Mr. Craft is somewhat in error. According to the Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. 
VI, pp. 689, 691-693, Hartley, having been "ordered up to assist the Frontiers," and finding 
the people had fled, leaving their harvests, which were, on account of the war, unusually 
necessary; began at once to consider how best to protect the people. He concluded to fix 
and maintain some new frontier forts, mentioning several proposed in a letter to the council. 
Of Muncy he says: "We were clearly of opinion that a fort ought to be Built near Saml. 
Wallace's, about two miles from Muncy Creek. I therefore directed one to be laid out ac- 
cordingly." After describing its proposed construction he adds that it will be a small ex- 
pense and save thousands of pounds as well as many lives. The council responded that Con- 



AUTHOR'S NOTES ON CRAFT PAPER 139 

gress would admit of no expense in erecting forts in the interior, and adds "as to the place 
where temporary forts may advantageously be erected, your own discretion will determine as 
occasion offers." 

- These poor fellows were reported by Hartley as having arrived with "their cloths 
all torn by the woods; they are in the utmost want of Hunting shirts and woolen overhalls 
or leggins. I hope 200 of each will be sent x\p immediately." Poor fellows! in spite of this 
appeal there is reason to suppose that they accompanied the expedition without the reinforce- 
ment in wardrobe, and there is little doubt but that the whole force were in tatters on their 
arrival at Diahoga. 

^ See Pa. Archives, Vol. \'I, p. 730. 

* See Pa. Archives, \'ol. \'II, p. 3, first paragraph; also \'ol. \'I, p. 770. 

^ See Pa. Archives, Vol. \'II, p. 5. 

" The harvests were unusually needed for the support of the army, and Colonel Hartley 
had urged the frightened settlers to return and secure them wherever possible. 

'^ Captain Henry Carbury retained the command of his cavalry squadron until the Sul- 
livan campaign, when that officer deeming so small a body of horsemen unserviceable, and 
unable to increase their number dismounted them. Captain Carbury retained his rank as 
captain and his men resumed their places in the regiment. In the affair of the Hog-backs 
near Chemung. August 13, 1779, Captain Carbury was severely wounded but recovered and 
re-entered the active military service. On the thirtieth of November, after the Hartley ex- 
pedition, 1778, he was promoted from Lieutenant to Captain and commanded the Eighth 
Company of the Eleventh Regiment. He was retired in January, 1781. In June, 1783, he 
was concerned in the riot of the soldiers of the Pennsylvania line, and to avoid arrest fled 
to Maryland, where he is lost sight of so far as I know. — Craft. 

* Probably near Burlington. 

^ For further account of this town see Chapter VI, Queen Esther and her town. 

'^° This was the old Indian town on the Point. 

"Colonel Morgan, to whom Hartley alludes above, with six companies of light troops, 
who was in the Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded by Lieut. Colonel William But- 
ler, and then attached to General James Clinton's Brigade, in New York State, was expected 
to form a junction with Hartley at Tioga, but for some reason failed to connect. — Craft. 

^ Generally known as the Green Rangers. 

^^ The next year was the Sullivan Expedition. Colonel Adam Hubley, who succeeded 
Hartley in the command of these same troops, said of this town, "since the commencement of 
the present war the whole has been consumed and laid waste partly by the savages and partly 
by our own people." 

^* One of these muskets is in the museum at Towanda. 

1= See \'ol. IX, Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, p. 212, in which Mr. Craft 
gives a later description of this locality, according to personal investigation. 

^* In Penna. Archives, \'ol. VI, p. 773, may be found another and most interesting 
report of this expedition made by Lieutenant Hunter of Fort Augusta. Speaking of the 
attack at Wyalusing, he says: "The Indians had way-layd our People among a Parsel of 
Rocks, as they were marching through a piece of narrows." He gave great praise to both 
men and officers; said they brought in five Indian scalps, and that it was supposed the enemy 
followed all the way to Wyoming, as three men of Colonel Murray's command were killed 
and scalped near the garrison, October 3. Thomas Maxwell, in the notes for Schoolcraft, 
says that "Hartley's victory at Wyalusing frightened the Indians into sending all Tioga Point 
prisoners to Chemung." 

Author's Addenda. 

In addition to his report to Congress, Col. Hartley sent one to 
the Executive Council of Pennsylvania, saying: 

"Anxious for the welfare and safety of those Frontiers, I wished if pos- 
sible to draw the Savages to a greater distance. By acting on the Defensive 
only this could not be effected. I understood Cols. Morgan and Butler were 
acting against the Indians on the Susquehanna, this with our former Inclinations 
induced us to push an Expedition to Tioga & its neighborhood. * '^ Consid- 
ering our numbers we pushed our good Fortune as far as we dare, we gave a 
present relief to the Frontiers & turned back the Barbarians from Deluging our 
Country with the Blood of Helpless Mothers & Infants. They are a strange 
enemy, they shun Danger when among us. but near their own Country they fight 
brave. * * It is too late for an Expedition against Chemung this Fall, we 
must only secure our posts for the Winter. & early in the Spring a body must 
march against their Towns on this River; there are more Indians within 150 
Miles of this, then within the like distance from Fort Pitt where so many men 
are collected. I have wrote Congress to request that another Regiment should 
be sent to Wyoming — what I write may be relied upon. I could wish you would 



140 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

second my proposal to Congress * * We are here on a Dangerous service, 
which gives few opportunities of gaining Laurels ; we have a Vigilant & Danger- 
ous Enemy, but it gives us pleasure to think we serve our Country & protect 
the helpless & innocent — I inclose a copy of an address I sent to the Indians." 

It is to be regretted that this address cannot be found. How the 
sterling worth of this brave man shines forth in these reports ! Even so 
long after, it stirs one's blood to read his simple, tmafifected words, 
showing his bravery, his alertness, his willingness to serve in the lesser 
places, if thereby he could best further the interests of his country. 
Is he not as worthy of admiration as Sullivan, since this expedition 
was his own conception ? 

The Executive Council sent a special messenger to Congress to 
indorse Hartley's suggestion, but that it was not acted upon is proven 
by a second letter to^ Council the next month, November, 1778, in which 
he tells of new depredations and another advance on Wyoming, and an 
expected one at Sunbury ; adding : 

"Had regiments been sent to- Wyoming as I requested, these calamities 
would probably not have happened. Should the enemy take Wyoming, New 
York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey will then too late think of its importance. 
I intended to have gone to Philadelphia, but am now determined to stay 'til the 
danger is over. — We are much in want of flour." 

Council sent to this an immediate and reassuring answer, regret- 
ting the decision (or indecision) of Congress, and also that an expedi- 
tion was not tmdertaken to Chemung "by an enterprising officer. Your 
attempt that zuay does yon honor." In a fev/ days he writes again 
more reassuringly, having driven back the advance on Wyoming, re- 
captured the cattle stolen, etc., closing by saying bravely that he could 
manage the Indians in his vicinity well enough. In December the 
Executive Council, on motion, 

"Ordered That the unanimous thanks of the Council be given to Col. 
Thomas Hartley for brave & prudent conduct in covering the North Western 
frontiers of this State, & expelling the Savages & other Enemies ; and that he is 
requested to inform the Officers & Men who have been under his command that 
this Council is highly sensible of the difficulties and hardships of the duty they 
have performed, and the Courage & zeal which they have shown during the last 
Campaign." 

At a later meeting it was recommended that Hartley's plan for 
defence of N. W. frontiers be approved and pursued, and evidently 
without delay, as correspondence ensued that indicated immediate prep- 
arations. January 10, 1779, Lt. Col. Zebulon Butler, in response to 
a letter from Gen. Hand, writes : 

"Westmoreland, Jany. 10, '79. 
"Honored Sir : 

"Rec'd yours of ye 17th Dec. 1778 on the 4th Jany. 1779. Imme- 
diately Sent over Express to Sunbury, who Returned this day with the Inclosed 
Letter from Capt Stoddard who Commands there in Col. Hartley's Absence. 'Sr. 
I'm verry happy to find that A Gentleman of Your Character is Appointed to the 
Command of these fronteers. Shall always be happy in Receiving and Obeying 
your orders. Inclosed I Send you the Returns of the Strength of this place as 
to men Amminition &c. The Distance from this place to Chemong is About 100 
Miles, the Rode impossible to pass any other way in the Summer Season than by 
pack horses or boats, and I think it Not possible to pass either way at this Sea- 
son, with any Sufficient Quantity of provision for an Army Sufficient to go 
against Such an Enemy We provirbly Shall meet with. The Ice in the River is 



LETTERS OF HARTLEY AND BUTLER 141 

such that we cannot pass by Water, and the Cricks are Numerous and uncertain 
Passing at this Season the Depth of the Snow is Usually from 15 Inches to two 
feet Deep. Snow Shoes will be Necessary and Can be had Hear if men Can be 
Procured to make them as the Commisary has A Number of Raw Hides. If 
from those Representations your Honour should think A Winter Expedition was 
not practicable I Would propose Whether (after your Knowing the Quantity of 
provision &c Your Honour Would Not think it best to send 100 or 150 more 
Men hear for Winter-Quarters. Barracks can be had for them the last Letter I 
had from Col. Hartley he Informed me that A Regt was coming to this post and 
the board of War had Directed him to make the following Arrangement — viz. 
that is if a Reinforcement of Troops Come to this post that the Detachments 
from his Regt at this post and at fort Jinkins join the Reg't at Sunbury. Fort 
Jinkins is a post Kept with About 50 men on this river About 38 miles Down 
from this post and that the Troops that came here should Garrison this post and 
fort Jinkins. but Your Honour Can order them affairs as you think proper. 

"The Express I send you I have ordered to return to me as Soon as pos- 
sible after you Dismiss Him. 

"I am with Esteem Your Honour's 
"Most Obt Humble Servt 

"Zebn Butler 

"Lt Col Comdg" 

"N. B. — If You should think Best I will be preparing for Boats. Desire 
your Directions and I think it my duty to Let you know that Letters of Conse- 
quence should not be trusted to the Care of Col. Stroud. Wheather through In- 
attention to publick Business, or Design or multiplicity of private Business I Can 
Not say but the Letter from Your Honour to Col Hartley and myself Lay at his 
House till the first Jany 1779 and that is not the first time he has Done the like. 

"Your Humble Servt 

"Zebn Buteer" 
"To the Hon Brigadier Genl Hand Minisink." 

Some additions to the story of Hartley's expedition may be found 
among the correspondence of Col. Zebulon Butler, published in Vol. 
VH, Proceedings Wyoming Historical and Geological Society. Here 
are several letters from Hartley, written before the expedition, saying 
he was "collecting a clever body of men" at Muncy ; ordering some 
troops from Wyoming to join him at Wyalusing, which was his first 
plan, evidently advising that they should march in ignorance of their 
destination in order to deceive the Tories, etc. Mentioning that the 
combined troops should proceed against Chemung, where he under- 
stood were many Indians and Tories, and most of the plunder taken 
at Wyoming, adding. "I mean that this Town should be approached 
by the Lycoming Path to the mouth of Tawandie and that the Town 
should be attacked, & if possible Destroyed, & that the Troops should 
Sweep the Country down to Wyoming. This will give relief to our 
Frontiers & intimidate our Enemies." October 3, Col. Butler's Or- 
derly Book (published with correspondence) mentions Col. Hartley's 
returning thanks to members of the expedition, who made no complaints 
and "acquitted themselves with the Highest Reputation," "and they 
have this further Satisfaction tO' know they have Saved the Lives of 
many and Served their Country." Special inention is made of several, 
as of "Capt. Franklin with his Volunteers;" and various promotions 
were suggested. 

The following letters of still greater interest, because of their per- 
sonal character, are in the AIss. collection of the Historical Societv of 



143 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Pennsylvania, access to same having been given by the courtesy of Dr. 
John W. Jordan, June, 1907. 

September 2, 1778, Col. Hartley writes to Anthony Wayne, say- 
ing: "We would have gone on expedition sooner, but I was not well 
enough." The expedition is mentioned as planned to go from Muncy 
to JVyalnsing. He congratulates Wayne on his promotion, saying he 
had hoped to be his companion in arms, and adds : 

"Fate ordained that I was to go to make war on the savages of America 
instead of on Britain." 

On the same day he wrote to Thos. McKean : 

— "From an examination of the maps these Frontiers are much exposed to 
the Depredations of the Savages — I intended last week to have made a push 
against Wyalusing, but found my strength inadequate. Inhabitants can grant no 
assistance. I have not given up the Notion of Wyalusing yet, and am preparing 
to send a party against it. We shall gain neither honor or laurels on these fron- 
tiers, but we have the satisfaction to think we save our country. It is expected 
that his Excellency will send a force of sufficient strength — to go and destroy 
the Towns in the Neighborhood of Tioga this fall yet — this should be done 
soon — bad weather is approaching — I have heard old stories of British Human- 
ity — but it seems to be banished from the nation at present — with the Lads I have 
to deal with we expect none — Is there not some chosen curse — some hidden 
thunder in the stores of Hell — red with uncommon wrath to destroy the mon- 
sters who make use of such instruments to establish their Tvranny?" 

"Oct. 30. 

"Dear Genl. (A. Wayne) — You will hear of a splendid expedition we have 
had up the waters of the Susquehanna — In the actions we had with the savages 
I never saw better choices of ground than they made to attack on — but the last 
time we outmanouvered them. It is hellish work to be fighting those devils." 

These letters to Wayne (hitherto unpublished) show the character 
of Hartley — brave, ambitious ; yet submissive to the call of duty. They 
are also of interest as showing the contempt of a brave man for British 
methods of warfare. 

This account of the expedition was also found in the Hartley Col- 
lection of Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Believing it to have 
been hitherto luipublished, it is here inserted ; as, while there is some 
repetition, there are some concluding observations of importance : 

"Fort Augusta 7th October 1778 
"Sir 

"The 5th Inst. Coll. Thomas Hartley Returned from an expedition 
he carryed on against some of the small Indian Towns on the North Branch of 
Susquehanna, where he was informed there was a party of Indians and Tories 
Assembled, but they being appraised of Coll. Hartleys march by a party of War- 
iors he met comeing to the West Branch; Whome our People fired uppon and 
shot their Captain dead uppon which the Indians fled Imeadiatly and alarmed 
the Towns Coll. Hartley was Bound for, so that they had time to put their fam- 
ilys and chief part of their Effects out of the way before he arived there, and 
when he came to Tiaoga where he took some Tories Prisoners, they informed 
him that there was a Town calld Shamung about ten or twelve miles from there 
where there was a Body of Indians Tories & Regulars in Garrison as good as 
Six or seven Hundred, Coll. Hartley after Consulting his Officers thought it most 
Expedient to Return Back without Attempting Shamung, and so after destroy- 
ing Tiaoga & Shesiken and bringing off fifty or Sixty Head of Horned Cattle 
and some Horses they got there beside several other articles our People Brought 
with them in Cannoes, — 

"In the meantime the Indians was Collecting a party to intercept Coll. 
Hartley on his march to Wyoming, which they accomplished and fired on our 



THE MASSACRE OF CHERRY VALLEY 143 

People in front in this side of Wyaloosing, where the Indians had waylay'd our 
People among a parsel of Rocks as they were marching through a piece of Nar- 
rows along the River side, but Coll. Hartleys People Returning the fire briskly 
made the Enimy Give Way, and marched but a little ways furder when they were 
fired on again in the Rear and after a brisk fireing on Boath Sides for Some 
time the Enimy Retreated — 

"It must be acknowledged our People beheaved with Courage and Conduct, 
in I)ringing off their Wounded all their Cattle and pack Horses, suppose the En- 
emy followed all the Way to Wyoming and scalped four of Coll. James Murrays 
men after they arived there, as for a more minute account of this Expedition I 
Refer you to Coll. Hartleys own Letters to the Board of Warr & E.xecutive 
Council — 

"But in the whole it was well Conducted considering the number of men 
that went with Col. Hartley, not above two Hundred and fifty which shows that 
Officers and men beheaved with spirit in bringing with them five Indian scalps 
besides several more of the Enimy Killed. Col. Hartley's loss was seven killed 
and Eight wounded includeing those that was killed at Wyoming. — 

"As for the Inhabitants of this Country they seem very much afraid at 
present, hearing of such a large Body of the Enimy being so nigh as Shamung, 
and all the Militia that was here from Lancaster County & Berks gon, as their 
times was Expired, and none here but part of Col. Hartleys Regiment, sixty 
men of Col. James Murra3^s Company of Six Months men, and about one Hun- 
dred of our own Millitia which is doing Duty in several parts of this County, 
which is no way adiquit to the security of the same, as I am certain the one half 
of this County is left Vacant and not more than one third of the Inhabitants that 
lived formerly here is puting in any fall Crop this year, so that Distress & mis- 
ery must Ensue — if no Continental Troops is Ordered up here this fall nor no 
Militia from other Countys Bordering of us, I am afraid a number of those that 
has brought their familys Back will leave the County again." — 

Tioga Point continued to be a rendezvoiis even after Hartley's 
destructive visit. It was from here that the party descended on Wyo- 
ming early in November, 1778, that imprisoned Frances Slocum, whose 
story is world-famous. Many other depredations were committed along 
the New York frontier. In the diary of Capt. Warren^^ it is written 
"an express arrived from Fort Schuyler informing that one of the 
Oneidas was at a council of war of the enemy's, in which it was de- 
termined to visit Cherry Valley." It is said this message was from 
Colonel Gansevoort, and stated that said council had been held at 
Tioga Point, a great meeting- — the Oneida said. 

The massacre of Cherry Valley is supposed to have been the out- 
come of a revengeful scheme of Captain Walter Butler. While the 
great Chief Brant opposed it, he was compelled to yield, especially as 
many Indians were eager to participate. The expedition, like that of 
Wyoming, started from Tioga Point, marching up the Susquehanna, 
and receiving recruits along the route. The force was 800 strong, said 
to consist of 600 Indians, 150 Tories, 50 British soldiers and 4 officers. 
The settlement was attacked November 11, 1778, and the Indians 
practiced the most inhuman barbarities, to -which they were incited by 
the Tories. As for the leader. W'alter Butler, Brant said of him he 
was "more savage than the savages themselves," and that "the Seiiecas 
would kill their friends for the sake of plunder." Many settlers were 
made prisoners and were taken on rafts and canoes down the river, 
"the usual route." to Tioga Point, whence the whole party proceeded 
to Kanadesaga. en route to Niagara. It was the very same week of 

^' This diary is in the Spark collection of Harvard University. 



144 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

this massacre that Hartley reported to Executive Council that the 
enemy were in force between Fort Jenkins and Wyoming, intent on 
plunder, evidently expecting the frontiers to give way, also that he was 
"hastening to relieve U'yotiiing, although he ivas zveak." 

The year 1779 was no better. At its opening the Oneidas. who 
were generally friendly to the Americans, sent word that Brant was 
planning further expeditions. Throughout the entire spring hostilities 
were incessant. From Oquaga, where Brant had his headquarters, 
various attacks were made on New York frontiers ; Stone Arabia, Fort 
Plain and Schoharie with, however, little damage. Other bands of 
Indians made successive raids into Pennsylvania from Tioga Point; 
for while Hartley destroyed the old town at the confluence of the 
rivers, he did not frighten the Indians away from their old rendez- 
vous at the neck of the peninsula. July 20, Brant attacked Minisink 
with 60 Indians and 27 Tories disguised as Indians. The settlement 
was destroyed, there was great loss of life, and Brant, after a brief 
raid on the Mohawks, retired to Tioga with many prisoners and con- 
siderable booty. But this time his stay was of short duration. For 
all these border raids and depredations in New York and Pennsylvania 
had at last awakened Congress and General Washington to the danger 
threatened, and with the opening of the year 1779 the warnings and 
suggestions of Armstrong and Hartley were heeded, and consideration 
was being given to the invasion of the enemies' country, now known 
as "the Sullivan Expedition," the object of which, according to Colonial 
records, was 

"To carry war into the Indian country so as to strike a terror into the Sav- 
ages, and endeavor to encourage the inhabitants to hold their ground if possible." 

The Sullivan Expedition. 

It should be a matter oi local pride that the Sullivan Expedition, 
though previously ignored or slightingly treated, has at last taken its 
proper place in history. For unquestionably the men who suggested 
and brought to perfection the Centennial Celebration of the battle of 
Newtown (held on the battlefield in 1879) were directly active in 
effecting a correct appreciation of that noble undertaking. The honor 
roll should specially include in this locality Judge Warner of W^averly 
and Rev. David Craft of Wyalusing; the former interesting the public 
and inciting to action by his newspaper sketches ; the latter being 
largely instrumental in bringing together, by painstaking research, 
many of the journals of soldiers of the expedition, now embodied in 
the well-known New York State publication. 

Nor did Tioga Point fall behind in enthusiasm, as was evinced by 
the well-drilled company "Franklin Guards," named for the hero, Col. 
John Franklin, whose home and grave are in our borders. Clad in 
their old continental uniforms, and skillfully drilled by their captain, 
Charles T. Hull, they played no insignificant part in the drama of the 
day. 

Since that Centennial Celebration the expedition has been so often 
presented in essay, lecture and printed page that our thought has been 



THE SULLIVAN EXPEDITION 



145 



to gather material overlooked or seldom used ; especially that concern- 
ing Fort Sullivan, and the army's sojourn here. Not that we by any 
means wish to belittle the great enterprise, but rather to have our 
readers bear in mind the summary of the latest historian of the expe- 
dition, Dr. William Elliott Griffis : 

"We do not hesitate to say that the expedition of 1779 was one of the great 
episodes of the Revolution, to be reckoned in its decisive influences with Trenton 
and Monmouth, and second only to Saratoga and Yorktown ; and we place Sul- 
livan only after Washington and Greene." 




We assume that it is now generally known that from the time of 
the terrible attacks on Wyoming and Cherry Valley, Washington and 
several other commanders, notably Armstrong and Hartley, felt that 
a decisive blow must be struck to intimidate the savages and weaken 
the British, who, using the red men as allies, incited them to commit 
the terrible depredations already cited ; and akcays acted in conjunction 



146 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

witli them. Washington was also well aware that the fertile valleys 
of New York, being- nearest the British frontier, were the gardens of 
supply for the British army. There their Indian allies had great plan- 
tations of maize and other vegetables, and fruitful orchards. Having 
control of all the streams that united in the Susquehanna and Dela- 
ware, these allies were always able to descend quickly in their swift 
canoes to harass the frontier settlements, if not the army. Therefore, 
when Congress awakened to the necessity, an expedition was planned 
to invade New York State and destroy the homes, and the sources of 
supply at one blow. 

It was none too soon. i\lready the British had built store houses 
(where Geneva now stands) in the midst of the orchards and cornfields. 

General Gates had proven far from efficient in his defence of the 
frontiers ; and while courtesy demanded that the command of this ex- 
pedition should be first ofifered to him, undoubtedly Washington in 
his secret heart hoped that he would pass on the letter and the com^ 
mand to the younger and more efficient Major-General Sullivan.^ For 
this expedition, as Craft has well said, was : 

"To solve the question whether the American Indian with his deeply rooted 
prejudices, his unconquerable aversion to civilization, and his undisguised hatred 
for the religion and culture of the European was longer to stand in the way of 
human progress." 

Congress having come to a decision, and given the order in Febru- 
ary, Washington at once planned to make the attack from three points 
simultaneously; Easton, Schenectady and Pittsburg; the troops from 
two latter points to join the main army under General Sullivan at 
Tioga Point, once more the strategic point in a great undertaking. 
Dr. Griffis says "it was Washington, who insisted that the artillery 
should be taken, despite jeers and criticism.*' While Washington's 
early training had been in encounters with the Indians in the forest, 
and he knew the demoralizing effects on "the lurking savage" of shot 

^ John Sullivan was born of Irish parentage at Somersvvorth, N. H., February 17, 1740. 
Though poor and obliged to work as farmers, both he and his brother early showed an am- 
bition for education, which ambition carried them to Boston, where both were soon employed 
by a lawyer; John as clerk and his brother as general assistant. Both studied for the law 
and were admitted to practice, the brother, however, proving the better lawyer. While John 
rose to be Major General his brother became a Judge. An interesting sketch, published in 
the Athens Gleaner of April, 1871, tells about these brothers, and of their mother, who (in 
a gathering of women, where she was evidently a partial stranger) was questioned about her 
Irish origin in a slighting manner. The brave and proud little woman, whose sons had al- 
ready risen to distinction, answered: "Yes, I come to giz'e you Judges and Generals." 

Before entering the army John practiced law at Durham, N. H., where he lived and 
died. He was an active patriot, representing New Hampshire in the first Continental Con- 
gress. In December, 1774, four months before Lexington, he led a party in a successful 
attack on a fort at Piscatequa, the first open act of hostility against royal authority. He 
resigned his seat in Congress to enter the army, and was at once assigned to the command 
of a brigade. He was very active in service, and won the approval of Congress even in de- 
feat, also various promotions. The command of the expedition of 1779 was first offered to 
General Gates, who having refused, it was tendered to Major General Sullivan, whose skill 
and faithfulness in executing Washington's commands was as much blamed as praised. Hart- 
ley conceived every detail of his smaller expedition and executed them in freedom. But 
with the larger one, as it had been long under consideration, every detail except emergencies 
had been arranged by Washington himself, as proven by his own letters of instruction. 

Sullivan, however, rose to the most unexpected and harassing emergencies from the 
inception to the end of the expedition. It was similar in its attempt, success and effect to 
Sherman's famous "March to the Sea." Small wonder that the hardships and exposure 
added to arduous service for five years previous, shattered the health of the able com- 
mander. He tendered his resignation in November of the same year. Congress expressing 
regret at the loss of so gallant a soldier. However, he was not allowed to remain in retire- 
ment, but as long as he lived was continually called to fill public offices of trust and dis- 
tinction. His death occurred at Durham in 1795, when he was but fifty-four years old. Not 



WASHINGTON'S LETTER TO SULLH'AN U7 

and shell, letters in existence indicate that it was General Hartley's 
advice and recommendation that led to inclnding the artillery. 

Washing-ton's first letter to General Sullivan is here inserted as 
giving a correct insight into the inception of the expedition, which, in 
Washington's words, was designed for "the total destruction and de- 
vastation of these settlements" : 

"Head-Quarters, Middle Brook, March 6th, 1779. 
"Dear Sir : — 

"Congress having determined upon an expedition of an extensive nature 
against the hostile tribes of the Indians of the Six Nations, the command is of- 
fered to Major General Gates as senior oflficer, but should he decline, it is my 
wish that it should devolve upon 3-ou. That no time may be lost by Gen. Gates' 
non-acceptance, I have put this letter under cover to him, and have desired him 
to forward it to you, should that be his determination. Should it therefore be 
sent to you, I must request you to set out as speedily as possible after the receipt 
of it, to Head Quarters, as the season is already far advanced. Upon your ar- 
rival the whole plan of the expedition shall be communicated to you and meas- 
ures concerted for, carrying it into execution. 

"Nothing will contribute more to our success in the quarter where we really 
intend to strike, than alarming the enemy in a contrary one, and drawing their 
attention that way. To do this you may drop hints of an expedition to Canada 
by way of Coos. This will be the more readily believed as a thing of that kind 
was really once in agitation, and some magazines formed in consequence, which 
the enemy are acquainted with. You may also speak of the probability of a 
French Fleet making its appearance in the Spring, in the River St. Lawrence, to 
co-operate with us. It will be a great point gained, if we can by false claims, 
keep the force ready in Canada from affording any timely assistance to the Sav- 
ages, Refugees, and those people against whom the blow is levelled. 

"I would wish you to keep the motive of your journey to Head Quarters a 
secret, because if it is known that an officer of your rank is to take a command 
to the westward, it will be immediately concluded that the object must be con- 
siderable. 

"I am with great Regard, 

"Dear Sir, 
"\'our Most Obedient Servant, 

"George Washington." 
"Major General Sullivan." 

forty years old when he was so successful a commander. The portrait of him here repro- 
duced is now in the possession of the Wyoming Historical Society, although, by the courtesy 
of Charles F. Murray, this copy was presented to the Tioga Point Museum at an earlier date. 
It plainly shows the fearlessness of the sprightly young Irish-American, whose name is graven 
on the roads, streams, streets, etc., along the route carved out by his army. Fort Sullivan 
is also a name of which Tioga Point will ever be proud, and which, by the enduring mon- 
ument erected by the Tioga Chapter, D. A. R., in 1902, will be immortalized. There is in 
the Tioga Point Museum a picture of Sullivan's home and of his monument at Durham, N. H., 
reproduced in the "Records of Fort Sullivan"; also a tile from his fireplace, various relics 
of the sojourn here, and of the battle at Newtown. November 12, 1907, a most interesting cel- 
ebration was held at his grave, under the auspices of the Sullivan Committee of the Women's 
Club of Durham. "His burial was performed under stress of indignities heaped upon his 
remains by his creditors." Therefore, since he is now better appreciated, appropriate com- 
memorative services were held, and the honors of a military burial were bestowed by repre- 
sentatives of the United States .Army and the New Hampshire National Guard. Civic honors 
were also bestowed by the establishment of a fund to rehabilitate the grave and the inclosure. 
After the ceremonies at the grave, in which all Durham, even the children, participated, ap- 
propriate exercises were held in the Congregational Church, whose pastor had been active 
in rousing interest. The chief address of the day was delivered by Dr. William E. Griffis, 
who may well be called the latest historian of the Sullivan Expedition, as Rev. David Craft 
was called the first. These exercises show a proper appreciation at last of the man who 
added much historical fame to Tioga Point. — It is the ambition of the Tioga Chapter, D. A. 
R.. to have a complete collection of papers and curios pertaining to Sullivan, the expedition 
and the fort, and it should be their privilege to mark the spot where the soldiers were 
buried. — The autograph of General Sullivan is taken from a letter or order of October, 1778, 
recently presented to the author. — At the time of the publication of this book a daughter of 
one of Sullivan's soldiers is still living in Athens, Arietta Taladay ('Northup), daughter of 
Solomon Taladay, who was almost the last survivor of the Revolution at Tioga Point. 



148 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Washing-ton and Congress decided that one-third of the army, 
5,000 men, should be detached for this endeavor. Naturally many of 
the plans had soon to be made public and preparations went busily 
forward. 

When it became generally known that so large a force were to 
engage in this expedition, there was general alarm along the frontiers, 
and many letters of protest and complaint were addressed to those in 
power, in state and army. The following, found in Pennsylvania Ar- 
chives, is most amusing in suggestion : 

"Wm. McClay to Councii,. 1779." 

"Sunbury, April 27th, 1779. 
"Sir, 

"As a Multitude of Letters will pour upon you by this Express, I shall not 
enter into particulars, respecting the miserable situation of this Country; let it 
suffice to say that almost every Hour for Three days past, we have had fresh 
alarms of the Enemy. Massacres and Depredations have been committed at 
Wioming, Fort Jenkins, Fishing Creek, Freeland's Mills, Fort Muncy, and Lo^^al 
Sock, almost at one and the same Time. We expect every moment to hear of 
their nearer approach. The Whole Force of the Six Nations seems to be poured 
down upon Us. How long we will be able to bear up under such complicated 
and Severe Attacks, God only knows. I much fear that the spring Crops will be 
lost, so That, in all probability, want of bread will be added to our other Calam- 
ities. The General Cry up here is for Men to protect the Inhabitants ; I, how- 
ever, believe the most effectual way of taking off the Indians will be to carry an 
Expedition immediately into their Country. General Washington's whole Army 
would not effectually secure our extended and thinly settled Frontier. 

"I have sustained some Ridicule for a Scheme I have long recommended, 
Viz., that of hunting the scalping parties of Indians with Horsemen & Dogs. The 
iminent Services which Dogs have rendered to our People in some late instances, 
seem to open People's Eyes to a Method of this kind. We know that Dogs will 
follow them, that they will discover them and even seize them, when hunted on 
by their Masters. 

"History informs us That it was in this Manner That the Indians were ex- 
tirpated out of whole Country s in South America. It may be objected That we 
have not proper Dogs. It is true that every new thing must be learned ; But we 
have, even now. Dogs that will follow them, and the arrantest Cur will both fol- 
low and fight in Company. I cannot help being of opinion that a Single Troop 
of Light Horse, attended by Dogs, (and who might occassionally carry a foot- 
man behind them, that the pursuit might be interupted by Morasses or Moun- 
tains,) under honest and active officers, would destroy more Indians than five 
thousand Men stationed in forts along the Frontiers ; I am not altogether singu- 
lar in this opinion, could not such a thing be tryed? 

"If you have Leisure I would be glad to receive a Line from you. It will 
find me at this place, unless Times grow very bad indeed. 

"I am, Sir, with great Regard, 

"Y'r very H'ble Serv't, 

"Wm. McClay." 

The main body of the army was congregated at Easton during 
the late spring and the troops literally carved their way through the 
wilderness as far as Wyoming. Col. Franklin's diary (we think 
hitherto unpublished) says: 

"June 23 General Sullivan arrived with 1500 troops. We hear of a boy being 
Killed and 3 young women taken near Col. Stroud's." 

At Wyoming many weeks were spent, and there were most vexa- 
tious delays, trying the patience of all concerned ; but General Sullivan 
proved superior to all annoyances and equal to all emergencies. Penna. 



SULLIVAN EXPEDITION, PREPARATION 149 

Archives, \'ol. \ll, gives an idea of the difficulties he experienced. 
The supphes were to be started in wagons ; none were in readiness. 
Sulhvan and Hartley both requested authority to impress any wagons 
to be found, and ran up against foolish official red tape. "The State 
law prevented impressing them into service." Whereupon Sullivan 
humbly apologized. After much delay they were forthcoming, and 
then there proved great scarcity of forage for the horses. Yet, even 
with all this delay, it was feared the stores might reach the river be- 
fore the arrival of the troops detailed to guard them. According to 
some of Sullivan's soldiers who settled in this vicimly, the batteaux 
used for transportation were built at Marietta, and a channel had to 
be cut around Kanawagha Falls to bring them up the river. Nathan 
Beach gives further information about the boats: 

"In June 1779 I entered the boat department. Boats were built at Middle - 
town, Dauphin Co., called continental boats, built to transport baggage, provis- 
ions, etc. for Sullivan's army. * * * I steered one of these boats to Tioga Point, 
discharged loading and returned to Fort Jenkins." 

Complaint was made because the quartermaster offered extra pay 
with rations to secure boatmen, leaving the lower counties without suf- 
ficient protection, and even at the very moment of departure, judging 
from the annexed replies, Sullivan had some personal appeals to aban- 
don the expedition and hasten to the defence of the lower frontiers. - 
But he had quite enough to do to make ready his expedition. It was 
no small undertaking to provide clothing, food and transportation for 
such a force of infantry, artillery, riflemen and several hundred noii- 
combatants ; boatmen, axemen, carpenters, sutlers, and the necessary 
quota of women and children. Some of the friendly Oneidas were 
enlisted as guides ; for except for the knowledge gained from Hartley, 
the army was about to enter an unknown wilderness. About 1800 
horses were required for cavalry and packhorses ; and probably about 

"Head Quarters, July 30th, 1779. 

-"Sir: Nothing Could affoard me more pleasure than to Relieve the Distress'd, or to 
have it in my Power to add to the Safety of your Settlement, but should I comply with the 
Requisition made by you it would Effectually answer the Intention of the IJnemy, and De- 
stroy the Grand Object of this Expedition. To morrow the Army moves from this Place and 
by Carrying the war Immediately into the Indian Country, it will most Certainly Draw them 
out of yours. For your present Safety I must refer you to the Council of your State for 
assistance, Certainly it will be granted without much inconveniance as the State has neglected 
to furnish the Troops promis'd for this Expedition. 

"I am Sir, your mo. ob't, h'ble Serv't, Jno. Sullivan." 

"A True Copy By Matt'w Smith." 
"Directed." 

"On Public Service." 

"To Colo. Jno. Cook. D. Q. M. G., Northumberland." 

"Head Quarters, W^'oming, 

"July ye 30th, 1779. 
"Sir: Your Letter dated the 2Sth Inst. I rec'd this Day, with the Disagreeable inteli- 
gence of the loss of Fort Freeland, your situation in Consequence must be unhappy, I feel 
for you, and could wish to assist you, but the good of the service will not admit it. The 
Object of this Expedition is of such a nature, and its Consequences so Extensive, that to 
turn the course of this Army would be unwise, unsafe & impolitic. 

"Nothinp: can so Effectually draw the Indians out of your Country, as Carrying the 
War into Theirs, Tomorrow morning I shall march, with the Whole Army for Tioga, and 
must leave you to call upon the Council of j^our State for such assistance as may serve to 
Relieve you from your present perilous situation. As Pennsylvania has neglected to furnish 
me with the Troops promised for this Expedition, she Certainly will be enabled to Defend 
her Frontiers without much inconvenience. 

"I am Sir, your mos. ob't, Humb'e Serv't, John Sullivan." 
"P. S. The above is a true Copy of major General Sullivan's letter to me. 

"Sam'l Hunter." 



150 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

500 boats, large and small, (though this number may include the 213 
boats of Clinton ) . When ready to move, the flotilla of batteaux, 
spreading out over a mile, were loaded with the artillery, ammunition, 
heavy baggage and the reserve supply of provisions, 1000 men and, 
undoubtedly, the women and children ; while by land were to go 3000 
or more men, the packhorses, and several hundred cattle to furnish 
fresh meat. The start was made July 31, 1779. About the same time 
Col. Brodhead with his small force, the left wing, started from Pitts- 
burg, his task being to penetrate northwestern Pennsylvania and south- 
western New York, destroying- all Indian habitations on the way. His 
work was most effective in engaging many Indians in defence of their 
homes, who would otherwise have been with Brant, Johnson and 
Butler. Brodhead never joined Sullivan, doubtless because his couriers 
were nearly all killed by the watchful savages. At the same time 
General Clinton marshaled his forces, built his boats ; and transported 
them and the supplies by ivagoii over a rough road to the head of 
Otsego Lake (the source of the North Branch of the Susquehanna) ; 
and coming down the lake in boats, encamped at Cooperstown to await 
orders from Sullivan. AlsO' to construct a dam to flood the river ; for 
the practiced eye of Clinton soon saw that the stream was too shallow 
for his boats, and so. resorting to mechanical strategy, he built a dam, 
and when ready to depart cut through it, releasing waters and making 
a flood on which his fleet floated safely down towards Tioga Point. 

On July 31,^ as aforesaid, the main force was fully en route from 
Wyoming, again to carve their way through almost inaccessible forests 
and over steep mountains, although they had an Indian trail to guide 
them ; for Sullivan's route was now over the "Great Warrior Path." 
The story of their progress has often been told ; and their approach to 
and arrival at Tioga Point has been gleaned from the various journals, 
and embodied in the pamphlet entitled "Records of Fort Sullivan." 

Although it is nearly seventy years since Miner published the jour- 
nal of Colonel Hubley, neither he nor any succeeding writer has ever 
indicated that the original Mss. was teeming with most interesting pen 
and ink sketches. Observing the legends throughout all copies of the 
journal, we were on the lookout for the original, when its whereabouts 
was made known to us by Mr. Harvey as in the collection of the His- 
torical Society of Pennsylvania, by whose courtesy we have made sev- 
eral examinations, and had some copies made of various sketches, 
tracing one used ourselves. 

The Hubley sketch No. 1, of Fort Sullivan and the Point, shows 
the arrangements of camps around the Point on the ground cleared and 
cultivated by the Indians. It also shows the Light Corps across the 
Neck, about where the boulder stands, and indicates the palisades of 
Fort Sullivan, as the sketch No. 3 does not. The No. 1 was photo- 
graphed for Mr. Harvey's History, and both traced for this history ; 
the tracing does not show the age as the photograph does. Vain effort 

^ Brant's last attack on -Minisink with sixty Indians and twenty-seven Tories disguised 
as Indians, was made in July, 1779, a well known occurrence. The prisoners, as usual, were 
driven to Tioga Point, but, hearing that Sullivan might be at "Shemong," Brant sent his 
party speedily across country to Niagara, evidently not even investigating "Shemong." 



COLOXFX HURLEY'S SKETCHES 
I 



151 




Fort Sullivan and Tioga Point" 
II 




:ftea^ 



"ScETCH OF Encampment — Upper End of Tioga and Adjacent Country" 

Copied from Col. Hubley's Journal, by courtesy of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 



153 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



of the horse and cattle. 



has been made to learn the meaning of Kanedohauraughwe, a word 
we have never seen elsewhere. The number of these sketches is great, 
and answer some perplexing questions. Those of Buttermilk Falls and 
of the Standing Stone are very interesting. The order of march is 
several times fully portrayed, and there are many drawings of camp 
sites. At Wyalusing, between the mouth of Wyalusing Creek and 
Sugar Creek ; at Wesauking, between the swamp and the creek ; at She- 
shequin, right along the river, raznnc shozi'iiig at back. There is a 
map showing whole line of march from Wyoming to mouth of Tioga. 
The end of the journey, supposed to be location of the fort, is exactly 
in narrowest part of neck of peninsula, opposite broadest place in 
island. But there are other local sketches of great value. There is a 
careful one of "Order of March up Tioga Flats" after fording river 
from Sheshequin. These are really Queen Esther's Flats. 

As Dr. Griffis says, "Sullivan did not prepare to be Braddocked," 
therefore a careful order of march was observed whenever the country 
permitted. According to Hubley's sketch, the packhorses and cattle 
were placed in the center, with a rear guard accompanied by a regi- 
ment, giving the Indians no chance to stampede the horses. In front 
came the vanguard of 24 men; the light horse under Gen. Hand on the 
river side in sight of the boats, two bodies of "Flankers" on the other; 
Col. Hubley's regiment and German regiment next, side by side; then 
Gen. Maxwell's brigade, followed by Gen. Poor's brigade in advance 

Two three-pounders, taken from the boats, 
protected the light troops. Imagine 
this great army marching up the Flats 
through the long grass. "Drums 
were beating, fifes were playing, 
colors flying." A splendid sight, 
terrifying to savage onlookers. Now 
once more fording the river, they 
reach the site of old Te-a-o-ga, and 
the busy bustle of camp-making be- 
gins. Small matter that they have 
twice waded the river and are drench- 
ing wet; the August sun is hot, and 
they are soon dry. The soldiers 
swarm over the plain on the Point, 
for here most of the land has long 
been cleared. (Here is given a sketch 
of the camps niade by Nukerck, one 
of the soldiers. In the shape of the 
Point it is more exact than Hubley's, 
but somewhat hazy as to block houses 
of Fort Sullivan.) But it is deemed 
wise to take the boats and some troops 
up the river further, to the narrow 
neck of land known by the name 
NuKERCK's Sketch of the Camp of the "Carrying Place." Here the 




FORT SULLIVAN 153 

fort was to be Ijiiilt to protect the fleet during the absence of army, 
to guard the ammunition, and to provide a hospital for the sick and 
wounded. Once again Tioga Point becomes important, with a great 
army of 5000 men encamped on it, awaiting the arrival of Clinton. A 
few extracts from Franklin's diary here, never published : "August 
11th. The army reached Tioga. In the evening I went with Jenkins 
and others to reconnoitre Chemung. 13th. Action at Hog-back Hill. 
I was wounded. 2"2d. Sunday General Clinton arrived, ISOO strong. 
26th. Army marched. 28th. ' Battle at Newtown. Oct. 7th. Army 
returns." 

Rev. Wm. Rogers says : 

"The light troops proceeded further on, one column on bank of Susque- 
hanna, another on Tioga banks. Having advanced a mile and better, our tents 
were pitched from river to river judged to be 200 yards. Just below our en- 
campment we took a view of the Indians' carrying place 13 yards across, so called 
from their carrying or dragging their canoes from river to river." 

The artillery* was placed from river to river, about where boulder 
now stands, and later along the east bank of Chemung from Museum- 
Library northward. There are many facts as to location to be gleaned 
from careful inspection of Hubley's sketches. 

And now to the building of Fort Sullivan, which w^as slightingly 
treated in the publication "Forts of Pennsylvania." If it was not per- 
manent, it was of the greatest use while it existed. Its construction 
began August 12, the day after army's arrival ; it consisted of four 
block houses and a palisade connecting them. Two- of these block 
houses were on the rivers and two half way between, as may be seen 
in Hubley's sketch, also that it was not an exact diamond in shape. 
It was so built as to cover the old Indian portage for canoes, which 
path came up the bank of the Susquehanna at the back of present 
property of Misses Snell, and passed northwest to Chemung. The 
river block houses were at the bank of the old G. A. Perkins property 
at east, and just south of Chemung bridge at west. The exact location 
of the north and south points cannot be definitely determined, unless 
from sketch, although they must have been about in center of Main 
Street. All this work was done with green timber, possibly cut on the 
Point. A block house was a double-storied structure, perhaps 20 feet 
square below, and the upper story generally projecting over the lower 
about two feet, so that the inmates could shoot from above upon an 
enemy attempting to fire or climb its walls ; sometimes there was a 
sentry-box on top. No description of these at Fort Sullivan is known 
to exist. In 1853, when 91 years old, John Shreve, son of Col. Shreve, 
who had charge of building the stockade, thus describes the work^ : 

"The Fort was called Fort Sullivan nearly four square, about 90 yards one 
way, and a little under the other way. stockade made by digging a tunnel 2^^ ft 
deep, and placing upright-logs in the trench about 12 ft high, leaving 2 or 3 
gateways." 

■• The artillery consisted of two howitzers, two six-pounders, six three-pounders and 
the cohorn. 

^ From a letter in the Herrick Collection, copied from Shreve. 



154 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENvS 

Lieut. Beatty calls it a "irry siroiii^ picket fort," which would 
indicate that the loi^^s were sharpened at end. Beatty also mcnti{Mis "I'cry 
oood Abattiis and the 4 Block houses for the 4 Bcstions which coiii- 
vianded the river." Ahattis were generally piles of trees, with sharp 
ened points laid outward ; a great addition to fortification.** Surgeon 
Campfield says the fort was garrisoned by the invalids and the boat- 
men, and that there was left all unnecessary baggage, the women and 
children, and two six-pounders. Besides the large cannon, the army 
had a cohorn or unmounted gun, which, when in use, was mounted on 
a rough saw-horse, giving it the amusing name of "Grasshopper." ^ 
The flying hospital was removed to the garrison when the army moved. 
Aug-ust l(i the fort was named Fort Sullivan, "out of respect to the 
illustrious character who zvith his army first took possession of this 
post 011 behalf of the United States." And thus the white man's claim 
to Tioga Point was forever established ! Lieut. Shute and Capt. Handy 
began the work, Capt. Hollandshcad and Gifford completed it. Prob- 
ably a rough hospital was erected within, also cabins for the women 
and children. Near the center of the fort was doubtless a sunken 
magazine for ammunition, for when in recent years water-pipes were 
being laid tO' the tannery, at the intersection of Main and Tioga Streets, 
was found, some feet under ground, remains of a timbered pit, care- 
fully examined by M. P. Murray.*^ 

Life went busily, and generally gaily, on in the camp, pending 
the arrival of Clinton. Probably every one was fatigued after the 
day and ;//^<^7// spent in making flour bags from the tents, for the flour 
had been brought thus far in barrels on the boats, and must now be 
put on the pack horses. 

Sullivan became very uneasy at the non-arrival of either right or 
left wing, and on August 10 he sent Generals Hand and Poor with 
900 picked men to meet Clinton. Brant had threatened to meet and 
destroy Clinton's force, but that was not to be. August 19 the two 
forces met at the town west of Binghamton since called Union. No 
doubt it was a joyful meeting. All now turned toward Tioga Point, 
burning Owegy, a good-sized Indian town, on the way. They arrived 
at "Tioga" about noon on Sunday, August 22, and had a royal wel- 
come, a salute from 13 pieces of cannon, returned by Clinton's two little 
pieces. "Gen. Hand's Brigade under arms, with a band of music," 
were ])robably lined up along the bank of the Susquehanna. Fancy 
])ictures them as standing all along the bank, about where the old 
Academy is, and down past the partially completed stockade. The 

" Solomon Talady, one of Sullivan's soldiers, gav.e to E. H. Perkins some account of 
Fort Sullivan not recorded. lie said a gun was mounted on each block house commanding 
tlie approach of the enemy. lie also said several soldiers were buried within the fort in 
front of the lot now owned by the Misses Snell (1907). This was corroborated in Taladay's 
lifetime by finding three skeletons there when working the street. The late K. II. Perkins 
said the ground was very much more depressed than now within the fort limits, the pali- 
sades being on rises of ground now observable. Also that previous to the building of Che- 
mung dam the earthworks were very distinct about 100 feet below the present Chemung 
bridge. 

' The ball embedded in the boulder was from cohorn. 

>* The order book says: "The commanding officer of the artillery is required to be par- 
ticularly attentive that no fires are made that will in the least degree endanger the magazine 
of ammmiition." 



BATTLES OF CHEMUNG AND NEWTOWN 155 

fleet of 200 or more boats may have had to go down east of tlie island, 
but the land forces marched gaily along to the right of the camp on 
the Point, and occupied the site of the old Indian town on the Point, 
described by Bartram as near the Chemung. One-third of the whole 
army of the Revolution was now' encamped on Tioga Point. Monday 
was spent in visiting, disbanding infantry to rejoin their respective 
regiments, and preparing for the attack on the enemy or the advance. 
Previous to this an attack hatl been made on Chenumg, August 12, by 
Hand and Poor; the town, a large one, said to be "1"2 miles up the 
Tioga Branch," was deserted by the Indians just before their arrival. 
The troops burned the 30 houses, had a skirmish wdth the enemy, and 
had G men killed and wounded. Here the first corn ''fit to roast" 
was destroyed, 40 acres. This was probably Old Chemuna;, the record 
being : 

"There were two Indian towns destroyed by Snllivan ; one on Chemung 
Flats near Buckville called old Chemung, or Old Town, and one on Baldwin and 
Lowman Flats called New Chemung or New Town." However, Dr. Beauchamp 
says : "Old Chemung had been long abandoned, and New Chemung was burned 
Aug. 13, while Sullivan waited for Clinton." Dr. B. also gives an interesting let- 
ter" written by Brant from Chemung, Aug. 19 : "I am deeply afilicted John Tay- 
ojaronsere my trusty cliief is dead. He died eight days after he was wounded. 
Five met the same fate. I am very much troubled by the event because he was 
of so much assistance to me. I destroyed Onawatoge a few days afterward. We 
were overtaken and I was wounded in the foot with buck shot, but it is of small 
consequence. We are in daily expectation of a battle which we think will be a 
severe one. We expect to number about 700 men. * * Then we shall begin 
to know what is to become of the People of the Long House. Our minds have 
not changed. We are determined to fight the Bostonians." 

Dr. Beauchamp does not locate Onawatoge, but gives the name of 
the tow-n near Elmira as Kannawaloholla. 

It is an acknowledged fact that after a day or two of rest and 
reorganization the combined forces took up their march, and on August 
29. ITTH, had an engagement between New Chemung and Elmira, in 
which "the Bostonians" w'ere decidedly victorious. The story of the 
"Battle of Newtown" has been so often told that, instead of following 
the expedition, we will remain at Fort Sullivan, first giving two letters 
from Col. Adam Hubley, written on the eve of departure. The first 
of these letters, not often published, is from Pennsylvania Archives, 
\cA. N, p. 719. The other we think hitherto unpublished, as the orig- 
inal is to-day in Athens and should be placecl in the Sullivan col- 
lection : 

"Col. Hubley to Pres. Reed, 1770, Fort Sullivan. On Tioga Branch, .\ugust 24th, 

1779. 

"Sir. The present opportunity offering. I could not ommit writing to your 
Excellency in behalf of my officers respecting their Commissions. 

"The arrangement was transmitted to your Excellency by Gen'I Sullivan 
some time since. .\t is was mutually agreed to by the Gentlemen of the Regi- 
ment. I make no doubt it has met with your Excellency's & the Hon. Body's over 
which you preside, approbation. Doctor Rogers, the bearer hereof, will return 
to us immediately again ; I beg you will please to forward the Commissions by 
him, which will l)c most particularly acknowledged by the Gentlemen. 

" See "History of the N. Y. Iroquois," p. .364. 



156 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

"Since my last (from this place) nothing material happened, excepting the 
arrival of Gen'l Clinton from Otsago, situate on the Head waters of the Susque- 
hannah, w'h about 1400 effective men. Since the forming the junction, the Army 
received orders to hold themselves in readiness for a march on to-morrow morn- 
ing — to be provided with 3 days' provisions. The want of this Article, together 
w'h the want of cloalhing. &c., I presume is the cause of our making so short an 
Excursion (30 days) thro' the Indian Country. It's judged, as very few of the 
Savages are seen near this place, they are gathering in some part of their Coun- 
try, and may probably give us some opposition. 

"Since our arrival here we have erected a Fort, (Fort Sullivan). A gar- 
rison of 250 men will be left during our excursion thro' the Seneca Country. 

"For further news, I beg to refer your Excellency to the Doctor, who will 
be able to give you a very particular account of the situation of affairs in this 
quarter. 

"My officers and men. who were wounded in the action of the 13th, at Che- 
mung, are all likely to do well. 

"I am, with the greatest respect, Your Excellency's most obdt serv't, 

"Ad'm Hubley, Lt. Col. Com'i; 11 P. Reg't." 
"Directed, 

"His Excellency Joseph Reed, Esqr.. Presid't of the State of Penna., Phil- 
adelphia. 
"Favor Dr. Rogers." 

The original of the following letter, written the same day, was 
found among the papers of the late Edward Herrick, Jr., and is now in 
possession of his heirs : 

"Fort Sullivan on Tioga Aug 24, '79 
"Sir, 

"Since the closing of my letter of this morning, I was apply'd to by the of- 
ficers of the Regiment to take steps to have the Regimental vacancies fiU'd up. — 
Capt. Forrester of my Regiment, having obtain'd leave to go on furlow for two 
months — commencing the first of February last — since which we have had no ac- 
count of him excepting verbal, informing us he had resigned, and did not con- 
sider himself an officer any longer. His not coming to join the Regiment, or 
even writing to any of the officers, sufficiently proves the report, and consequently 
justifies the filling up of his vacancy. — I must therefore beg your Excellency will 
order the following promotions to take place, which will be agreeable to the ar- 
rangement transmitted you some time since, viz. Capt. Lieut. Septimus Davis to 
the rank of Captain — Lieut Edward Burke to the rank of Captain Lieutenant, 
and Lieut. Jacob Weitzell will fill up the vacancy of first Lieutenant. The great 
care which your Excellency has ever taken to promote the happiness & well-fare 
of the line induces me more particularly to rest assured everything in your power 
will be done to have my request comply'd with 

"I am your Excellency's most obt hi Servt 

"Adm Hubley Lt Colo. Comt 11th Pa Rgt." 

"Any particular occurrences which may turn up, during the expedition I 
shall take the liberty to inform your Excellency of. — " 
"by Doer Rogers." 

It was a distressing fact that the army entered upon the expedi- 
tion with short rations, yet the brave men never murmured. The salt 
meat was not too plenty. Dr. Griffis says that on the 24th, two days 
before departure, a fresh flotilla arrived fromi Wyoming with cattle 
and stores. All told, there must have been as many as 500 flat-bot- 
tomed boats moored in the two rivers, a much more extensive fleet than 
that started for Wyoming the year before. On the 2oth runners ar- 
rived from Fort Pitt, saying that Col. Brodhead was on his way with 
800 men. On that day the army struck camp, loaded, and then un- 
loaded and camped about the fort, according to Hubley's sketch. It 



SOLDIERS BURIED AT TIOGA POINT 157 

lias always been said that Sullivan built soiiie corduroy road on ]\Iain 
Street, but Hubley's dotted lines indicate that they huc^ged the Che- 
mung' bank.^" August 'M)th, after the engagement at Xewiown,^^ "the 
General sent to Tioga in the boats the wounded soldiers and the most 
cumbrous cannon ;^- and by land all the wagons." There is no abso- 
lutely definite record as to the number of soldiers who died or were 
killed, that arc buried at Tioga Point. The burial places were con- 
cealed, that they might not be ravaged by the Indians. The following 
list has been compiled from reports and journals, but does not assume 
to be complete or accurate. The Baldwins said that 13 were killed at 
Xewtown, but Sullivan reported only 3. Baldwin said they were buried 
near Wellsburg. and it is said skeletons were unearthed at location in- 
dicated when digging the canal. The Indians left only 12 of their 
dead on the field, carrying the other bodies to Painted Post for burial. 

Soldiers Buried at Tioga Point. 

"Aug. 14 — Buried 1 Sergt., 1 drummer, 4 privates from Col. Hubley's regt., 
1 from Col. Cilley's, killed in skirmish at Chemung. 

"Aug. 1.") — Jabez Elliott, son of Henry Elliott of Wyoming. A mere lad; a 
pack horse driver, shot while looking after horses across the Chemung. 

"Aug. 17 — Philip Helter. biscuit baker in German regt. 

"Aug. 24 — Capt. Benjamin Kimball, paymaster in Col. Cilley's regt., 2 New 
Hampshire Brigade. 

"Aug. 29 — .\bner Dearborn, wounded at Newtown, died at Tioga Sept. 2. 
Sergt. Dement, Joshua Mitchell, and Sylvester Wilkins, died previous to Sept. 
19, probably here. Joseph Davis, Ezekiel Davis, 3d company, Col. Cilley's regt." 

"Col. Hubley recounts that after the skirmish at Chemung 'less the savages 
should discover our loss — I had the dead bodies carried along fixed on horses, 
and brought to this place (Tioga) for interment.' It will be seen that at least 
thirteen, probably sixteen or more of these brave men rest at Tioga Point." 

Fort Sullivan ! Try to picture it. The four block houses with 
the cannon mounted on top of each, two brass six-pounders, and prob- 
ably two smaller ones. Dr. Griffis says all of Proctor's guns were used 
at Xewtown ; but at least three were sent back to Fort Sullivan, and no 
doubt the men wished all were left, as it often required tn'o or three 
Jiundred men to draw the cannon through the swamps and up and 
down the hills. Dr. Griffis says there were at least nine pieces of ar- 
tillery at the fort. How formidable they must have appeared to any 
savage spy. Probably the ball found near the bridge, now in Museum, 
and the one in the boulder were not discharged, both being found 
within the enclosure. Many lead bullets have been gathered along the 
Susquehanna bank near Carrying Place, where the fleet doubtless 
landed ; also about the camp site on the Point farm. But to the fort ! 
The four lines of palisades and the abattis gave a feeling of security 
to the inmates, and eventually they seem to have been careless in wan- 
dering outside. The horses and cattle were all turned out on upper 

1" In early days there was a run of water skirting the foot of the rise of groimd at 
tlie Presbyterian Church, making no doubt a slough in Sullivan's time. It was here the 
remains of the corduroy road were found, attributed by the soldier pioneers to Sullivan. 

" The site of this engagement is easily located by .\o. ig of Hubley's sketches. 

'- .\mong the many lost cannon stories is that of Thomas Baldwin saying that en route 
to Newtown a cannon was lost in the Chemung River just above Waverly Narrows. It has 
been said the cannon were so heavy some were thrown in the river, doubtless a wish rather 
than a deed. 



158 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

'■Queen Esther's Flats," or, as we would say to-day, the Murray and 
Thurston tiats. The amusing incident given in accompanying note^" 
doubtless occurred on these flats, the order following the death and 
scalping of Jabez Elliott. The following is a list, also compiled from 
journals, probably correct : 

Cojiipanics Left at Fort Snllk'an. 

Capt. Isaiah Wool's, of the Artillery. 

Capt. George Tudor's, 4 Penna. 

Capt. John Myers". 2 New Jersey. 

Capt. Benjamin Weatherbj^'s, Spencer's N. J. 

Capt. Moody Dustin's, 1 New Hampshire. 

Capt.* Amos Morrell's, 1 New Hampshire. 

Capt. Nathaniel Norton's, 4 New York. 

Capt. McCluer's. 

Capt. Day's. 

In order book find additional names : 

Capt. Thirstin. 

Capt. Aorson. 

The main force being gone, something like a systematic military 
life was now possible, where for two weeks all had been in the con- 
fusion necessarily incident to the preparations for advance. Colonel 
Israel Shreve was in command of the fort. Colonel Antis was at first 
in charge of the boatmen, Major Dow, D. Q. M. G., conducted the fleet 
to Wyoming, and on return had charge of the artificers. 

On the 2Tth Thomas E. Gee began the "Orders at Fort Sullivan,"^* 
to be found in "Records of Fort Sullivan." The scarcity of provisions 
made it necessary for Col. Shreve, now commandant, to reduce his 
forces. All women, except those employed as nurses and those neces- 
sary to wash for troops, were ordered to return to Wyoming, where 
they would receive rations during absence of the army, and all who 
should presume to stay were to be refused rations. Two small and 
'53 large boats with an escort of 30 men were to take the women, and 
bring back supplies. August 31 the boatmen arrived from Chemung 
and were ordered to return to Wyoming, taking such sick and wounded 
as the surgeons of the hospital thought best to send. September 2 
the fort was not yet completed. Only two of the camp women are 

1^ In 1841 Major Adam Hoops wrote a letter to Hon. John Greig, of Canandaigua, 

relative to Sullivan's Expedition, in which he says: "The army lay some time at Tioga 

Point. While there small parties of Indians crept up in the long grass on the other side of 
the branch (Chemung River). On an occasion which I well recollect, one of our pack-horse- 
men was killed, and another scarcely escaped with an arm broken. The cracks of the Indians' 
guns were plainly heard. Gen. Sullivan devised a plan to intercept these small parties, the 
execution of which was committed to Lieut. \"an Campen." \'an Canipen thus told the story: 
"Major Hoops, an aid-de-camp to Gen. Sullivan, presented to me my instructions, with a 
sheet of white paper folded up, a leaden weight within, and a twine cord about 20 ft. long 
fastened to it. I was to get as near the enemies' camp as was prudent — conceal my men in 
the bush, select a shady oak, and place my sentinel in the top of the oak, with the paper and 
twine cord — to give the signal if he discovered a party of Indians — to sink the paper down 
the tree as many feet as they were in numbers — if passing to my right or left to give the 
signal accordingly. It was one of the warm August days. I marched as directed, selected 
my tree — my sentinel ascended 20 or 25 ft., and concealed my men. We watched about one 
hour, every eye fixed on the sentinel. At length the paper dropped about 4 ft. I spoke, say- 
ing, 'My good fellows we shall soon have sport.' The paper continued to drop to 10 ft. I 
observed again, 'We shall have something more to do.' The paper continued to drop 15 ft. 
'Now, my good fellows, we shall have enough to do, — 15 of them to 20 of us. Let every 
shot make their number less.' Beholdl the fellow had fallen asleep — let the twine cord slip — 
lost his balance — and came down like a shot, head foremost. He was much bruised by the 
fall. I made my report to the General." 

1* The original of this order book (from which years ago Mr. Craft made his copy) is 
now in the library of Cornell University. 



LIFE IN FORT SULLIVAN 159 

named, Catherine Castner and Catherine Lamberson. Completion of 
the work was hastened and the men were enjoined in case of attack 
there should be no retreat and no surrender. The troops were for- 
bidden crossing the rivers without permission. Tattoos were no longer 
beat. The magazine is frequently alluded to. Apparently the boats 
returned from below September S. with a supply of provisions, inade- 
quate, however. A cannon was ordered to be fired for reveille and 
retreat. On September 14 there seems to have been news from the 
main army, and 100 men, one three-pounder with artillerymen, 20 
small boats manned with 100 boatmen, were ordered to march under 
command of Capt. Reid. The boats were ordered taken round in 
Tioga Branch. (This proves that the fleet, as a whole, was moored 
in the Susquehanna.) This force was evidently detailed to build Fort 
Reed, near Elmira, where supplies could be held ready for returning 
troops. On September 15 more sick and wounded were sent to Wyo- 
ming. As the women were again ordered to go, doubtless they had 
not obeyed previous orders. This was a busy day, fleets and forces 
going in each direction. Commissary Pratt loading provisions on boats 
going north, and the surgeon getting off all unfit for duty to Wyoming, 
who were to start at sunrise. 

Lieut. Osman had charge of the axmen detailed to complete the 
stockade, probably also to furnish firewood. Major Morrison became 
the commanding officer of the fleet, and his task was a trying one. 
Apparently the boatmen were difficult to manage, the boats were allow- 
ed to float where they would, and the men were careless about their 
weapons. Half rations only of flour were issued, also beef and rice, 
some liquor, and occasionally butter to officers. The name of the 
surgeon is not mentioned in the order book.^" Many horses were left 
at Tioga Point, and the soldiers made such free use of them, probably 
in excursions, that an order was issued restraining them. Apparently 
the troops did not enjoy baking for themselves, as September 17 ra- 
tions of bread were ordered instead of flour. Bakers were employed, 
who evidently proved dishonest. Flour was again ordered issued to 
the troops, and the bakers ordered to return 18 oz. of bread for each 
pound of flour received. , 

■'They are further ordered not to presume to ask more than one dollar for 
every 4 lbs of bread they sell to the soldiery. Disobedience of this order will 
meet with severe punishment." 

Some arrests, trials and punishments are noted ; Joseph Putney, 
for sleeping on his post, was sentenced to receive 100 lashes on his 
bare back at roll-call, a humiliating experience. And so the time wore 
away. The little garrison occupied the fort one month, unmolested 
after the departure of Sullivan by even a sight of an Indian or Tory, 

'^ Dr. Jabez Campfield evidently went forward with the expedition. The head surgeon 
at Fort Sullivan hospital doubtless was Stephen McCure, as per the following order, recently 
found among the treasures of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania: 

"Wioming, 10 Oct., 1779. 
"This may certify that by an order from ]Majr. Genl. Sullivan to me directed, one hun- 
dred and forty-five raw hides were taken for the purpose of flooring the boats for the ac- 
commodation of the sick when sent from Tioga to this place. 

"Stephen McCure, 
"To the Commissary of Hides." "Senr. Surgn." 



160 OLD TIOGA POIXT AND EARLY ATHENS 

althoufj^h the cirder Iiook shows that they lived in a constant state of 
anxiety. 

Meanwhile Sullivan and his army pursued their relentless march 
into the heart of the Iroquois country, virtually destroying the great 
Confederacy. Forty towns were hurned, 200,000 bushels of corn, 
quantities of beans, squash, etc., in spite of the fact that the troops 
were obliged to subsist largely on succotash. Many orchards of fruit 
trees were destroyed, and, as Dr. Griffis says, the country made unin- 
habitable for years. At the same time the soldiers found that they 
were in a far more fertile region than ever known to them before, 
and many looked forward to the time when they might return as 
pioneers. The orderly book of Lieut. Jeremiah Fogg,^*^ adjutant under 
Col. Poor, gives some account of the return march : 

"Hd Qu'rs Chenesee Sept 15, The Commander in Chief informs his brave 
and Resolute army that the objects of this expedition are accomplished, to wit, 
the total ruin of Indian Settlements, and destruction of their crops designed for 
the support of those inhuman barbarians while they were desolating the Amer- 
ican frontiers.'" 

He then assured his soldiers he would not fail to inform America 
at large how much they stand indebted to them. "The army will this 
day commence its march to Tioga," followed by order of march and 
careful instructions for protection. The sick and lame were to be 
put on horses, and all soldiers found straggling" or lurking to be given 
50 lashes on the spot. September 35, Maxwell's Brigade and some 
others reached Fort Reed, where 100 cattle and plenty of food and 
liquor awaited them.' Here the main force awaited various detach- 
ments sent out to destroy any town overlooked or out of the general 
route. Many stories have been recorded of the rejoicings at this point. 
The following, told by Edwin Corwin to H. Payne, of Waverly, many- 
years ago, has not often been in print : 

"When we got to Newtown we had a time of rejoicing. They fired a little 
brass three-pounder that was called the Grass-Hopper, and the soldiers were per- 
mitted to use blind cartridges to fire the rejoinder. We were two deep in a long 
line. Gen. Sullivan rode along on a trot and each soldier fired just as he got 
against him. The Grass-Hopper was at the further end, and when Gen. Sullivan 
came out the little fellow roared like young thunder." 

Lieut. Barton tells that the men were ordered to parade in line 
and fire a feu-de-joie, and the ordered running fire of muskets did 
not go to the General's liking, which was the reason for the above 
ride ; that Sullivan "rode his horse with whip and spur, men all firing, 
causing the General to say // zvent like a Jiallciujah !" Cheers for 
Congress, the L^nited States, and the new ally, the King of Spain, 
ended the rejoicing or preceded the special feast of beef and grog. 
Some journals say they fired a salute of thirteen guns from the cannon, 
built thirteen fires, drank thirteen toasts and lighted the tables with 
thirteen candles. Indeed, it is difiicult to realize the exultation of the 
troops, officers as well as men. Sullivan's pride in a deed well done 
must have been an untold source of joy. 

^^ In possession of his granddaughter, Mrs. Hilliard, of Lynn, Mass. 



RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION 161 

The following report to Executive of Pennsylvania shows that 
the officers were still apprehensive of Indian revenge : 

"Camp at Kanawaluhaly, on Tioga, 21 Miles from the mouth of that River, 25th 

Sept'r, 1779. 
"To President Reed. 

"Sir, I have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency that the Boddy of 
the Army under Major General SuUivans Command has arrived at this place on 
its return from the Indian Country, having compleated the Desolation of all the 
principal Settlements within its reach. 

"The loss of their Crops and Houses must render the subsistance of the 
Savages verj^ difficult in this part of the World, so much so, that I think they 
cant bring any considerable Parties into ours — yet as we have not been fortunate 
enough to Capture any of them, and as no terms have been sought by them, I 
am apprehensive that the spirit of revenge so natural to Savages, which their 
good allies the English will not fail to foment, a desire to persuade other nations 
that thej' are not Conquered, or even hungar may bring straggling parties on our 
Frontiers this Fall. 

"I take the liberty of mentioning these my suggestions to your Excellency 
that you may make timely provisions for the security of the Frontiers, should 
you think them in danger. 

"I have the Hounor to be Sir, with much respect, your Excell'ys most obed't 
& most humble Servant, 

"Edw. Hand." 

September 30, the reunited forces halted within one mile of Fort 
Sullivan, all formed in regular line of march, with colors flying and 
bands playing. Of course, this was just above Mile Hill, as Hubley 
says, it was on "Tioga Plains." Another, and far more jubilant, 
welcome awaited them as they neared the fort ; they were received 
with military honors, the garrison standing at "present arms," the 
cannon noisily firing a salute, and the artillery of the expedition re- 
turning it. The entire body of men marched through Fort Sullivan 
or "passed the fort." Perhaps this means they paraded in a loop, 
encamping north of it along the banks. The completed stockade was 
greatly admired. Col. Hubley says : 

"Col. Shreeve had an elegant dinner provided for the general and field of- 
ficers. We regaled ourselves, and great joy and good humor was visible. Col. 
Proctor's band and drums and fife played in concert the whole time." 

Two days later, Saturday, October 2, General Sullivan made an 
"elegant entertainment" for all the ofificers. Tliis zcas the last day of 
life in Fort Sullivan. The mirth was great, concluding with an Indian 
dance, which Col. Hubley describes : 

"The officers who joined in it put on vizors alias Monsters. The dance was 
conducted by a young Sachem of the Oneida tribe— followed by several other In- 
dians, then the whole led off, and after the Indian custom, danced to the music 
of a rattle, a knife and a pipe, which the Sachem continued clashing together 
and singing Indian the whole time. At the end of each, the Indian whoop was 
set off with the whole." 

Fancy this savage riot ! Fire-water, no doubt, had flowed freely ; 
hardships and short rations were all forgotten, and life at Fort Sullivan 
closed with flying colors. For on the morrow "the garrison joined 
their respective corps," the hospital and other stores and the sick^^ 
were loaded on the boats and started for Wyoming ; and when they were 

" According to the order already given tliere were many sick, judging from the 145 
hides used to fit up the boats for their comfort. 



162 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

well away a large fatigue party was turned out to destroy the fort ; 
the pickets were pulled up and cast into the river, the abattis burned, 
the block houses demolished, and Fort Sullivan was only a memory. 
The order book tells of the arrival and departure of the army and. in- 
deed, continues until the arrival of the army at Easton. Aside from 
the cannon balls and bullets, the only relic of occupants of the fort 
was the metal head of a banner staff, dug up several years ago in the 
garden of G. A. Perkins ; unfortunately it was captured and carried 
away by an overzealous "Red Man." 

The following letter is a good resume of the expedition ; the letter 
of August oO here alluded to has not been found. 

"Fort Sullivan, at Tioga, October 1st, 1770. 
"Sir, 

"I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the Army under the 
Command of Genl. Sullivan arrived here last evening, after accomplishing the 
immediate objects of the expedition. 

"The following is a small sketch of our proceedings since my last of the 
30th August, (the day after Newtown action.) 

"On the 31st The Commander in Chief, considering his small supplies of 
Provision for the Army, and the extensive business before him, was reduc'd to 
the absolute necessity of exposing his wants to the Army, and making to them 
proposals by which means he might possibly be enabled to execute the designs of 
the expedition. 

"He informed the Army that he used every effort to procure ample sup- 
plies for them but thro' the inattention of those employed to furnish the neces- 
saries, he feared that without the greatest prudence he would not be able to com- 
pleat the great business expected from us. 

"He proposed that Army should content themselves with half allowance of 
Provisions, Viz., Flour and Beef of each half a pound ; this proposal he requested 
should be laid before the Troops, and they to give their opinions with freedom 
thereupon. No time was lost in having this matter settled, and the sentiments 
of the troops were called for, who, to their everlasting honour be it spoken, with- 
out one dissenting voice, chearfully agreed to the request. 

"This important point being happily settled, the army took up their line of 
March, and proceeded on their route to Katherine's town; after encountering a 
number of difficulties, occasioned by the badness of the road & want of a suf- 
ficient number of Pack horses, we arrived late on the night of the first Ulto., the 
savages having, no doubt, previous notice of our approach, had retreated, leaving 
a number of their effects and an old Squaw. After destroying the Town and 
Corn, and putting everything in readiness for a March, we proceeded on our 
route to, and arrived safe at Candai, — this place, after sharing, the fate of Kath- 
erine Town, we left to proceed for Kanadaiga, previous to our march, a white 
man, who had been made a prisioner last summer, made his escape and came to 
us, he informed us that the savages with the Tories, under Brand & Butler, with 
a reinforcement (joined since the action of the 29th, the whole about 1200.) had 
just left this place, and were determined to give us battle at Kanadaiga; from 
every Circumstance, both as to intelligence and the favourable situation of the 
place, we had every reason to believe they would make a favorable stand. On 
the 7th we arrived near the place, the greatest precaution was taken in advancing, 
on our way to Town we had the out-let of Seneca Lake to cross, and imme- 
diately after to enter an extensive & Difficult defile, which extended within one 
mile of Town, here we expected to meet with som obstinate opposition, but we 
were suffered to pass through unmolested. A disposition for attacking the Town 
was then made, the situation of it being such as to leave little room to doubt an 
opposition, we accordingly advanced, but contrary to our expectations, it was 
evacuated, seemingly a very short time before our arrival, as their fires were 
left burning and a number of effects, with a small male white Child were found. 



HUBLEY'S REPORT TO PRESIDENT REID 163 

It was near dusk when we entered the Town, where we Encamped, w^ithout any 
Molestation, for this night. Here we Continued untill the 9th ; various opinions 
prevailed among the officers respecting our proceeding any further, on Account 
of the small Quantity of Provisions which we had then on hand, but the General 
with a considerable majority, resolved to encounter every difficulty to execute 
the important expedition and determined to proceed on with the scanty pittance, 
and accomplish the arduous task. 

"We then proceeded on our route, passing thro' several villages, and on the 
13th arrived at Kanaghias, from this place, Lieut. Boyd with a party of 26 men, 
chiefly from the rifle corps, was ordered, under cover of the night, to reconnoitre 
Gaghsuguilahery, a village about 5 miles this side of Jenise, a place at which we 
expected to meet with some opposition, on his arrival he found it evacuated, ex- 
cepting by a few straglers, one of whom they killed and scalp'd ; the Army not 
coming as soon as Lieut. Boyd expected, he despatched several messengers, the 
first of whom brought us intelligence of the situation of that place but the last. 
Discovering several Indians as he was coming along, return'd to Lieut. Boyd and 
gave him information of it, who instantly pursued them, the savages pushing to- 
wards their main body, (of which Lieut. Boyd was totally ignorant) he found 
himself totally surrounded he had no other alternative but either to fight or to 
surrender, the former he chose, and after a skirmish of two hours, having 14 
men kill'd, he & one private was taken, the remainder got off. 

"It appeared from the situation of the savages, being the whole of Butler's 
& Brant's force, they intended to lay in ambush for our Arm3% the Country on 
which they had pitched being exceedingly well calculated for that purpose, but 
the arrival of Lieut. Boyd diverted them from their main object, by which means 
our main body escap'd a Capital stroke, (which would have been absolutely un- 
avoidable) which fell upon poor Boyd and his party. 

"The main Army, for want of intelligence, was ignorant of what was pass- 
ing in front, untill about 12 o'clock, when the General received the first informa- 
tion, upon which the Light & rifle Corps immediately pushed forward, on our 
route we had a most difficult morass to pass over, which we got with the greatest 
difficulty, passing over one by one. We ascended the Mountain on which the 
Enemy lay but the}^ left it with the greatest precipitation, leaving behind them a 
vast quantit}^ of baggage, amoungst which was upwards of a hundred blankets. 

"The main Army in the mean time were engaged in compleating a Bridge 
over the morass, about 3 o'Clock the whole joined us, we then proceeded to 
Gaghsaguilahery, the Enemy, previous to our arrival, took possession of an ad- 
jacent woods, and made a disposition to oppose us, but on our approach, they, as 
usual, retreated, giving us peaceable possession of the Town. 

"On the 14th w-e proceeded on our March towards Jenise, the last & Capital 
town of the Seneca Countr}-, at which we arrived at about 4 o'Clock, P. M., Here 
we found the Bodies of the Brave, but unfortunate Lieut. Boyd and the other 
prisoner, massacred in the most cruel & barbarous manner that the human mind 
can possibly conceive. — the savages having put them to the most excruciating tor- 
ments possible, first plucking their nails from hands & feet, then whipping, spear- 
ing, cutting their flesh from their shoulders and mangling their bodies, and at 
last cutting their heads off, and leaving them a pray to their Dogs. 

"After Interring these unfortunate men with that respect that time & Cir- 
cumstances would admit, we Encamp'd for the Night. 

"On the loth the Army was imployed the greatest part of the Day in de- 
stroying Corn, &c.. which in quantit}' was not less than near 300 Acres, of the 
finest I ever beheld. 

"The immediate objects of the expedition being now accomplished, viz.. The 
total ruin of the Indian settlements (in number about 30) and distruction of all 
their Corn, which in quantity was not less than one hundred thousand Bushels. 
The Army about 4 o'Clock, P. M., took up their line of march, and proceeded on 
their route to this place where we arrived much fatigued & otherwise reduc'd, 
last evening. On our return we met with a reinforcement of Provisions near 
New Town, which was a most pleasing circumstance, as the last was issued at 
Kanadaguia and nearly expended. 



104 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

"A few clays after getting matters into proper order, I expect we shall leave 
this place for Wioming, where we shall wait further orders with respect to our 
route. 

"Your Excellency will excuse the incorrectness of my Letter, the bearer 
being in great hurry and had been waiting some time. 

"Col. Brewer (Gen'l Sullivan's Secre'y) will deliver you this Letter, I beg 
to recommend him to your Excellency's notice. He is a Gentleman of undoubted 
Character, and a soldier. 

"I have the honor to be, — with the greatest respect — your Excell'ys — most 
ob't h'e servt, 

"Ad'm Hubley, Jr., L't Colo. Com't 11th R't." 
"Directed" 

"To His Excellency Joseph Reed, Esq., President of the State of Penns'ya 
Philad'a. 

"fav'd 
"Colo. Brewer." 

The historian who classes the Snlhvan Expedition with other bor- 
der raids needs only to read Col. Hubley's Reflections, to become con- 
vinced of the importance of this master-move. 

Reflection at Close of Expedition. 

"Thus, by tlie perseverance, good conduct, and determined resolution of our 
commander-in-chief, with tlie assistance of his council, and the full determina- 
tion of his troops to execute, have we fully accomplished the great end and in- 
tentions of this important expedition ; and I flatter myself we fully surpassed the 
most sanguine expectations of those whose eyes were more immediately -looking 
to us for success. 

"The glorious achievements we have exhibited in extending our conquests 
so far, and at the same render them so complete, will make no inconsiderable 
balance even in the present politics of America. Its future good consequences I 
leave to the eloquence of time to declare, which will, in ages hence, celebrate the 
memory of those brave sons who nobly risked their lives, disdaining every fatigue 
and hardship, to complete a conquest, the real good effects and advantages of 
which posterity will particularly enjoy. 

"Whilst I revere the merit and virtue of the army, I am sorry I am under 
the necessity of mentioning that there was an unparalleled and unpardonable 
neglect, (and which ought not to pass with impunity) in those whose business it 
was to supply them with a sufficient quantity of necessaries to carry them through 
the expedition, instead of which not more than twenty-two days flour, and six- 
teen days meat was on hand when it commenced. And, although the army pos- 
sessed a degree of virtue, perhaps unparalled in the annals of history, in under- 
taking an expedition on half allowance, which was in every instance hazardous 
and imperious, yet, had we not been favored with the smiles of Providence, and 
a continuance of good weather, the half allowance itself would not have enabled 
us to perform what, from that circumstance we have." 

The soldiers while at Tioga Point made two discoveries ; one was 
of the Indian burying grottnd near their camp, where they made ex- 
tensive excavations ; the other is related in the following extract froin 
an address at the Centennial of St. John's Lodge No. 1 , at Portsmouth, 
N. H., January 21, 1836, by Chas. W. Moore, of Boston: 

Col. Proctor's Military Lodge, — Tioga Point. 

"In the campaign of 1779, the Commander in Chief sent forces under Gen. 
Sullivan, a son of N. H., and a worthy Mason, into what was then called the 
Susquehanna country, to stop Indian ravages. The different detachments of those 
forces formed a Junction at Tioga Point. While there Colonel Proctor, 
of the Artillery obtained from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania a warrant to 



COL. PROCTOR'S MILITARY LODGE 



165 



hold in the camp a movable Lodge of Free masons. During the campaign, this 
Lodge was opened almost every evening in the encampment. At Tioga two tents 
were connected for its accommodation. On clearing away the rubbish and leaves 
from the spot where these tents were to be pitched, which had, apparently, been 
gathering there for centuries, the workman found an old Iron Square, very 
much decayed, but still strong enough for the use of the Lodge ; and it was so 
appropriated during the remainder of the expedition." 

The location of these tents must have been in vicinity of the 
boulder; the speaker said no white man had been known to be there, 
it has been shown there had been many British as well as others. Yet 
it was curious ! 




BOULDKR ERECTKD in 1902 BY TlOGA Chaptkr, D. A. R. 



CHAPTER IX 

CONDITIONS AFTER 1779 

Border Raids Continued — Narratives of Scouts and Captives — Teaoga 
Abandoned by the Red Man — The Narrative of the Indian Girl 
Waiy-zvay 

The Sullivan Expedition, while successful, did not put an end to 
the raids upon the frontier settlements at once. The haughty Iroquois 
having sulTered defeat after so many years of supremacy, were filled 
with the usual Indian desire for revenge. And unquestionably the 
British took advantage of this feeling and continued to instigate and 
assist them. The Upper Susquehanna and the Tioga were still the 
Indians' highway. The prisoners en route to Niagara were still halted 
at Tioga Point. While New York suffered the most, being still the 
home of the Iroquois (who, however, were mostly congregated at 
Niagara), Pennsylvania continued to be invaded, and, as before, there 
seem to have been concerted raids in both States at certain times. For 
instance the attack on the Palatine settlements and Harpersfield in 
March and April, 1780, and those about the settlements at Wyoming. 
It was at this period that what was called a "militia company" was 
organized at Wyoming, with John Franklin as captain, their special 
work being scouting expeditions up and down the river. The original 
pay-roll of this company is now in Tioga Point Museum, also copies 
of Franklin's diary, kept from 1778 to 1784, with many brief allusions 
to these raids and the attacks upon the frontier. 

The stories of Hammond, Bennett and Pike belong- to this jx-riod 
with their thrilling escapes, etc. ; they are well known and can be found 
in Craft's Hist. Brad. Co., pp. 83-84. 

The story of the prisoners from Harpersfield. told by one Patchin,^ 
records that, after a journey through the wilderness, they reached an 
old Indian town on the Susquehanna called Ochquago.'- Here rafts 
were rudely constructed of old logs withed together, and the party 
floated down to Tioga Point. Simultaneous with the Harpersfield 
attack, a detachment sent by Brant once more devastated Alinisink, 
capturing five athletic men, whom they bound and brought to Tioga 
Point.'' They were resolved to escape,, and in the night, when the 
sleep of the Indians was deep, the strongest of the party succeeded in 
breaking his bonds; he released his companions,. each snatched a toma- 
hawk from the belt of their captors, and were fortunate enough to 
kill nine of them. The remaining two Indians now wakened, and. it 
is said, tried to flee rather than fight. One only was successful. The 
Minisink men returned home with joy. The escaping warrior, when 

^ See Josiah Priest's "Narrative of the Captivity of Frcegift Patcliin." 

- Now Windsor, Brant's headquarters. 

^ See Stone's "Life of Brant," Vol. II, p. 59. 

166 



BORDER RAIDS. SCOUTING EXPEDITIONS 167 

he recovered courage, returned in search of his comrade. He found 
him wounded, and remained to care for him,. When the Harpersfield 
party neared Tioga Point the usual war whoop was given, and to their 
amazement it was answered by a single voice with the death yell. 
When the solitary warrior related his tale, it is said the effect was 
terrible. "Rage and a desire for revenge seemed to kindle every 
bosom and light every eye as with burning coals." Their rage naturally 
turned on their poor captives, who gave themselves up for lost. P)Ut 
the lone warrior interposed ; he knew most of the prisoners, having 
formerly lived near them. He was said to be a chief ; therefore, when 
he rushed into the mad circle and waved his hand, he was heeded, as 
also when he appealed to them not to kill these men who were not guilty 
of the murder of his comrades. One of the captives understood enough 
of the Indian language tO' grasp the chief's meaning in his unusual 
and eloquent appeal, which was instantly effective. The party then 
proceeded to Niagara, suffering much from hunger, both captors and 
captives. Patchin relates that they actually ate horseflesh from a 
carcass of a horse left in the van of Sullivan's army. Later Brant, who 
led the company, seized fresh meat from some Indian laborers* in the 
Genesee Valley. 

Early in June, Capt. Franklin and some of his company made a 
scouting expedition as far north as Wysox, and took three prisoners, 
viz. : Jacob Bowman, Adani' Bowman and Henry Hoover, with "a. fine 
lot of plunder," valued at £40 ISs. lid. Capt. Franklin and Sergeant 
(Thomas) Baldwin each shared a silver watch, compasses, silver 
buckles and sleeve buttons. A scarlet broadcloth coat, several gold 
pieces and a beautiful spy glass attested the consequence of the pris- 
oners. Their canoes sold for £4 10s. Miner remarks : 

"They were probably confidential messengers on public service from the en- 
emy in New York to Col. John Butler at Niagara. Col. Zr-bulon Butler (of 
Wyoming) purchased the spy glass from the victors, estimated at three guineas 
hard money." 

We have what Miner had not, Franklin's diary and recorded per- 
sonal narrative of 1805. The Bowmans were well-known Tories (the 
Hoovers also were on Butler's list), who lived along the river. On 
this occasion their faces were painted to resemble Indians, and doubt- 
less there was but one of the party a person of distinction. The spy 
glass is said to be the one now in Tioga Point Museum, about which 
there are conflicting stories, the accepted one being that Franklin gave 
or sold it to Obadiah Gore, to whose descendants it now belongs. 

Franklin's diary briefly records for June and July various raids, 
with murders or captures of white men. 

In August it was reported that Sir John Johnson was planning 
another attack upon the Mohawk settlements with 2000 men. Halsey 
says'' this expedition was entirely of British origin, believed to be con- 
nected with the treason of Arnold and the attemjit to gain control of 
the Hudson Valley. Another motive for this expedition was the de- 

* This looks as though some brave Indians had returned to their cornfields, as it was 
just in corn planting time. 

5 "Old New York Frontier." 



108 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

moralizing effect of the Sullivan Expedition on British sympathizers, 
who, now doubting- England's success, were disposed to join the patriot 
l)arty. Sir John hoped to restore confidence in British arms. The 
Indian forces under Brant and Cornplanter were collected at Painted 
Post and Tioga Point, and joined Johnson at Unadilla, the united 
forces being about 1500. This expedition left desolation in its wake,*"' 
by Johnson's orders devastating the Mohawk Valley after the manner 
of Sullivan. They were, however, defeated by American forces, but 
retreated with much valuable plunder. 

The Indians were once more harassing the settlers in Wyoming 
\^alley. and Franklin's diary records September 2: 

"Set off for Tioga with Sergt. Wells (?), Wm. Terry and Rich. Halstead 
f)th See two Indians at Tioga and chased them to Chemung. I hear that on the 
third Sergt. Baldwin and Searle Killed an Indian." 

Miner says that this party found at Tioga Point evidences that 
large parties had recently been encamped there, that they seized a 
canoe there and returned to Wyoming the 10th. December 5, Frank- 
lin's diary records: 

"Tories and Indians took Benj. Harvey. Elisha Harvey, Nathl. Bullock, Tas. 

Frisby, Jon. Frisby, Cady and Palmer Ransom' prisoners." These men 

were all members of Franklin's Company. They were taken to Niagara, suffer- 
ing much from cold and liunger, though "at Tioga Point they killed a horse and 
fared sumptuously." 

All through 1781 and 1782 depredations continued in the valley, 
briefly chronicled in Franklin's diary ; of captures of men and horses, 
assaults on homes, destruction of grain, etc. ; "revenge" for Sullivan's 
destruction being still the Indian watchword. The culminating horror 
seems to have been the attacks on the home of Roswell Franklin, of 
Hanover ; his own capture in 1781, and the capture of his wife and 
four children in 1782. The rescuing party followed the latter up the 
river and overtook the captors on the crest of the hill above Homet's 
Ferry, in Bradford County. The children were rescued, but during 
the fight the mother was accidentally shot. Several of the captors 
were killed. Col. Franklin gave a detailed account of this encounter, 
which was published in the Athens Gleaner April 4, 1872. He said 
some of the party were white men painted as Indians. "This was the 
hist eneonnter -cinth the Indians, and the last act of the Rez'olutionary 
War in the Wdley," says Craft. All but one of the raiding party were 
killed by Franklin and his men. Many of these terrible raids were 
incited by the scalp bounty offered by the British. What has recently 
been called the last Indian information from Tioga Point, dated 
1781, was a most repulsive inventory of scalps purporting to have been 
prepared for shipment to England, but sent as a gift to the Governor 
of Canada. This inventory was ptiblished in an English work that 
claimed to be a collection of authentic facts, and w^as long supposed 
to l>e genuine. P>ut it is more than sixty years since W. L. Stone, in 
pursuing his historical investigations, discovered that this document 

« "Old New York Frontier," Part VIII, Chap. II. 

'George Palmer Ransom (aftervvardsh Colonel), great uncle of the late M. Forman 
Ransom of Ulster. 



DISAPPEARANCE OF RESIDENT INDIANS 1G9 

was written by Benjamin Franklin. In Stone's "Life of Brant" he tells 
of this discovery.- saying: "Such deliberate fiction for political pur- 
poses as that of Dr. Franklin, just referred to, ums probably very 
rare." Donbtless the object was to prejudice the Americans against 
the British. With the proclamation of peace, in 1783, the poor Indians 
lost their British friends and their homes. Washington showed a 
liberal policy toward them, and in 1784 a treaty was signed at Fort 
Stanwix, and the hatchet buried. But it was several years, as shown 
in our next chapter, before the British in Canada ceased to encourage 
the Indians to hostility. The Iroquois withdrew to Canada or their 
New York reservations, Tioga Point was no longer the rendezvous of 
the red man, the campfires of hundreds of vears were extinguished, the 
trails were converted into bridle paths and highways, and within a few 
years naught remained but the hundreds of graves to remind us of 
the aboriginal inhabitants of Te-a-o-ga. According to Maxwell, 
from 1787 to 1790 there were still many families of Indians between 
the rivers and Seneca Lake, which region was still a common hunting 
ground to all tribes of Six Nations ; but by 1802 all had disappeared, 
by ravages of small-pox, as well as removal. The last Indian residents 
along the Chemung and Susquehanna were enumerated in 1779: 
"At Teaoga zvere jo Saponies, lOO Munsics, also Delazvares and Lena- 
linapc." In 1788, when Guy Maxwell came, there were but a few 
scattered cabins along the river banks, and he said the Indians left 
the locality in 1801. In 1838 Red Jacket (and some other Indians) 
attended circuit court at Bath." Thomas Maxwell was present and 
carefully questioned the old chief. He confirmed the above enumera- 
tion, saying that just before the white settlement, this valley was occu- 
pied by Sapoonies, Delawares and Munsies ; with straggling parties 
of Senecas, Cayugas and Tuscaroras. Sapoonies, or Saponies, will be 
a new name to most of our readers. Dr. Beauchamp says they were 
a branch of the Catawbas, as were the Tuteloes ; and were allies of the 
Iroquois by adoption. 

By the courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society we append 
a narrative transcribed by Judge Avery, said to have never been pub- 
lished, and thus bring to a close the far too meagre account of the 
aborigines of this valley : 

[Draper Mss.] -j^jy ^4^^ 1837 Middleport Grand River" Canada. 

"My Indian name is Way-way — my English name Betsey Douglas born at 
Chocunut on the Susquehanna was a little girl when the white men destroyed 
our crops & drove us off in the war we all went (prisoners and all) to Niagara — 
a parcel of Indians had been taken prisoners to Albany — The first I recollect was 
at Chocunut' — a great many Indians on the flat — then at Genesee a long house 
& great many children in it a little way from the River near the bad smelling 
water." My mother died soon after I was born & I did not know but what the 
woman who had care of me was my real mother. The woman I called my 
mother left me at Genesee once to go to Tioga Pt to get the bones of her friends 

* Vol. I, Introduction; also Appendix. 

® The occasion was the trial of two Indians charged with murder. An unfriendly feel- 
ing was manifested by the whites, and after the trial, no Indian zvas ever seen in the vicin- 
ity again. 

1" Land on Grand River was granted to the Mohawks after 1788, and portions of the 
Six Nations still live there. 



170 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

killed in the war (probably by Sullivan's army) — After war came back to Che- 
nang & Chocomit where my folks had once lived. Dutchman lived there. He 
was brother to Bovier who lived at Tioga Point. There was a large Round HilP 
& big flat in front ; Nanticoke Indians & some Delawares lived there then. An- 
other man Keeler lived on the other side of the River — also a man by the name 
of Saddler. Here were our corn fields. My mother pointed them out & said 
'they had been destroyed, but why can't we come back here to live where our 
people have been buried.' We got pretty near all the things we had hid in the 
ground. We went to Awaiga next^ived there considerable while — two year I 
think. Nicmaster'' lived there & Draper — Oghgue Sen we call him. Tuscaroras 
call him Ogh-gwal-sen. Draper lived once at Choconut — Jacob Seth" was my 
adopted father's name. Sarah my mothers. We went to Wappaseening (Nich- 
ols) — lived there two year — right near the Cove. I recollect Ransom' & Brooks 
at Pipe Creek, went to Tioga Pt. lived for a while with Mr. Spaldings" folks — 
learned English there — Nicmasters folks & Ransoms folks were very good to 
my people give us flour, pork & all kinds of provisions. One boy that used to 
live at Nicmasters was ugly to me. I forget his name. Our wigwam was about 
thirty rods from Nicmasters It was on the trail to Cayuga Lake. John Harris^ 
lived at Tioga Pt. I saw Red Jacket at Tioga Pt at Pickerings Treaty. He was 
young man but very smart. He made great Speech. Captain Smoke was there 
he was great man. I am named Betsy after Betsy Harris.* I know old Nicholus" 
w'ell across the river at Ahwaga — Onondagas & Senecas called it Ahwahguh we 
called awaiga. Jo Sackett I think lived at Standing Stone. I was also at Treaty 
at Canandaigua I stayed for a while with a man by the name of Baker at New- 
town. Old Jenkins" lived there then : I called him Old Chickens that was as near 
as I could speak it. He used to laugh to hear me. I am a Nanticoke Indian. 
My mother & grandmother came from Maryland. The Nanticokes were put 
upon the Susquehanna by the Six Nations When the Six Nations Sold Nanti- 
cokes got nothing. They let them into their Country because they were good 
warriors & brave men, & Tuscaroras too. 

"Old Nicholas was a Delaware, all the Nanticokes came from Maryland. 
I have a relative now living here who is 111 years old— a nanticoke Indian — Old 
Nicholas had a son Byman. Nicmaster's folks was very kind to me — first rate 
people I recollect Jenny When I left that part of the Country for Canada, Mill 
was just started by Pixley — 

"We went over beyond Wyoming — when we came there my father pointed 
out where the battle was. He was in the battle. I recollect when the Indians 
came back with great many scalps. I saw one man at Pipe Creek ; I don't know 
where he lived ; who had been scalped & still lived. It was all healed up when 
I saw him. The way I got my name was this — my mother used to sing an In- 
dian verse which meant 'Oh where did the child come from'; The last words 
of the verse was 'Way-way' & that's the way I got my name." 

^ Choconut is now N'estal, between Tioga Point and Hingliamton. 

- Evidently the sulphur springs at Avon, N. Y. 

^ Hill east of town of Union, similar to Spanish Hill. 

^ James McMaster, the pioneer settler of Owego. 

^ This must have been Col. G. P. Ransom. 

" This must have been Joseph or John Spalding, as others lived at Sheshequin. 

'' Quite likely Jonathan Harris. 

® Cannot locate Betsy Harris. 

" Probably the Nicholas that helped capture Stropes. 

10 Probably William Jenkins. 

11 Indian Seth may be the same; see "Annals of Bingliamton," p. 1.34. 



CHAPTER X 

INDIAN COUNCILS 

The Pickering Treaties at Tioga Point, Nezi'tozini and Canandaigna^ — 
Colonel Proctors Mission and Journal — Indian Traders and 
Trading Posts at and' near Tioga Point 

It is an accepted fact that the purchase of Indian lands for occu- 
pation by the whites, whether by accredited agents or land speculators, 
necessitated amicable treaties. These were brought about, we are told, 
by general Indian Councils, where the chiefs of tribes met with the 
white men ; and through the medium of an interpreter made known 
their demands or their grievances, as the case might be. What was 
called a "general palaver" was held, many belts of wampum ex- 
changed,, food and, alas ! firewater freely given, and some decision 
amicably made. Whenever there was a murder or any small difficulty, 
it was found wise to have a council as soon as possible. There were 
a number of these meetings at Tioga Point, of which there is so little 
authentic record that confusion has resulted from the stories of various 
pioneers. It was customary at these treaties or councils to provide 
food and drink for all the Indians who attended, and, if the weather 
rec[uired it. such shelter as they desired. Would there were far more 
than the meagre records which have been preserved, and that it were 
possible to give in detail the way the Indians were received, housed, 
etc., at Tioga Point at the time of various treaties or councils. The 
early treaties having been already necessarily introduced as a part of 
Indian history, the following are of those after the Revolutionary W^ar. 

There are so many contradictory statements about the treaty or 
treaties at Tioga Point, Newtown, Painted Post and other places, that 
it seems worth while to devote a special chapter to this matter, rather 
than to weave the various treaties chronologically into one narrative. 
One can easily find maps of Pennsylvania showing the dififerent pur- 
chases made from the Indians (see Egle, p. 208). Beginnmg at the 
southeastern corner of the State, there are successive purchases of 
1736, 1749, 1758, 1768, and, lastly, of 1784; which last completely ex- 
tinguished the Indian title to any portion of Pennsylvania. This pur- 
chase of 1784 had for its eastern boundary the North Branch of the 
Susquehanna; it was called the "New Purchase," and embraced all 
the lands in Bradford County west of the river. This purchase was 
confirmed by the Wyandott and Delaware Indians at Fort Mcintosh, 
by a deed dated January 21, 1785; but a deed had already been given 
the preceding October by the chiefs of the Six N^ations at Fort Stan- 
wix, now Rome, N. Y. The Supreme Executive Council of Pennsyl- 
vania appointed commissioners to adjust this purchase, as follows: 
Hon. S. John Atlee, William Maclay and Francis Johnson. In the 
minutes of the council of August 24, 1785, is an inventory of the 

171 



172 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

articles furnished as presents and compensation for the land it was 
proposed to purchase, and 3375 pounds specie were appropriated to 
pay for them. The commissioners suggested that Tioga or Wyalusing 
would be the most proper place to meet the Six Nations. When the 
treaty was concluded it was agreed that one thousand dollars' worth 
of goods should be delivered to the Indians at Tioga Point. The goods 
were purchased under the direction of Commissioner Johnson ; and 
William Maclay was appointed to deliver them. His final instructions 
were as follows : Pres. Dickinson to Wm. Maclay : — 

"Sir, Relying upon your integrity and Prudence, we request you to take the 
charge of delivering the goods to the Indian Chiefs appointed at the late Treaty 
for receiving them at Tioga on the first day of next month. Col. Johnson now 
sends them to you with an invoice, and we are exceedingly desirous that they 
may be at Tioga in time. You will read the treaty to the Indians, explain hunt- 
ing privileges, etc. Sept 3. 1785." 

There is in Tioga Point Museum, Herrick Collection, a pamphlet 
published in 1787, giving the accounts of the Indian Commissioners 
appointed in connection with aforesaid treaties. Various brief allu- 
sions in Archives complete the chain of evidence of another neglected 
chapter of Tioga Point history. In addition to the money paid to the 
Iroquois confederation, it was agreed to deliver £375 worth of goods 
on the first of April and the first of October, 17S5. Besides the goods, 
two chiefs of the Mohawks and Senecas had been promised handsome 
rifles, which were made to order (with names of chiefs engraved on 
them) and enclosed in cases. All these goods were delivered to 
Maclay at Northumberland, thence transported to Sunbury on Septem- 
ber 5, 1785, after which is a record, "detained from September 20 to 
December 10, going from Sunbury to Tioga, waiting for the coming 
in of the Indians," etc. One lot of goods, probably flour, was sent 
by wagon, and the rest by boats, many of which, including the rifles, 
got wet on the way, and had tO' be dried and repaired. On arriving 
at Tioga, Maclay found but few Indians on the ground, and there are 
various items showing that runners were sent into the Genesee coun- 
try twice, for whom moccassins, etc., were provided. Meanwhile the 
waiting Indians had to be provided with food and shelter, a serious 
undertaking in the wilderness. Powder was furnished, and the In- 
dians sent out to hunt. 

The waggoner from Northumberland to Tioga received £9 fis. 
Another item is rent paid to Messrs. Pickering and Hodgdon for 
stores to hold the Indian goods. Where were these stores ? The 
pamphlet does not tell. But records tell that among the lottery war- 
rants of April, 1785, was one to Pickering and Hodgdon, No. 16, lying 
west of the mouth of Cayuta Creek, land now known as between 
Spring's Corners and the center of Sayre. It is possible that here the 
Indians were assembled and the goods delivered.^ 

^ Upham, in his "Life of Timothy Pickering," tells that in 1785 Pickering, having had 
much experience as Quartermaster General in making purchases on a large scale, concluded 
to enter upon mercantile occupations. Therefore he formed a partnership with Samuel Hodg- 
don, long a confidential friend, and who had been Commissary General. They erected stores 
at Philadelphia and Sunbury, and it was doubtless in the latter that these goods were stored. 
Pickering and Hodgdon were among the Pennsylvania landholders. 



FIRST INDIAN CONFERENCE AT TIOGA 173 

However, as Matthias Hollenback's trading- post or store was es- 
tablished at Tioga Point, it is possible the gathering and distribution 
were on his cleared ground, where no doubt the earlier treaties were 
held. 

In Vol. XI\\ Colonial Records, p. 53G, is this entry: "Air. AlcCIay 
(to whom the delivery of the Indian goods at Tioga agreeably to the 
late treaty at Fort Stanwix has been committed) appeared in Council 
and presented estimate of necessary expenses, labelled 'Estimate of ex- 
pen ces of provisions and carriage of same together with carriage of 
goods to be delivered to the Indians at Tioga Oct. 1, 1785.' " 

December 28 (as above, Vol. XIV, p. 601) is reported: 

"A letter from Wm McClay Esq, advising the Board that he had met a 
large number of the Six Nations of Indians at Tioga and had distributed the 
goods which he had received in trust for them from the public, agreeably to the 
instructions which had been given him." 

And now, zvhat zi'ere these goods? A partial list will surely in- 
terest and amuse the reader and show the desire of the Indian to 
appear like his white brothers. List : 100 white ruffled shirts, 50 calico 
do., many yards of scarlet broadcloth and scarlet flannel, 20 silk hkfs., 
12 doz. prs. shears, 12 doz. prs. scissors, 12 doz. dandruff combs, 6 
doz. untangling combs, 12 gross gartering, 200 pocket looking glasses, 
hundreds of yards of calico, linen and lawn, 12 gold-laced hats, 18 
castor hats, 12 doz. velvet bound hats, needles, thread, thimbles, knives, 
ribbons, rings, brooches, armbands, flints, lead, tobacco, pipes, and mm 
ad libitum. It seems 'twould have been a far more entertaining sight 
to have viewed these Indians clad in all their new finery, than when 
they stood up in their canoes in all their heathen panoply of paint and 
feathers, and sang the death song of the Wyoming settlers. 

Could the waters of Tioga but mirror all the scenes of her past, 
what a wondrous panorama w^ould be unrolled to present eyes ! 

Referring to Maclay's report to the Assembly of December, 1785, 
Air. Craft says : "This closed the Indian conferences between Penn- 
sylvania and the Indian tribes." That is, as a State, for in the later 
treaties Pennsylvanians were a part of the general government. 

Whenever a treaty was held with the Indians, they expected food 
as well as gifts. Sir William Johnson, preparatory to the Fort Stan- 
wix treaty, had ordered from Albany 60 barrels of flour, 50 barrels of 
pork, 6 barrels of rice and 70 barrels of other provisions. When the 
council opened there were present 3200 Indians, each of whom, wrote 
Johnson, "consumes daily more than two ordinary men amongst us, 
and would be extremely dissatisfied if stinted w^hen convened for busi- 
ness." (From Halsey's "Old New York Frontier.") After they re- 
ceived the money for the purchase they were continually passing to 
the settlements to buy provisions, and, alas ! whisky. For the white 
man's "fire-water" was as loved as his "fire-arms" were feared. 

In spite of these treaties the Indians were uneasy and to be feared. 
There was discontent about their various purchases, especially the later 
one by Phelps and Gorham. It is also said the British encouraged 



174 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

them to be hostile, though war was ended. Finally matters were 
brought to a crisis by the murder of two Seneca Indians, in June, ITDO, 
by the Walker brothers, who were incited to revenge by hearing an 
Indian boast he had scalped and killed their own father with many 
others. The people about Pine Creek became much alarmed and war 
threatened so seriously that the Government at once took steps for 
conciliation. In the "History of the Holland Purchase," pp. 332 and 
333, are found some interesting data relative to this murder and sub- 
sequent treaty. 

August 7, 1790, in a letter to his co-proprietor, Mr. Gorham, 
Mr. Phcips writes from Canandaigua: 

"The Indians are now in great confusion on account of some Indians being 
inhumanly killed by the white people. 1 am this moment setting out with an 
agent from Pennsylvania to make them satisfaction for the two Indians mur- 
dered. I hope to be able to settle the matter, if I should not succeed, they will 
retaliate. I never saw them more enraged than they are at this time." 

It appears that the mission of Mr. Phelps had no other effect than 
to induce the Indians to issue a kind of summons, dated August 12, 
1790, addressed to the Governor and Council of Pennsylvania, signed 
by several chiefs, which said : 

"Now we take you by the hand and lead you to the Painted Post or as far 
as your canoes can come up the creek, where you will meet the whole of the 
tribe of the deceased, and all the chiefs, and a number of the warriors of our 
nation, when we expect you will wash away the blood of your brothers and put 
it out of memory, as it is yet sticking in our head. * * * Brothers, it is our 
great brother your Governor (Washington) who must come to see us, as we 
will never bury the hatchet until our great brother himself comes and brightens 
the chain of friendship, as it is very rusty. Brothers, you must bring the prop- 
erty of your brothers you have murdered, and all the property of the murderers, 
as it will be a great satisfaction to the families of the deceased. Brothers, the 
sooner you meet us the better, for our young warriors are very uneasy, and it 
may prevent great trouble." 

(The author adds that he does not know the sequel, but that such 
a state of things must have spread consternation over the new settle- 
ment.) We are glad to be able to give the complete extract, as Mr. 
Craft was doubtless right in thinking Col. Stone in error as to the 
cause for this treaty. In the same history, also^ in Upham's "Pick- 
ering," it is noticeable that Cornplanter's speeches concerning the 
Phelps and Gorham purchase were made after the treaty at Tioga 
Point. We will give Mr. Craft's account, as the papers relating to 
this treaty are not in Washington, and it can only be gleaned from 
Pickering's papers. President George Washington wrote to Timothy 
Pickering September 4, 1790, authorizing him to meet the Indians in 
behalf of the United States, and assure them that these murders were 
displeasing to the Government, etc. It was decided to hold this treaty 
at Tioga Point, and a trusty messenger was at once dispatched by 
Pickering to the Senecas, to which nation the victims belonged. The 
following is Pickering's message to the Senecas concerning proposed 
meeting- : 

"Brothers, I now inform you that I am appointed by him (the Pres- 
ident of U. S.) to wash ofif the blood of our murdered brothers, and wipe away 

-See Upham's "Life of Timothy Pickering," \'ol. II, p. 456; last paragraph. 



TIMOTHY PICKERING, TREATY OF 1790 



175 



the tears from the eyes of their friends.^ For these purposes I will meet the 
relations of the deceased at Tioga, on Monday 25th day of October next — Our 
Great Chief desires that the chiefs of the Turtle tribe and other great men of 
your nation, will on that day come to Tioga with relations of the deceased," etc. 
"Philadelphia 4th Sept. 1790." 




yT^n-vc^/^i^ \/2^ 




^ Upham says: "While the specific object was to assuage the resentment — it was a 
matter of highest importance to prevent the Six Nations from joining the Western Indians 
then at war with the U. S." Col. John Butler and other British officials were using every 
effort, as was learned by Proctor, to bring this about." We also learn from Upham that it 
was entirely original with Pickering to suggest to Washington the introduction of the arts of 
husbandry among the Indians, rather than as some writers say, "a dream of Washington's." 
Upham further says: "Pickering was singularly adapted to it (councils with Indians). There 
were many particulars in his aspect, deportment and character that gave him great influence 
over Indians, and won their confidence and good will. His lofty stature, six feet; his broad 
athletic frame and powerful muscular development; the strength that marked every move- 
ment; his tread and gestures; his physical hardihood; and the energy, courage and firmness 
stamped on his face, words, and actions — were just what they admired. There_ was another 
point in which he possessed what is the greatest pride of an Indian to exhibit. Although 
naturally demonstrative, and in conversation or debate all alive, when in silence his face 
subsided into immovable and impassive composure which nothing could break; no external 
novelty, excitement, peril, bodily discomfort or pain, and no depth or force of internal pas- 
sion or sentiment — could disturb the resolute repose of his features." With the Indians that 
is the last attainment of a great warrior. However, they paid him the highest complirnent 
paid to any white man. They made him an honorary chief by giving him an Indian title, 
which shows, that though impassive at times, his face could be most pleasant. For they 
named him at once "Conni-sauti," and always so addressed him around the council fire. The 
name means the "sunny side of a hill." One can hardly imagine a finer tribute to a man 
who could appear as stolid as an Indian. 



176 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



Having- sent the message. Col. Pickering at once commenced prepa- 
rations for the treaty with the assistance of Matthias Hollenback, to 
whom was committed the purchasing and transporting of necessary 
goods ; customary presents, suppHes, etc. In the Tioga Point Museum 
is the original invoice, framed and on exhibition. It is too dilapidated 
for reproduction, but here is given a copy : 

Paper filed, "Timothy Pickering's Memorandum of the United States 
Loading to the Indians, &c." This was for the Indian treaty of 1790 : 

"Invoice of Goods sent in M. Hollenback's boat to his store at Tioga Point, 
on account of the United States. 

One Bale Marked "P" Weight 



" Cask " 

" Trunk " " " 

" Box 

Four Barrels Rum " " 

One Barrel (Hoes) " " 

" Box Pipes " " 

" Camp Kettle with crockery " 

One Bale Marked "P" Weight 



" Cask " " " 

4 Quarter Casks Powder " 

1 Cask (Tobacco) " 

1 Package wooden bowls " 

1 Straight Staved cask " 

1 Tin kettle with crockery " 

1 Keg tobacco " " 
1 

1 " Spirits " " 

1 Markee in bag marked "T. P." 

1 Horseman's tent tied with a rope "T. P." 

58 3 24. 

"N. B. If the markee and tent get wet 
they must be dried the first opportunity, as 
they will mildew and rot. 

(The above invoice and note is in the handwriting of Pickering; under it 
is the following in the hand of Matthias Hollenback.) : 
"In Doct'r Hopkins' boat 

"2 Bales \ c qr lb 

"1 Barrel J 4 1 which he will deliver to 

"Guy Maxwell of Tioga. 

"(signed) M. Hollenback." 

On the back of the invoice is written "Tiinofliy Pickering's Mem- 
orandum of the United States Loading to the Indians, etc." It will 
be observed prices are not given, but 58 cwt. of goods were quite 
valuable. 



cwt. 


qrs. 


lbs. 






7 


2 


11 






6 


3 


3 






1 


2 


7 






1 


3 









2 





21 









3 


14 






4 












2 


1 


24 
5 






10 


o 





(each 


2. 2. 14) 


2 














o 


4 


cwt. 


qrs. lbs. 




1 





41 


1 5 


4 


3 


10 




2 


1 


7 






1 


o 


14 






1 


3 


19 






1 


1 


14 






1 






18 
11 






1 




2 
2 


21 

13 

4 

4 








3 


7 


16 


2 2 




o 


14 






2 


3 


1 


17 



PICKERING AT TIOGA POINT 177 

Colonel Pickering and his party reached Tioga Point October 17. 
Simon Spalding, of Sheshequin, who was highly esteemed by the 
Indians, was asked to be present. And then there was a long wait. 
What a time of excitement it must have been ; the temper of the 
Indians led to many forebodings. At last, October 29, five runners 
arrived and announced the approach of 500 Indians. Here we will 
give an extract from Charles Erwin's "Painted Post," being the state- 
ment of Samuel Cook, made August, 1860, called by Erwin interesting 
and corroborative : 

"When we came to Painted Post our goods from Tioga Point were pushed 
in a canoe up the Chemung river by my father ; and our cattle, sheep and hogs 
were driven along the banks by mother and us children. In the Chemung Nar- 
rows we met a large party of Indians, who were going to Tioga Point tO' make a 
treaty. At first my mother was very much frightened, but the Indians were very 
civil and passed with their friendly salutation 'sachoo' how do you do, or 'sachoo- 
ca-cho,' how are you my friend. — I was then a boy, and now I am 81 years old." 

Of course, these were the Indians the Snell boys saw pass their 
door. John Snell said they were a fine sight, with their feathers, 
brooches and blankets ; it will be remembered, Mrs. Whittaker de- 
scribed the dresses of men as well as women covered with silver 
brooches and bells, even on the thongs that tied their moccassins. Many 
of these ornaments are to be seen to-day in the New York State 
Museum.* During the period of waiting Col. Pickering wrote, Nov. 
11, to a friend : 

"I have been here waiting about a fortnight for the coming of the Indians, 
but they are not yet arrived. Some zvhite villains among them who wish to 
make themselves important, have greatly contributed to this, though Col Spald- 
ing told me it is their usual practice to be dilatory. Mr Ellicott arrived last Tues- 
day. He says the British from Niagara endeavored to prevent this treaty. I 
have certain information of two hundred and thirty-four advancing, and strag- 
glers may make up three hundred."' November 15th he writes to his wife : 
"The Seneca Indians arrived yesterday. The chiefs say they expect some chiefs 
of the other nations, particularly the Cayugas, and desire to wait two days for 
their arrival. On Wednesday therefore I expect a speech from them in coun- 
cil. — They are of all ages, some very old and some infants. Last evening agree- 
ably to my invitation the chiefs came to smoke a pipe with me, drink grog, and 
eat our bread, butter and cheese. This morning they have sent a message that 
their ladies will make me a visit. I did not invite them, but I must receive 
them in the same manner I did the chiefs. — Fortunateh' the young people staid 
at home, it being the season for hunting." 

Col. Pickering states that this was designed to be a conference 
with the Senecas only, relative to the barbarous murder at Pine Creek, 
but that the Indians of other nations came with them, considering the 
injury done to them all. Maxwell reports Oneidas, Onondagas, Ca- 

^ In 1851 Jesse McQuigg, a settler at Owego in 1788, was interviewed by Judge Avery. 
In the course of his story, he spoke of the Tioga Point treaty of 1790, saying: "Most of the 
Indians who assembled there came from the headwaters of this river. I saw them coming in 
their canoes. There were several hundred canoes, four to six Indians in a canoe; a good 
many squaws and young Indians. The canoes were of bark. 

'Tt was a handsome sight as they approached — they came in a solid body, and with 
great regularity and uniform movement, some ornamented with feathers — sotne covered with 
brooches of silver, generally with white woolen blankets. — The Indian men had their rifles, 
tomahawks and scalping knives; also pipes and their kind of tobacco. They all landed here, 
and cooked and ate their breakfast. They were very good natured — all for peace. Their 
devices (totems of tribes) were cut upon their ornaments, worked into their garments with 
porcupine quills, and painted on. Leggins, loin cloths, blankets, headdress, moccasins and or- 
naments were their costume. Saw their wampum belts." — From "Early Owego Sketches," 
published in Gazette of 1P07. 



178 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

yugas, Chippewas, and Stockbridge or River Indians. Runners had 
been sent by sachems throughout the Six Nations, their message con- 
cluding: "This is from your brothers, sachems, chiefs and zvarriors, 
walking to the big tire at Tioga Point." We suppose they encamped 
on or near the council ground, which was on the river bank, east of 
Episcopal Church edifice, though much of the land has now washed 
away. November 16, the first regular conference took place, Colonel 
Pickering making the following opening speech : 

"Brethren, sachems, chiefs, and warriors of the Six Nations, I bid you a 
hearty welcome to this council fire, and thank the Great Spirit who has brought 
us together in safety, though I sincerely lament the cause of our meeting. I 
mean the murder of our two brothers of your nation at Pine Creek." 

He then informed them the thirteen fires had become one fire, 
and that General Washington was the great chief of all the thirteen 
fires, and had appointed him as his representative, but that they must 
excuse him in his ignorance of their customs, as it was his first ex- 
perience, adding : 

"Brothers you now see my commission, which has been read and inter- 
preted that I was appointed to wash off the blood of our murdered brothers, and 
wipe away the tears from the eyes of their friends, and this occasion is to 
brighten the chain of friendship between you and the United States." 

Pickering then gave, as was the custom, strings of wampum to 
the principal chief, Farmer's Brother,^ who consulted with the chief 
near him, and then rose and thus spoke: 

"Brother we thank the Great Spirit who has appointed this day in which 
we sit side by side, and look with earnestness on each other. We know you have 
been long waiting for us, and suppose you have often stretched up your neck to 
see if we were coming. 

"Brother, we sent your letter to the Grand river to Fish Carrier, and we 
have been waiting for its return, but it has not yet come to hand ; and therefore 
we can not yet properly enter upon the business. We must wait two days for 
the arrival of the Fish Carrier, or to hear from him. But, in the mean time, ac- 
cept this belt as a pledge." 

He then delivered a belt of wampum. Then Red Jacket'' arose, 
and spoke as follows : 

"Brother, we are happy to see you here for which we thank the Great 
Spirit. Brother, you say you are not acquainted with our customs. Brother, we 

^ Farmer's Brother, or Honayenous, and Red Jacket, or Sagoyewatha, were two prom- 
inent Seneca chiefs of this period. Thomas, son of Robert Morris, who was present at this 
and following treaties, and Thomas Maxwell have doubtless best described them. Farmer|s 
Brother may have been born about 1730. "Beyond all doubt he was one of the noblest of his 
race — in both intellect and eloquence fully equal to Red Jacket, and infinitely above him in 
courage, and all the moral qualities. Though he spoke often he preferred being a warrior 
to an orator." He was well formed, erect and not addicted to the use of the degenerating 
"fire water." 

"Morris says: "When first I knew Red Jacket he was in his prime, probably about 
36 years of age — decidedly the most eloquent man among the Six Nations — rather above mid- 
dle size, well made. His eyes were fine and expressive of intellect ofvvhich he possessed an 
uncommon portion. His address, particularly when he spoke in council, was almost majestic. 
He was fluent without being rapid — decidedly the most graceful public speaker I ever heard. 
You could always tell when he meant to speak, from the pains he would take before he rose, 
to arrange the silver ornaments on his arms; and the graceful folds he would give to his 
Ijlanket." On great occasions the Indian orators, Red Jacket and Farmer's Brother in par- 
ticular, not only studied their speeches, but would send for interpreters to rehearse to, that 
they might be sure he understood them fully, and would translate accurately. For, as a rule, 
the interpreter often explained a long speech in a single sentence, losing all the embellishments 
and appeals to imagination. Red Jacket's efforts to train himself as an orator were, however, 
unusual in a savage; and worthy of emulation to-day when the teaching and practice oi 
oratory are too often neglected. Red Jacket, while not in charge of this council, was quite 



RED JACKET, HIS SPEECH AT TIOGA 179 

are young, but we will describe the ancient practices of our fathers. The roads 
we now travel were cleared by them. When they used to meet our brothers of 
Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, our brothers not only pulled the hatchet out of 
their heads but buried it. You say you have pulled the hatchet out of our heads, 
but you have only cast it behind you. You may take it up again. Brother, while 
the hatchet lies unburied, we can not sit easy on our seats. Brother, from the 
time we made peace with the United States we have experienced more trouble 
than ever before. The United States have also had their troubles. Brother, we 
now hear General Washington the great chief of the United States speaking to 
us by you, and hope our troubles will now have an end. But our eyes are not 
yet washed that we may see, nor our throats cleared that we maj' speak." 




Sa-go-ye-\vat-ha 
(Red Jacket) 

prominent, and showed such violent prejudice against the United States that Pickering had to 
exercise great tact. 

He is said to have received his English name from a red coat given him by a British 
officer, which he loved to wear. His Indian name Pickering gave as Soo-que-ya-waun-tan, 
meaning "Sleeper wake up," supposed to be suggestive of his wonderful oratory. According 
to his own story he was present at a great council fire at Shenandoah, Va., when a child, 
and heard the great Logan speak. He then resolved to devote himself to public speaking, 
and to follow Logan as a model. From that time on, it was his custom to go into the forest 
and practise, especially if he could find "roaring water," that he might learn to raise his 
voice and speak to great numbers. One of his favorite resorts was the great waterfall near 
Havana, N. Y., which he called She-qua-gah, the place of the roaring waters. He would be 
long absent from the cabin, and when his mother remonstrated would tell her he had been 
"playing Logan." Thus, like the ancient Greek who tuned his voice to the ocean's roar, he 
became a profound though unlettered student of oratory. He said of himself: "I am an 
orator; I was born an orator." Later, he practised to the sound of Niagara, and refused to 
have his portrait painted with any other background. Stone, in his "Life of Red Jacket," 
says that he was at first averse to having his portrait painted, but, having once yielded, there 
seemed to be a fascination about it, and he went to the other extreme. He sat three times 
to a self-taught artist of Rochester, who may have painted the portrait here reproduced by 
courtesy of H. H. Billings of Elmira. This portrait, with one of his wife, are said to have 
been executed for the Maxwell family, at Red Jacket's own instigation, but there is no artist's 
name. The Maxwells, father, son and granddaughter, were adopted by the Indians, the lat- 
ter into the familv of Red Jacket. 



180 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

To this Pickering responded as follows : 

"Brothers, you say I have only pulled the hatchet out of your head, and 
have not buried it, and while it is unburied you can not sit easy on your seats. 
Brothers, in declaring that I pulled the hatchet out of your heads I meant to 
compl}^ with your own demand to the president and council of Pennsylvania, 
which was that he should come and pull the hatchet out of your heads. How- 
ever, to give you entire satisfaction on this point, as the hatchet is already pulled 
out of your heads I now bury it, and pray God that it may remain buried, and 
that its sharp edge may never more be seen. Brothers, the United States has no 
wish but to live with you as brothers in perpetual peace. Brothers, I now wash 
off the blood of your murdered brothers, and the tears from the eyes of their 
friends." 

Pickering then drank their health and served them round with 
a glass of rtim. The principal chief, Farmer's Brother, then spoke 
again, saying: 

"Brother, you have now taken us by the hand, and washed our eyes; our 
women expect that you will show them equal attention. They are here waiting 
your invitation to receive the same tokens of your friendship which last evening 
you gave us. Perhaps in taking them by the hand you may see one who will 
please you." 

There was a general laugh at this humor. Pickering then ad- 
dressed the women : 

"Sisters, I am very glad to meet you here, I have seen agreeable women of 
various complexions, and doubt not, such may be found among you. I invite you 
to my quarters, where we may eat and drink together in friendship. I now take 
you by the hand as my sisters." 

He then went round and shook hands with every woman present. 
While we have no other record of it, Colonel Franklin writes in his 
little diary : 

"Nov 1.5 Monday This night the Indians had a dance at the council house 
at the point." 

It must have been a huge cabin, if it does not mean just the treaty 
ground. Major Snell said that they resorted to the ridge for games 
and lay on the brow of the hill to sun themselves. This must have 
been the natural rise of ground or top of the bank along the river 
at this spot. 

There is little doubt but that Red Jacket came to this treaty of 
1790, resolved to make trouble. But this was averted by the tact of 
Pickering, ably advised and assisted by Simon Spalding, Matthias 
Hollenback and Daniel McDowell, all more familiar with the Indian 
character than Pickering. He, although previously unacquainted with 
Indians, proved as wise and as wily as in settling the disputes at 
Wyoming between the land claimants. We regret that Franklin did 
not attend this treaty. But aside from the fact that he was hastening 
to Wyoming to be married, he was no doubt averse to meeting his 
former foe, Pickering. The treaty lasted a week or longer, the first 
Indians having arrived on Sunday, November 14, and the last con- 
ference being November 23. 

Colonel Pickering thus reports further : 

"Upon conversing witli some of the principal chiefs, I found that the de- 
livery of a mourning belt to the head of each family to which the murdered In- 
dians belonged was an invariable custom among themselves, and that without 



CLOSE OF THE TREATY AT TIOGA POINT 181 

it an injury could not be forgiven. As I had none, the chiefs undertook to 
inquire among their people for suitable belts (of wampum) and, I agreed to 
purchase them if obtained. I also found that when I should deliver the belts 
they expected me to make a particular address to the relations of the deceased. 
The belts were procured, and on the 22d of November before the council fire 
was covered, I addressed the whole body of Indians, in the following speech 
'Brothers, the business for which this council fire was kindled is now finished. 
The hatchet has been buried, and the chain of friendship is made bright ; but 
before the fire is put out I must address a few words to the relations of our two 
murdered brothers. My friends you are now assembled to receive the last public 
testimony of respect to the memory of our two brothers whose untimely death 
we have joined in lamenting. Mothers, you have lost two worthy sons from 
whom you expected support and comfort in your old age. You appear bowed 
down with sorrow as with years. Your aflfhctions must be very great. I also 
am a parent, of many sons, the loss of any one of whom would fill me with dis- 
tress, I therefore can feel for yours. Brothers and sisters, you have lost two 
valuable relations, whose assistance was useful, and whose company was pleas- 
ing to you, and with whom you expected to pass yet many happy years. With 
you also I can join in mourning your misfortune. Mothers, brothers and sisters, 
let me endeavor to assuage your grief. You enjoy the satisfaction of remember- 
ing the good qualities of your sons and brothers ; of reflecting that they were 
worthy men ; and of hearing their names mentioned with honor. Let these con- 
siderations afford you some comfort. * * * 

"Mothers, to manifest the sorrow of the United States for the loss of your 
sons * * I now present to you these belts. Brothers, the stake has been 
stuck into the ground, and it has been pulled out in the presence of you all. 
We have put into the hole all of our troubles, and stuck in the stake that they 
may never rise again.' " 

On the following day Pickering' delivered to^ the Indians the 
presents from the United States (already given in invoice). Craft 
says : 

"These ceremonies terminated, renewals of friendship secured, satisfaction 
given and taken on both sides, the council fire was covered up, the Indians re- 
turned to their homes, and Colonel Pickering repaired to Philadelphia to report 
his doings." 

Thomas, son of Robert Morris, was present and was formally 
adopted by the Indians. There is every reason to beheve that the 
Indians went directly to Philadelpliia from Tioga Point. We are told 
that during this council Red Jacket brought up the discontent of the 
Iroquois over the Phelps and Gorham purchase. It is said his feel- 
ings were mollified, and Pickering relates that he was as obliging in 
private council as he was intelligent. No doubt Pickering advised 
another council to consider this larger and different matter. We read 
that the complaint was made at Philadelphia in December (the very 
next month), which led to another treaty the next summer. In Craft's 
chronicles of Sheshequin he tells that at the time of this treaty of 1790 

"About 300 warriors in full gala dress passed down the Susquehanna and 
encamped on the Sheshequin Flats. Their whoops and war-dances, though ter- 
rifying, still became interesting in the extreme. Gen. Spalding contributed to 
their frolic and cuisine at the same time by giving them six good running hogs 
for capturing and cooking. The race was a long and exciting one. They cooked 
those shoats with corn and beans, sans dressing, and called the mess ump-a- 
squanch. 

"On their return from Philadelphia they stopped at the same place and 
challenged the whites for a foot-race. The challenge was accepted, and William 
Witter Spalding selected as the champion of the settlers, and won the race. This 
gave umbrage to the Indians, and then Spalding challenged thcvi to run a mile. 



182 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

but it was refused, and peace was maintained with much difficulty, the Indians 
drawing their knives for fighting." 

Simon Spalding had a peculiar tact with the Indians, and "rarely 
failed to provide good cheer and sport on their frequent visits to 
his home." 

As Mrs. Perkins has given many interesting details of the treaty 
of 1790, we will not repeat them, but pass on to that of 1791. It is 
a matter of record that in December, 1790, a deputation of the Six 
Nations were at Philadelphia asking Washington's aid to amicably 
settle the dispute in regard to Fort Stanwix treaty. In Pennsylvania 
Archives, second series. Vol. IV, pp. 626 to 638, will be found the 
speeches of the chiefs Cornplanter, Half-Town and Big Tree, ad- 
dressed to Washington, or, as they call him, "The Great Councillor of 
the Thirteen Fires." The allusion to the Sullivan Expedition is of 
special interest, also the appeal for teachers in agriculture. The whole 
of these speeches are typical of the attitude of the Iroquois at that 
time. We commend them to our school boys, knowing they will enjoy 
them, giving here only brief extracts. Cornplanter said : 

"When your army entered the country of the Six Nations, we called you 
the 'Town Destroyer,' and to this day when that name is heard, our women look 
behind them and turn pale, and our children cling close to the necks of their 
mothers. * * * f^g mtn (English) told us you were children and had no 
guns, that when they had shaken you, you would submit. We hearkened to 
them, and were deceived until your army approached our towns. We were de- 
ceived, but your people, in teaching us to confide in that King had helped to 
deceive us, and we now appeal to your heart — is the blame all ours? * * * 
Father, We ask you to teach us to plow, grind corn, etc., above all teach our 
children to read and write, and our women to spin and to weave." 

This conference did not end until February 19, 1791. The same 
volume tells that early in March Washington sent Col. Proctor to the 
Indians of the Northwest. 

Col. Proctor, who had been with Sullivan, kept an extensive 
journal (published in same volume Archives), which gives a valu- 
able picture of the Susquehanna Valley at this period. 

For some reason unknown he was given sealed instructions ; not 
even his family was to know his errand. We will quote at length from 
him at the end of this chapter ; a perusal of which will show that 
Proctor held a secret council at Squawky Hill April 1st, and one at 
Buffalo Creek April 27. 

Measures were taken by him to hold a council at Painted Post 
June 17, 1791. Painted Post seems to have been the most southern 
point at which the Indians made a last stand or settlement. It was a 
favorite hunting ground, and canoe-making was also specially easy in 
that locality. Col. Pickering was again appointed by Washington to 
manage the conference. As this involved far more people, a large 
attendance was expected. Sixteen htmdred may have been present ; 
Pickering records "not more than Hvc hundred" at Tioga Point and 
"upzmrds of a thousand" at Newtown. Another letter to his wife is 
here inserted from Upham, Vol. II, p. 493 : 

"Tioga Point, Tuesday June 14, 1791. 

"I arrived here this morning in perfect health. The waters of the Tioga 
River are so low that the provisions and stores can be got up no farther than 



TREATY AT NEWTOWN, 1791 183 

Newtown Point, about twenty miles from this place ; where of course the treaty 
will be held. There are many inhabitants in that neighborhood, so that living 
will be more agreeable than at the Painted Post. I purpose however to visit the 
latter place, shall probably go as far as Col. Lindley's." The next day he writes 
again: "On Tioga River five miles below Painted Post — I am now at Major 
McCormick's. Before I decide where to hold treaty I mean to see some of the 
Indian chiefs, and, if I can make them satisfied will hold treaty at Newtown 
Point, otherwise we must draw up the provisions and stores to the Painted Post, 
drawing the loaded canoes with oxen, where the water is too shallow." 

July 1st he reports the treaty as to be at Newtown, nine hundred 
having" already arrived, and writes of his son's attendance at a dance 
held by Indians the night before. 

Thus it will be seen that, although this is known in the Archives 
as the "Treaty of Painted Post." it was held at Newtown Point, begin- 
ning June 21, 1791, and lasting three weeks. The following invoices 
of goods'^ go to prove that it would have been a serious task to "push" 
such quantities up the river with low water : 

"COL. TIMOTHY PICKERING 
"In Account With 

"MATTHIAS HOLLENBACK. 

"June & July, 1791. DR. 

To Sundries furnished for the use of the Treaty held at Newtown Point, 
viz : 
" 100 Bushels of Wheat delivered at Tioga @ 5/ — £ 25. 
T. P. " 20 " " " 4/4 4. 6. 8 

" Paid John Shepard carriage of the above 

to and from the mill 1. 13. 4 

" 16 Bushels of Wheat delivered at Wyn- 

koop's Mill (Carriage 5/ — ) @ 5/ — 4. 5. 4 

" Paid John Shepard for 9 four bushel 

flour barrels 3/— 1. 7. 4 

" Paid John Shepard for 6 common flour 

barrels 9/ — and coopering @ 5/ — 1. 14. 4 

" 6 Flour barrels & 3 delivered from Wyn- 

koop's 17/6 1. 17. 6 

" 1 Cask nails l/S packing and heading 

the flour casks 3/9 1. 5. 5 

" G. Maxwell going to Shenang* for some 
stall fed Beef Cattle, 3 days @ 7/6 per 

day and expenses 10/ — 1. 12. 6 

T. P. " Carriage of 59 cwt. of U. S. Goods from 
Wyoming to Tioga Point with flour, 
first load, 4 days @ 7/6 £ 1. 10. 

4 Working hands for same time @ 

3/- per day each 2. S. 

1 1/2 lb. chocolate 3/- 

3 1/2 # of Sugar 3/8 6. 6 

3 Gallons of whiskey 18/- 

change to buy milk 4/- 1. 2. 

7 Loaves of bread 9/- meat 18/- 1. 7. 6. 13. 6 



" 41 1/2 lb flour delivered the Oneida In- 
dians on the way up 

^ This invoice is taken from Matthias Hollenback"s own account books. 
* Chenango. 



184 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



" The Boat and hands conveying a load of 
U. S. Goods From Tioga to Newtown 
Point, 3 !/;> days with provisions fur- 
nished 
" Daniel Minier's Acc't of Carriage of 
goods to the hoat &c. 

T. P. " 4 Rum Kegs delivered to the Indians, not 
returned 

T. P. " Carriage of 4 Rum Kegs to Painted Post 

T. P. " 90 3/4 Gallons of Whiskey delivered at 
sundry times 

T. P. " 30 1/2 gallons and 1 pint of Rum deliv- 
ered at sundry times 

T. P. To 33 Bags (or pounds) of Vermiellian, del. 
sundry times 

T. P. " 2 pair of shoes for Capt. Hendricks 22/6, 
4 Powder horns 

T. P. " 15 1/2 Qts of wine del. at sundry times 
@ 10/ — per gal. 
" 7 Barrels of flour equal to 42 Bushels of 

Wheat 
" " 7 Flour Barrels 14/—, 62 Pipes. 5/2. 
Expense for 4 Chiefs at Painted 
Post 7/6 





5. 


15. 








6. 


6 






12. 








3. 


6 


@ 6/- 


27. 


4. 


6 


7/6 


11. 


9. 


9 


@ 11/3 


18. 


11. 


3 


20/— 


2. 


2. 


6 




1. 


IS. 


9 


@ 5/- 


10. 


10. 





95 pipes 
T. P. " 



4 Bushels of Corn from John Dillson 
10/—, 33 pipes 2/9 



Carried Forward 



£142. 



T. P. To 3 1/2 Doz of large silver Broaches @ 11/- 
T. P. " 4 Yds ribbon for Smith 6/8 ; 2 lb. of Soap 2/- 

" 4 1/2 Bushel of potatoes; 8. 5 1/2; 4 1/4 Bushels 

of corn from Brown 10/7 1/2 
" 72 Bushels of corn taken from Tioga @ 2/6 
" Carriage of the same together with 3 bales of U. S. 

Goods & 5 Barrels from Tioga to Newtown, The 

Boats and hands with 3 days provisions 
" Carriage of 6 barrels of Flour & 2 Bales from Tioga 

to Newtown 
" 23 1/2 Bushels of corn delivered by A. Shipper @ 

2/10 
" 78 Bushels of corn delivered at Painted Post @ 2/6 
" 9 " " " " at Newtown 25/6, 10 

Bushels of potatoes 18/9 
" 4 7/8 bu. of salt 58/6, Teapot 3/-, 8 1/2 Bu. corn @ 

24/1 
T. P. " 4 Butcher knives for the Stockbridge Indians 
T. P. " 2 Rifle guns delivered Capt. Hendricks 
" 62 Bushels of corn taken from Tioga 

@ 2/6 7. 15 

" 43 Bushels of wheat taken from Tioga 

5/6 10. 15 

" Carriage of wheat and corn from Tioga 

to Newt. 4. 15 2.- 



11. 



T. P. " 2 Powder horns 10/-, 1/2 lb Powder 2/-. 1 doz. Pipe 
heads 2/- 
" 28 Bushels of potatoes delivered at Painted Post @ 

1/10 1/2 2. 



12. 



10. 

18. 
8. 

19. 



14. 
12. 



5. 


15. 




1. 


15. 




3. 


6. 


7 


9. 


15. 




2. 


4. 


3 


4. 


5. 


7 




7. 


6 



BILL OF SUPPLIES FOR THE INDIANS 



185 



T. P. 

5 Knives 
T. P. 



T. P. 
Pepper 
T. P. 



1/2 Yd. Cambrick, 1 Skean of thread 1/2 delivered 
to Capt. Hendrick 



5 Bushels of corn 14/2 ; 5 Butcher knives for Smith 

and Wm. George 9/4 
29 1/2 do do do 

son-in-law 2/10 
20 do do do i 

&c. 2/10 
Paid for fowls, Wm. George 



rec'd from Gardner, 
6 Bu. from Carpenter 



reed of Kinney & Kelsey @ 2/10 
reed of Joel Thomas @ 2/10 



4 1/8 Bushels of corn received of Roberts 11/9 

Pepper for Capt, Solomon /6 
2 Yds Woosted binding 

20 Bushels of corn delivered by Isaac Baldwin @ 
2/10 

" 8 1/4 do do received' of Steele 23/6, 1 Quire 

of paper 2/3 
quire paper 
T. P. 

'' 25 do do 

" 25 do do 

Thomas, 
" 1 3/4 Stroud, 21/-, 1 pr mockisons 3/- by Smith's ord 
" 4 lb Powder 12/-, 4 Butcher ' knives 7/6 Delaware 
" Cash paid Daniel Crygan for salt 



Carried Forward £243. 

T. P. To 1 Butcher knife 1/10 1/2. 2 yds Cotton Calico 12/- 

Fr O'Biels son Mark 
T. P. " 8 yds cotton calico 38/3 ; 1 silk hkf. 7/6 ; 1 3/4 yd 
blue cloth 21/- delivered Farmer's Brother by or- 
der of Parish 
T. P. 8 1/2 yds calico delivered an Indian by order Parish 
T. P. " 1 Kirb Bridle for O'Biel's brother 10/-, a canoe 25/- 
Fork 23/5 
" 57 Bushels wheat at Tioga 5/- 
" Paid Carriage of the above taken in two different 

loads in canoes from Tioga to Newtown 2. 

" Hauling grain to and from Baldwin's mill, for Ship- 
pen act. The Boat and steersman going from 
Newtown Point to Baldwin's mill and back 
" 101 Heads & plucks delivered the Indians @ .5/- 25. 

" 5 Hogsheads (fell to staves) taken up with grain &c 

5/- . 1- 

" Carriage of Grain from Wynkoop's landing to the Mill 

Supra CR. 

By 1 Barrel of Flour £l. 17. 6 



1. 


3. 




4. 


3. 


7 


3. 


13. 


8 




4. 


8 




12. 


3 
6 



The old flour casks sold 



15. 



6 



£2. 



16. 



) 3. 


10. 


10 


3. 


10. 


10 




19. 


6 


1. 


4. 






4. 


2 



13. 



13. 



3. 
1. 


6 

14 


1. 
14. 


13 
5 



13. 



lOj 



"I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the charges exhibited by 
Colo. Matthias Hollenback. which are not supported by vouchers. 
"Pay Office "L. Catlin, clerk." 

"Philadelphia, 29 August 1791." 

"(The above is filed as 'A Copy of the Acct. of some things not allowed in 
my first charge &c ; United States, &c.')" 

Author's Note — If these are only "some things," we wonder 
what were all the other things in the "first charge." Surely, the 
Indians were well treated ! 



186 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

T. P. evidently are the initials of Timothy Pickering, and indi- 
cate goods ordered by him. Wyncoop's Mills and Baldwin's Mill, 
both located between Chemung- and Newtown, indicate that the settlers 
no longer had to take their grain to Wilkes-Barre to be ground. Pick- 
ering wrote to his wife of great difficulty experienced in getting suffi- 
cient grain ground. 

Further search among papers of Matthias Hollenback gives this 
additional note or letter : 

"Sir: 

"In addition to the supplies & disbursements charged in my account, 
I have now closed the same with a charge of £20.5.0 for Purchasing all the 
corn wheat and potatoes, for attending the carrying of the same to Mill, Grind- 
ing, getting flour Casks, for forwarding the same to Newtown Point, with all 
the United States goods from Tyoga to Newtown, for Employing hands for the 
boat & canoes, for delivering or issuing the Meal corn & potatoes to the Indians 
from day to day as it was calld for — Going twice to the painted post to deliver 
provisions myself, and for sending Jacob Hart twice to the same place from 
Newtown point, in all thirty-six days at a dollar and a half a day. 

"This charge I trust you will think reasonable ; for you saw the great 
trouble which attended the procuring of the extra supplies of grain from a va- 
riety of places, often in small quantities, as they could be obtained ; and in get- 
ting them transported. The daily issues of flour corn and salt also occasioned 
a very considerable expense to me, by obliging me to employ more hands than 
were requisite for issuing the beef. 

"The charges for the actual transportation exhibit only my disbursements 
in that service. The making provision for the transportation, superintending it, 
and performing the other services herein mentioned, were equal to the services 
of two good men during the thirty-six days mentioned. 
"To T. P. "M. H." 

"I certify that M. H. performed the services above mentioned at the late 
treaty with the Indians at Newtown Point. 

Of this treaty there are not only War Department Archives, but 
Thomas Maxwell wrote of it from the recollections of his father, Guy 
Maxwell, Capt. Geo. Gardner and others who were present. Guy 
Maxwell acted as clerk for Pickering at Tioga Point, and transcribed 
the treaty. ^*^ He had been at Tioga Point for several years and be- 
come acquainted with them as clerk in Hollenback's trading post. The 
Indians encamped in the westerly part of the village ; their wigwams 

•The above is from a copy in the handwriting of Col Pickering; not dated nor signed, 
except with the initials of Hollenback and Pickering. 

^0 In connection with these treaties should be mentioned the adoption by the Iroquois 
Indians of Guy Maxwell and his descendants. It will be remembered that Guy Maxwell 
acted as secretary to Pickering at the Tioga Point council, and at Newtown. The Indians, 
especially Red Jacket, looked upon him with favor, and in 1792 he was formally adopted by 
the Senecas, and given an Indian name, Ta-ce-wa-ya-se, meaning tlie honest trader. His son 
Thomas was born at Athens the year his father was adopted, and he was shown the same favor 
in 1804, when he was only a little lad, being given the name He-je-no, meaning the brave 
boy, and adopted by a Tuscorora family. Later in life he became an Indian agent, and 
made many notes on the Indians, which were in his daughter's hands, and which since 
her death we have been unable to trace. As has already been said, Red Jacket had his por- 
trait painted for Thomas Maxwell; they were warm friends. Eighty years after the formal 
adoption of Thomas Maxwell his daughter Harriet (later known as Harriet Maxwell Con- 
verse) was formally adopted by the family of Red Jacket, and had many mementoes; for in- 
stance a necklace made of 70 little silver brooches, which had been worn by Red Jacket; also 
his Masonic pin. The name given her was Ga-ie-\va-noh, meaning "She who watches us." 
Dr. Beauchamp says she had two names, but a second was never mentioned in a personal 
correspondence held with the writer, although at her death the Indians, who came to do her 
honor, called her "The Great White Mother." She was finally made chief of a tribe or clan, 
an honor vouchsafed to no other white woman. These formal adoptions were quite cere- 
monious, with songs and addresses, and of great importance to the Indians. Mrs. Converse 
worked actively through her life among and for the New York Indians. See Chapter XI. 



TERMINATION OF NEWTOWN TREATY 187 

extended from Baldwin Street to the upper part of the village. Some 
conferences were held under the so-called Council Tree, on the flat 
east of the court house, near the corner of Conongue and Market 
Streets, on land owned in the late sixties by Hector M. Seward, who 
about 1868 cut down this famous tree. The treaty was concluded, 
according to Maxwell, on the flats where the State Fairs were held, 
on ground belonging to the Amot family. Colonel Hendy, Eleazer 
Lindley, William Jenkins, Matthias Hollenback and other noted 
pioneers were present. This council was a most memorable one ; the 
Indians claimed that they had only rented the land to Phelps and 
Gorham, that they had been deceived, etc. Cornplanter and Red 
Jacket were the most prominent participants, Red Jacket showing 
greater oratorical powers than ever. It seems that "it was a pet 
scheme of General Washington to induce the Indians to become agri- 
culturists, and he instructed Pickering to advance the idea at this 
time, making them liberal offers." Red Jacket, who had always op- 
posed every effort toward civilization, "exhibited his greatest pozvers 
of mind in opposition to this proposition." The effect of Red Jacket's 
effort was the rejection of the proposals by all but the tribe of Corn- 
planter. Five tribes were represented, and Col. Hendy counted 1400 (in- 
cluding squaws) who passed his door when conference ended. All 
difficulties were amicably adjusted by Pickering's shrewdness. The 
chiefs finally not only acknowledged the release from the Six Nations 
given to Phelps and Gorham, but assured Pickering that they were sat- 
isfied with the treaty of Fort Stanwix ; also that the statements made by 
Red Jacket at Tioga Point in November, 1790, were unfounded and 
mischievously intended. A certificate to this effect was signed by 
Pickering July 26, 1791. Thus this treaty terminated in a very satis- 
factory manner. Maxwell says : 

"There is also the examination of Matthias Hollenback, zvho was present 
at the treaty of Fort Stanwix and also at Newtown, taken before Judge Paine 
of Tioga County on 14 July, 1791, showing the fallacy of these complaints — also 
depositions of Lee and Lindley" — and a statement of the allegations made before 
Pickering by Red Jacket at Tioga Point 21 November 1790." 

According to American State Papers, this treaty was important 
because (in spite of Red Jacket's protest) it first suggested primary 
principles of civilization, and doubtless led the United States Senate 
to decide in March, 1792, to expend annually $1500 for clothing, farm 
implements, etc., for the Indians. At this treaty Pickering was induced 
to confirm to the Cayuga Indians the right to lease land in New York 
State for a period of years. This was really a State right, and Pick- 
ering's act was disowned by the Government, though his action was 
justifiable. Some of Cornplanter's speeches in connection with the 

"^ This deposition seems to have been taken anticipating difficulties; or possibly later, to 
prove where treaty was held, as General Washington carelessly reported it to Congress as the 
Painted Post Treaty. In his notes for Schoolcraft, in 1853, Thomas Maxwell stated that he 
then possessed a paper signed by General Knox, Secretary of War, saying that the treaty of 
1791 was held at Newtown, not Painted Post. Mrs. Converse wrote us a few years ago that 
her father had invaluable notes and mss. for which inquiry has recently been made in vain. 
He himself notes a collection of reminiscences concerning Sullivan's Expedition, and notes on 
Indian manners and customs, on which subject he lectured several times. 



188 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

I*helps and Gorham purchase are to be found in "History of the Hol- 
land Purchase," p. 33."); wonderfully interesting, too! 

In 1794 another treaty was held at Canandaigua, also conducted 
by Col. Pickering-, and from that time the Indian difficulties seem to 
be settled, and this ended Pickering's Indian negotiations. There is 
a curious bit of history that here comes in our way, to which a brief 
allusion may be of interest. The British posts at Niagara and Oswego 
were not relinquished until 179G,and Governor Simcoe of Canada seems 
to have made all the trouble he could, threatening the whites and in- 
flaming the Indians. About this time Simcoe was visited by the 
French traveler, Due de la Rochefoucauld Liancourt, who says : 

"He (Gov. Simcoe) discourses with much good sense on all subjects, but 
his favorite topics are his projects and war, which seem to be the objects of his 
leading passions. No hillock catches his eye, without exciting in his mind the 
idea of a fort which might be constructed on the spot, and with the construction 
of this fort, he associates the plan of operations for a campaign, especially of that 
which is to lead him to Philadelphia." 

His aim was supposed to have been to embroil the frontiers of 
western New York in difficulties which would end in war, when he, at 
the head of a British army, would take the high road to Philadelphia 
and fame. The following notice seems right in line with Simcoe's 

schemes : "Maryland Journal, Nov 21, 1794. 

'"Whitestown Nov .'5. 

"A gentleman direct from Canandaiquie informs us that 1600 Indians had 
come in to the treaty on Monday Se'ennight, and that a British Indian agent 
Wm Johnson, and an Indian interpreter from Niagara had found means to col- 
lect 26 chiefs in a bye-place, and were using the most persuasive acts and offer- 
ing large presents to induce the Indians to turn their arms against the United 
States. The meeting broke up in a disorderly manner. The inhabitants were 
greatly exasperated at this insolent conduct, of British agents, and gave out if 
Col Pickering did not cause their arrest, they would inflict upon them the 
Yankee punishment of tar and feathers." The same paper records later "that 
the Genesee treaty has terminated much to the satisfaction of the commissioner 
of the United States." 

This concerned Tioga Point, because it lay on what was called 
the "Great Trail from the Susquehanna to Niagara." As early as 
1787 (and doubtless earlier still) drovers often went through from 
Jersey with cattle for the garrisons at Queenston and Niagara. One 
Silas Hopkins relates that he and his father came through over Sulli- 
van's road as far as Tioga, and thence over Indian trails. A number 
of young men were along to see the country. He says the Indians 
were very friendly, but "levied tribute by selecting a beeve from every 
drove" as they passed through their principal towns. The drovers 
thought best to submit without murmur. Soon it became known that 
many emigrants and drovers with large sums of money were con- 
tinually on the "Great Trail," and robbers were attracted to it. Hop- 
kins says his father was once warned by Col. Hollenback that there 
were a couple watching for him, who eventually were arrested. Occa- 
sionally these drovers found a pioneer needing help to erect the frames 
of house and barn ; they always stopped and helped "raise." At times 
there was such a steady stream of emigrants over the Great Trail 
that an old pioneer says : 



TRADING POSTS AND TRADERS 189 

"I have heard it observed that in winters, one party on leaving their camp, 
would build up large fires for the accommodation of those who followed them, 
and in this reciprocal way, fires were kept burning at all the camp grounds." 

One or more treaties were held at Otseningo or Chenango Point 
abottt this same period (June, 1786 or '87) by the projectors of the 
Boston Purchase. As this was not closely connected with the Tioga 
Point Indians, detail seems unnecessary here. 

Trading Posts and Traders. 

According to "Colonial Records" (see Vol. VIII) the Indians 
early asked to have trading posts established. At the treaty at Easton 
(17(31) a Cayuga chief thus spoke: 

"We are very poorly off, as we have no trade stirring among us, and, as 
we have mentioned to you, the things we buy from General Johnson are very 
dear, we hope that you will have pity on us, and erect a Trading House at Dia- 
lioga that we may be able to buy our goods cheaper. We are in great want of 
all kinds of goods — and hope you will supply us plentifully. We desire you 
would not allow any strong liquors to be sent, as we can fetch that ourselves. — 
We desire that you will send a good and honest man to trade with us." 

Governor Hamilton replied that they had great stores at Pitts- 
burg and Shamokin, and could not set up another "at so great a dis- 
tance as Diahoga.^- 

Unquestionably many of the solitary pioneers came as Indian 
traders, while we do not know positively about all of them. They 
gradually pushed further into the country, as they found it was safe. 
William Miller, who was east of Athens in 1781, was an Indian trader, 
afterward found at Newtown. Amos Draper,^^ one of the pioneers 
of Owego, was another. Jesse McQuigg, an early Owego settler, 
said "The Indians all looked up to Amos Draper as a God." He had 
more influence with them than any other man in the country. In ad- 
justing the Boston Purchase no one could bring the Indians to terms 
except Draper, who came and stayed with them three days. They 
called him Qua-su (Bigiiian). He began trafficking with the Indians so 
early that it seems quite possible he was associated with Anderson and 
Ogden. He was living at Choconut in 1784. "At Painted Post the first 
habitation of civilized man erected in Steuben County was built by Wil- 
liam Harris, an Indian trader — a Pennsylvanian, who not long after the 
close of the Revolutionary War pushed up the Chemung with a cargo 
of Indian goods to open a traffic with the hunting parties of the Six 
Nations. The savages manifested much zeal in promoting the estab- 
lishment of a trading post at the head of the Chemung ; before that 
they had to go to Tioga Point, nearly fifty miles below, to buy their 
powder, liquor, knives, bells, beads and jewsharps." Matthias Hol- 
lenback had stores at Wilkes-Barre, Wysox. Tioga Point and Newtown. 
John Shepard engaged as clerk for Hollenback and Weiss at Nciv- 
toicn in December, 1784, and then concluded to go farther into the 

'- It may have been this appeal which led "the honest Quaker" to establish the post at 
Sheshequin (in 1765) already mentioned. 

1^ .\mos Draper was a son of one of the first settlers at Kingston. He began "traffick- 
ing with the Indians" up and down the river very early, from Nanticoke to Choconut, where 
he was in 1784. He had great influence over the Indians, whom he treated with integrity. 



190 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

country ; and made his first business venture l)y taking 158 pounds of 
goods on packhorses first to Catherine's Town and then to Canoga, 
on Cayuga Lake, whence he sent his man back with furs and skins 
to exchange for more goods at Weiss and Hollenback's. He bought 
and sold guns, flour, brooches and blankets, and made two diflterent 
expeditions to Canoga, nearly opposite Aurora. 

Col. Proctor's Journal. (Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. IV.) 

This journey was made on horseback, with the understanding that 
he was to stop at no difficulties until he gained the settlement of Corn- 
planter on head waters of Alleghany River. 

"March 19th, 1791. 

"Arrived at VVilksburg^^ about eleven o'clock; Had I known that Wilks- 
burg was my route to Cornplanter's I should have went through Bethlehem, 
which would have been fifty miles nearer than the way I went; spent the after- 
noon at our lodgings with Colonel Butler and Captain Grubb. The latter part 
of the evening I accompanied Colonel Pickering, prothonotary of the county and 
late adjutant general of the armies of the United States. 

"March 20th. 

"This day we set forward for Captain Waterman Baldwin's ; arrived there 
in the evening; halted for him part of two days as I had orders to take him with 
me to the residence of the Cornplanter, at which place he was intended to act 
as instructor of the Indian youth, as also a director in the mode and manage- 
ment of agriculture for the use and benefit of the Indians. This gentleman was 
made prisoner by Cornplanter during the late war, and was treated by him with 
remarkable tenderness until legally exchanged.^^ 

"March 22nd. 

"Encamped this evening in the woods thirteen miles from Lahawanock, 
on the water of Buttermilk falls. This cataract has a beautiful appearance from 
the river. It falls upward of eighty feet ; and the place it issues through on the 
top of the mountain is about six in width, and its torrent is so strong that it is 
sufficient to serve many mills at one time. 

"This place I had the opportunity of examining minutely when going on 
the expedition with General Sullivan against the savages in the year 1779, at 
which time I had the command of 214 vessels on the Susquehanna, taking with 
me the provisions and stores of 6,000 men. We then anchored ofif this cataract 
in the afternoon of the 1st August, and I landed and passed to the top of the 
sufficient to serve many mills at one time. 

"March 23rd. 

"The Susquehannah being so extremely high and all the waters leading 
thereto, compelled us to quit the river road and go by that lately cut (though 
not cleared) by John Nicholson, Esq., comptroller general of the State of Penn- 
sylvania. 

"Encamped this evening with some sugar boilers in a hut not finished. The 
promoter of this manufactory, which appeared to be very extensive from the 
number of kettles and apparatus belonging thereto, is the comptroller of the 
State of Pennsylvania ; and the conductor of the works, Mr. John Jones, of 
Northumberland County. They were unfortunate enough two days before to 
lose most of their provisions by the oversetting of a canoe in the main branch 
of the Lahawanock; but, of the provisions we had, we gave to them what we 
could spare, preserving what we thought would take us to Tioga Point, supposed 
86 miles. The taking of this road which is cut about 20 feet in width, the trees 
lying across the same and in every direction, was not a matter of choice but 
necessity. By the taking of this we escaped some deep waters. 

" Wilkes-Barre (from Philadelphia by way of Reading). 

^"Waterman Baldwin was a brother of Thomas; both were soldiers during the Revo- 
lution. He was chosen by the Indians in the presence of Washington as their agent: Corn- 
planter having adopted him when a prisoner to save him from death at the stake. He was 
given a fine horse named Roanoke, with silver mounted saddle by U. S. Government, and 
made many trips between Cornplanter's and Washington (told by the family). 



COL. PROCTOR'S JOURNAL 191 

"March 24th. 

"We arrived at the cabin of Richard McNemara, fed our horses with the 
corn we brought with us. for he had none but about two quarts for his own 
use; they however, provided us with a dish of rye coffee, made fine with the pole 
of an axe on a smooth stone, and maple sugar as bright and as well tasted as the 
best Sd sugar in Philadelphia ; and as they deeme(l it would be charity to us, 
they gave of the juice of the maple, which appeared as clear as the limpid 
stream and pleasant to the taste and deemed very wholesome ; paid for eating 
3s. 9d. We were obliged to encamp early this afternoon under a very heavy 
storm of rain, thunder and lightning, and what is very remarkable, the snow 
was in general fifteen inches deep on the ground. 

"March 25th. 

"We still traveled by the way of Nicholson's road, till we reached the one 
cut by Mr. Ellicott, geographer to the United States, which leads to the great 
bend on the east branch of the Susquehannah, and to describe the same it is 
hardly possible, but to say the least of them, there is none can equal them for 
height of mountains, and swampy valleys. Encamped this night ten miles from 
Tioga Point ; heavy rain as usual, our horses worn down and ourselves more 
than commonly fatigued ; had naught to eat ourselves or for our horses ; and I 
may say with propriety, that until we arrived at Tioga, to save our horses, we 
travelled on foot more than half the way from the town of Reading. 

"March 26th. 

"We arrived at the ferry^" at Tioga Point, crossed to the flats, paid fer- 
riage, 3s. 9d. ; repair of horse shoes, 5s. From thence we proceeded on our way 
to Newtown point, and lodged at the house of Mr. William Wynkoop. At Tioga 
Point I was compelled to purchase a pack horse, as the route we had to take 
from the Painted Post to the Genesee, was not inhabited, which, by computation, 
was 99 miles. Captain Baldwin also purchased another horse, the better to 
enable him to carry on the farming business for the Cornplanter, and for which 
I advanced him 7.5s., to be accounted for by him in his settlement with the Sec- 
retary of War. From hence I also took a guide named Peter, in his own lan- 
guage Cayautha, there being nothing but a blind path to the Genesee river ; so 
that my retinue, at this time, amounted to three white men, one Indian and five 
horses. The horse designed as a pack horse, I received on the order of Colonel 
Hollinback, of Mr. Guy Maxwell, his partner in trade at Tioga, for which I 
drew in favor of them, on my daughter in Philadelphia, il5, for the horse, and 
for a sadle and bridle, value i3 ; took up our quarters this night in company 
with Mr, Jabez Colloor, a disenting minister, at the aforesaid Wynkoop's, with 
whom we spent a most agreeable evening ; and. during our conversation together, 
he enjoined me, in a very becoming manner, should I at any time see the Hon- 
orable Major General Sullivan, late the commander-in-chief against the Indians, 
in the year 1779, to tender to him the grateful thanks of himself and his parish- 
ioners, inhabitants of the district of Tioga, for opening a way into the wilder- 
ness, under the guidance of Providence, to the well doing of hundreds of poor 
families for life. 

"Sunday, March 27th. 

"Dined at Mr. Thomas Baldwin's." and halted for the night, and reviewed 
the ground on which the British and Indians were entrenched for better than a 
mile, against the forces under command of Major General Sullivan. I also saw 
many traces made by our round and grape shot against them, and a large col- 
lections of pieces of 5i inch Shells, which I had the pleasure of formerly causing 
to be exploded amongst them. Expenses at Mr. Baldwin's for present diet, pro- 
visions and forage, 53s. lOd. 

"March 2Sth. 

"Took breakfast at William Dunn's ; for four persons. 6s. ; oats and spirits, 
4s. l^d : also chain halter for a horse, 20s. From thence we proceeded to the 
Painted Post, or Cohocton, in the Indian language ; dined and refreshed our 

18 Moore's Ferry, below the Island. 

"Thomas Baldwin was a Sergeant in Durkee's Company; he was actively concerned 
in rescue of family of Roswell Franklin, and was granted a Colonel's commission for his 
services. He lived at this time near Elmira, where he built one of the first grist mills in the 
region. 



192 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

horses, it being the last house we should meet with ere we should reach the 
Genesee River. Addition of stores for ourselves and horses, 36s. lid.; present 
dining, 14s. .'id; four new horse shoes. &c., 6s. 9d. ; spirits, Is. lOid. Here I was 
joined company by a Mr. George Slocum, who followed us from Wyoming, to 
place himself under our protection and assistance, until we should reach Corn- 
planter's settlement, on the head waters of the Allegheny, to the redeeming of 
his sister from the unpleasing captivity of twelve years, to which end he begged 
our immediate interposition. On leaving the Painted Post, we entered the War- 
rior's path, lying on the north east side of the Tioga river. We had not gone 
above five miles up the same before we fixed our encampment, having completed 
thirty-five miles this day, which was more than we had done any one day, within 
seventeen days, since we left the city ; it having rained or snowed every day 
since, and the worst of roads to encounter with, for, as we passed over hills and 
through valleys, the frosts were just mellowed enough to admit our falling 
through in some places, knee depth to the horses; rained this night as Jtsual. 

"March 30th. 

"I should have premised that the course of the Warrior's path gives a 
traveller a sight of the river Tioga, upwards of sixty miles, and by such a way 
I would never desire to travel again. "March 31st 

"This morning I found myself in a settlement of Indians, called the 
Squawky tribe, but a branch of the Seneca nation ; having no interpreter with 
me, I wrote a letter directed to Captain Allen, or Horatio Jones, and sent it by 
a runner by the way of Connewago, or at such a place where he could meet 
with either of them, requesting that whosoever should receive it should repair 
to Squawky Hill to meet me; and should they meet any Indians chiefs or war- 
riors, to invite them to meet me also, having business of importance from Gen- 
eral Washington, the President of the United States, to lay before their nation. 

"April 1st. 

"About eleven o'clock there were thirty odd Indians collected agreeable to 
my invitation. And shortly afterwards, I convened them into council, and intro- 
duced my message by prefatory sentiments, touching on the candor and justice 
of the United States and of the unexampled conduct of his Excellency the Pres- 
ident, in the late interview he had with Cornplanter and others, who appeared 
as representatives in behalf of the Six Nations ; by restoring unto them all their 
lands, which they feared were held from them by the power of the United 
States, by which act of his goodness, their situations in life were made com- 
fortable, and as lasting as they should demean themselves as faithful friends to 
the United States, and such a becoming deportment, it would entail lasting hap- 
piness to their children's children. This simple introduction being ended, I read 
the message to them from the honorable Secretary of War; having ended the 
same, they signified their full approbation, in their accustomed manner. For the 
particulars of their answer, which was delivered by Captain Little Beard, their 
principal speaker, see a subsequent page. 

"Captain Little Beard in the close of his speech, acquainted me that their 
great warrior. Captain O'Beel. or Gyantawanka in the Indian language, had ar- 
rived at Pittsburg from Philadelphia, and sent out runners from thence to sum- 
mon the chiefs and warriors of the Six Nations at Buffalo,^* where he desired 
that the great council fire might be kindled, and where he should lay before them 
all the business that had been done by him at Philadelphia, and the public papers 
and documents which he had received for the Six Nations from the President 
of the United States, the Secretary of War, and from the Governor of the State 
of Pennsylvania. This information induced me to prepare myself for going to 
Buffalo in the morning instead of continuing my route to O'Beel's town, and 
urged it upon them in a very pressing manner that they would accompany me 
on this deserving errand to Buffalo, as its design was big with advantages to 
every Indian on the continent. Five of them immediately offered to attend 
Captain Houdin and myself and chiefs of the first notoriety in this settlement, 
accordingly appointed a sugar camp eight miles distant the place of meeting in 
the morning, where they must go and acquaint their people of this hasty de- 
parture." 

« Buffalo Creek. 



PROCTOR'S COUNCILS, ENGLISH INTRIGUE 193 

The council mentioned above was held at Buffalo Creek, May 
20 to 39, 1791. Not. however, without much interference on the part 
of the British ; of which Col. Proctor was finally made cognizant by 
friendly squaws, also by Captain Print, an Indian, who had been with 
Sullivan's Expedition. Mr. William Ewing. the young Englishman 
who was making the trouble, was reprimanded publicly before the 
chiefs, and commanded to proceed further at his peril, with threatened 
imprisonment, etc. (See Archives, Vol. IV, p. 599.) Thus a danger was 
averted, and Proctor's mission, so far, proved successful.^''' In the 
final speech at the council the Young King of the Nations said : "Gen- 
eral Washington has kindled a fire at the Painted Post * '-'' * he has 
called all the nations from the Grand river to the Oneidas, and it is 
our desire to attend the same =i^ * * all matters shall then be talked 
over again." 

It will thus be seen that the Indians were in almost continual 
conference with Washington's emissaries from November 14, 1790, 
to June, 1791. Proctor suft'ered every hardship on this expedition, 
and finally succumbed to illness from exposure. Cornplanter, it will 
be seen, had taken another route, and we must conclude Proctor was 
meant to precede him into the Seneca country, and that Washington 
did not know of the proposed Buffalo Creek council. Beauchamp 
says Proctor found Young King and Farmer's Brother sided with 
British, and that he had little success. This journal gives very posi- 
tive evidence of the attempts of the English to prezvnt peace between 
the Indians and the new Republic, most valuable in these times, when 
a constant effort is made to prove that all the actions of the English 
were exaggerated. One is also impressed with the fact that all lovers 
of truthful history should read State Archives. 

Previous to the final council at Buffalo Creek. April 27, 1791, 
Col. Proctor seems to have taken a wandering course in western and 
northwestern Pennsylvania, holding various small councils. His jour- 
nal is intensely interesting, and especially so the feasts prepared for 
him. Sometimes boiled chestnut, parched meal, sweetened, and tea 
made in wondrous fashion ; again, kettles full of boiled corn and bear's 
meat ; again, 

"Young pigeons ; some boiled, some stewed, and the mode of dishing them 
up was, that a hank of six were tied with a deer's sinew around their necks, 
their bills pointing outwards; they were plucked but of pin feathers there plenty 
remained ; the inside was taken out, but it appeared from the soup made of them 
that water had not touched them before. Best repast I had seen for a long time, 
I ate of it very heartily. — Red Jacket acquainted me with the reason no council 
could be held to day (May 6). That it was their pigeon time in which the Great 
Spirit blessed them with abundance. — 'Tis a matter worthy of observation that 
at some convenient distance from every Indian settlement the wild pigeons hatch 
their young at this season — a hundred nests, a pair of pigeons in each are com- 
mon to be found in a single tree, so that I have seen one family have several 
large baskets full of dead squabs ; these they take as fat as possible and after 
they are plucked, and cleansed a little they are preserved by smoke and laid by 
for use." 

(No need of sqtiab farms in those days!) 

1" However he had been instructed to proceed to the Miamis, but the chiefs objected, 
and when they finally yielded to persuasion of squaws, he could obtain no vessel, so abandoned 
the trip. 



194 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

At a small council allusion is made to a treaty or council at Tioga 
Point tzvo years since. L^ndoubtedly then, as Mrs. Perkins intimates, 
a council or treaty was held here previous to the one in November, 
1790, probably when the Indian was murdered by the white man. 
The party witnessed many feasts and dances, and according to Proc- 
tor's accounts some of them seem very much like heathen worship of 
idols ; and it has been claimed the Iroquois never indulged in such 
worship. (See following account.) 

"April 21st. 

"This morning the whole of the town were preparing to have a grand feast, 
to return thanks to the Great Keeper of all men, for their being spared to meet 
once more together ; several of the chiefs called upon us to give us the invita- 
tion to be present, while they should perform devine worship in their way, add- 
ing, that Indians worshipped one Supreme head, the Preserver of all, both 
white and red men. Their speaker advised us also, to be prudent while they 
worshipped, and not to be guilty of laughing or gestures, though the manner of 
it might differ widely from our ov/n mode of worship; he likewise told us. that 
we must bring with us our ear, (the interpreter) to testify that they taught the 
true principles, by moral precept, and that their teachers both men and women, 
admonished their hearers against thieving, lying and speaking lightly of one 
another. 

"The manner of their preparing for worship is, that, in every house they 
provide large quantities of such provisions as they think proper to bring with 
them, and the more varied the better, so that they may have a little of every 
sort, and none of the same returns to that house again ; their method being to 
exchange their victuals on the ground, eating that which was brought by their 
neighbor; thus prepared, they proceed to the statue, which was erected in the 
center of the village, bearing some proportion to a man, and justly painted as the 
Indians are in coming, but having no weapon of war about him, intimating that 
he was the maintainer of peace. This figure is about nine feet in height, and 
stood upon a pedestal of about twelve feet, having on breech clout leggings, and 
a sash over its shoulders, and a very terrible appearance. Under this statue were 
placed two chiefs termed the women's speakers, each of these held in their hands 
the shell of a large tortoise, the belly part covered with a thin skin stretched 
very tight, having, in the inside, several small stones, which shell being struck 
upon a deer skin which is stretched between them, beating time together, accom- 
panying the same with their voices, they made such melody that the whole of 
the assembly were delighted."" The old and the young women dance around in 
a circle, the image in the center, the men following them, using gestures that 
would have made a saint laugh had he forgotten that he was in a place of wor- 
ship ; but the women looked meek and humble, while they moved in concert in 
the dance, sliding their feet sideways, and folding their hands before them in a 
half circle, looking, at the same steadfastly on the ground inclining their heads 
to the left. The last of the worship was performed to what they call a brag 
dance; the young warriors retire to a house adjacent, where are paints, feathers 
and red clay; with the two former they ornament their heads with feathers and 
their faces with paint, and their bodies with reddish clay that give their skins 
all the same cast; some with one-half their faces black and the other red, in 
order to look the more terrible; for in this manner they gO' to war. When all 
matters are thus adjusted and ready to sally from their show-box, their leader 
gives a long yell such as when a scalp is taken ; and on the third being given, it 
is re-echoed by the whole rushing forward at the same time to the place of wor- 
ship, while they dance around the statue, throwing their bodies and heads in 
every curious attitude, and brag, alternately of the cruelties they had exercised 
in war, of prisoners taken and of thefts committed on their enemies, and of many 
exploits never performed." 

-" Such rattles were found in a grave in garden of M. P. Murray at Athens. 



CHAPTER XI 

RESULTS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH 

Indian Village Sites, Burial Places, Potteries and Flint Factories in 
the Tioga Point Region — Accounts of the Investigations of Messrs. 
Wright, Murray, Brcanbrack, Lang and Others. 

Although infrequent Indian village sites and graves had been 
known or observed for two generations ; and the small boy, as ever, 
made his collections of arrow points and potsherds, often hoarded 
until manhood ; it may be said that the treasures of Tioga Point were 
practically undisturbed and unknown until the accidental discoveries 
in the garden of M. P. Murray in 1883, followed by the investigations 
of Harrison Wright in behalf of the Wyoming Historical and Geolog- 
ical Society, in same garden, in 1883. Even with these unusual finds, 
it was not until the organization of the Tioga Point Historical Society, 
in 1895, that the people wakened to the fact that this region was 
archaeologically rich. Little attention has ever been paid by students 
of ethnology to the valley of the Upper Susquehanna, although the 
long aboriginal occupation of Tioga Point by Algonqiiins, as well as 
Iroquois, should make its possibilities self-evident. The writer, being 
awakened to the lack of skilled investigation, made various efforts to 
draw the attention of Prof. W. H. Holmes, W. K. Moorehead and 
others to the locality. Failing in that, and regretful that students 
closer to it have not included Tioga Point in their research, we have 
resolved here to present in a separate chapter the results of the work 
of amateur investigators ; by name, Alurray, Ercanbrack, Ott, Shepard 
and Lang ; trusting that more learned students may help us to decide 
to what race belong the almost gigantic skeletons often found ; also, 
whether any of the Tioga Point pottery shows the touch of an Algon- 
quin hand ; and whether the history of the Andastes may be illuminated 
by a study of the skulls discovered. These things can only be open to 
the students through the medium of classified local museum collections 
or illustrated articles carefully written. It is a matter of the greatest 
regret that any of Tioga Point's treasures have gone to other mu- 
seums, or are hoarded in private collections by selfish or ignorant col- 
lectors; for it is a well known fact that skulls, pottery or indeed all 
Indian relics, "ivhen disconnected from the place ivhere found, are 
more surely lost than if still buried in the earth." At Tioga Point is a 
fireproof museum : in it should be gathered all the archaeological treas- 
ures of local aboriginal origin, and the various collections should be 
either loaned or given with the understanding that all are to be classi- 
fied according to the highest authorities. Then and only then can intel- 
ligent investigations or observations be made. Moreover, the interest 
in this collection should endure. It should be the ambition of every 
inhabitant of the region to make this museum so locally perfect that it 
would become a veritable Mecca to the ethnologists ; marking, one 

19o 



196 OLD TIOGA POINT AXD EARLY ATHENS 

might almost say. the point of contact or dividing line between Algon- 
quin and Iroquois. The children should be taught reverence for the 
collection (and for the red man as well), and should learn to bring to 
it their own treasures of arrow point, potsherd, etc. 

It has seemed wise to introduce also in this chapter, even if already 
noted, the village and burial sites known in this region, as discovered 
by parties aforementioned. General Clark told us long ago that there 
was an almost continuous chain of villages from Tioga Point to the 
head waters of the Cayuga Branch, also up the Susquehanna to L'na- 
dilla. Probably it might better be said from Wyalusing than from 
Tioga. As many as possible are herein mentioned. 

As for the village sites they may readily be determined by the ac- 
companying map. which goes far to explain itself. Many of these sites 
had been located by Messrs. ^lurray and Ercanbrack before Mr. Lang 
began investigations : but as this map includes them all. it was decided 
to use but one. ^Ir. Lang's map was not drawn to a scale, but was pret- 
t}' accurately sketched: and as adjusted by C. D. Park from actual sur- 
veys, will bear critical examination. The most interesting discoveries 
made personally by ^Ir. Lang are the two sites which may possibly be 
accepted as the two other towns of the Carantouannai mentioned by 
Champlain. One is the palisaded town of old Chemung, noted on map. 
While this is in the broader angle made by creek and river, a somewhat 
unusual occurrence, it is on a decided elevation well calculated for de- 
fense. The other is on the high ground in the angle where Cayuta 
Creek empties in the Susquehanna northeast of Sayre. It will be easily 
seen that with the one on Spanish Hill, and the fortification on Fort 
Hill at Elmira, the border line of the Iroquois was well protected. 

The most unusual arrow or spear points found by Mr. Lang were 
one of obsidian on the flats at Xichols called Maughatawanga, one of 
jasper at mouth of Cayuta Creek, and one of white quartz near Spanish 
Hill. The oldest relics were at the mouth of Cayuta, and on the Mac- 
afee farm already mentioned. 

In the Tioga Point Museum one large case is devoted to the Lang 
Collection, two-thirds of whose contents, and many more, have been 
found on these sites. 3.000 in all. 

It may be said that the first recorded discover}- of an extensive 
Indian burial place at Tioga Point was by Sullivan's soldiers, close to 
their camp, mentioned in many journals, and an object of interest and 
amusement to all the troops. Doubtless this was near the camp on the 
Point, although it might have been anywhere in the vicinity of Fort 
Sullivan : and may have been the one in the ^Murray garden. There is 
also a burial site close to the river on the upper part of Point farm, 
which may have been the one. The burial place just south of Queen 
Esther's town, on the high point of land was kno\\-n seventy-five years 
ago, ever}- flood up to present time revealing new treasures, many 
seemingly antedating her occupation. The next find was nearly a hun- 
dred years later in 1877 : not a burial place perhaps but a grave. Some 
excavations were being made on lot now occupied by I. K. Park, when 
human bones were discovered, very much charred with remnants of 




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198 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

burnt wood. Investii^ation proved the bones to belong to a woman, 
and the investigator, Rev. C. C. Tracy, wrote an article snggesting 
death by torture. Great quantities of the river clam shell were found 
at this spot, proving it to be a camp site of long duration. The shells 
were foolishly called wampum, but Mr. Tracy's evidence is to the con- 
trary. It was probably long previous to this date that a strange burial 
place was discovered just across the Chemung on the old Murray farm, 
as the discovery was made by Abner Murray, who died about 1S50. 
He and his son Edward supposed these bodies to have been buried in 
time of battle. Abner taught all his boys (as did his son, Edward) to 
reverence this spot; and digging for mere curiosity was not permitted. 
If the unfriendly plow revealed some of the bones of the braves, all 
the boys were taught to reinter them at once; and no observations were 
made to assist in decision as to who were here buried. Great numbers 
were buried in trenches, which ran east and west, a few rods south of 
Alurray homestead, on the high ground or river terrace. There were 
several of these trenches, and the position of the clay and loam plainly 
indicated that after the first trench was filled, the excavations from the 
next were used. to cover the bodies. These trenches must have been at 
least 100 feet long and were entirely unlike the known ossuaries or 
burial pits. Arrow points were found here in abundance, and a large 
bead, evidently of European manufacture. 

It is a curious fact that, in all the investigations of recent years, 
extending from Sheshequin to Elmira and Owego, while the imple- 
ments found are varied, certain well known forms are almost entirely 
absent ; for instance, banner stones, ceremonial stones, scrapers and 
wampum. Here mentioned because as early as 182o^ it is related that 
there was an old Indian camp (perhaps a hunting camp) at Pine grove 
southwest of town, which was frequented by the children of the neigh- 
borhood on account of the great quantities of wampum and colored 
beads, oi which the girls often made necklaces ; many flints also were 
found here. 

Occasional skeletons, supposed to be Indians, were found in the 
lower part of present town, as in Chester Park's garden, and just in 
front of George A. Perkins' gate. There is no proof that these were 
not buried in Fort Sullivan, and possibly they were white men. 

In the autumn of 1882 an accidental discovery was the beginning 
of the most interesting investigations. While in the original village 
plot of Athens, the lot now owned by Millard P. Murray, icas flic only 
one on zvhich a house had never been built. No one seems to know 
why. In 1882 some workmen were digging a ditch from location of 
present house to river, when they came upon three Indian graves, con- 
taining two skeletons of men and one of a woman. In one of these 
graves was the pot whose fragments are shown at top of Plate I ; also 
the one at left in next row, and three others ; the shell gorget at top 
and a common clam shell cut to a sharp point ; also twO' good celts 
and a discoidal stone (No. 5, in Plate VIII). The lot had long been 
an orchard and these and all later pots were perforated with thread- 

1 Told by Mrs. Matilda Watkins when eighty years old, 1896. 



THE MURRAY POTTERY 



199 



like apple roots, and the pottery very frail. No careful hand being 
there, the pottery was broken in removal. But, fortunately, the pieces 
are of sufficient size to show decorations. If intact this pot would 
stand about eight inches in height, with probable circumference of 
twent\- inches. The frieze is two inches high, and the upper edge fin- 




Plate I 

ished in four well defined curves. On opposite sides are the two 
masks or faces, distinctly those of male and female, representative of 
the Indian type. It has been truly said, "They show more of artistic 
development than has generally been attributed to the Indians of the 
Eastern States." The frieze is further decorated with diagonal lines 



200 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

forming triangles, with parallel lines at top and bottom ; below the 
frieze is a row from face to face of finger nail or fish bone indentations. 
In the inset below are parallel lines running all around, then a row of 
small triangles, and finally lines, triangles and arrow point or fish bone 
indentations covering the l30wl completely. This bowl, though larger, 
is similar in decoration to one found later, now in museum of Wyoming 
Historical and Geological Society, and no others have ever been found 
so profusely decorated. Some of the dotted work has been compared 
to that on the Irish pot of the Bronze Age, found in Donnelly's "At- 
lantis," page 142. The gorget is made from a marine shell and was 
probably suspended by a cord around the neck. 

The celts were respectively of chert, green stone, serpentine and 
chloritic schist, in varying degrees of make and polish. These three 
skeletons were so close together they seemed to have been buried in 
one grave, in a sitting posture, facing east. Detail is insufficient as 
there was no one present but workmen. A number of drift stones of 
large size were in these graves, and a large flat stone, worn in centre, 
probably used for dressing hides, cleaning shad or kneading cakes. 
While much interest was awakened by this find, it was not supposed 
there were more graves near. Therefore, the request of the late Har- 
rison Wright that he might examine and possess possible finds was 
carelessly granted; thus losing to the locality, as will be seen, objects 
of great interest. In April, 1883, Mr. Wright and company began in- 
vestigations by measuring in every direction distances of twelve feet, 
this being the usual distance observed in Indian burials. At this time 
the size and shape of this plot were not known, and the garden was 
pretty thoroughly examined at every twelve-foot interval. The result 
was very surprising. Thirteen graves were found with relics of un- 
usual interest. 

Twenty minutes after arrival, twelve feet from original grave, 
another was found, doubtless of a medicine man or celebrated dancer; 
for at each temple was found a turtle shell with perforated holes for 
suspension around the neck, plastrons also perforated, and each shell 
containing four very small pebbles (see Plate II). While these 
may have been totems of the Turtle clan, the natural inference would 
be that they had been used for rattles. In the earth near this grave, as 
was observed later at another, was a large quantity of red ochre, a 
broken bone comb, a broken gorget, and some shell beads which dis- 
integrated. A full account of this extensive find, written by Harrison 
Wright, is to be found in Vol. II, Part I, Proceedings Wyoming His- 
torical and Geological Society. Gushing tells of the dance rattles sim- 
ilarly made of turtle shells. Some of these bodies were buried (as later 
ones were found) sitting, and some at length. The general position was 
with knees drawn to breast, right arm bent, gnd burial pot on right 
hand near breast. (The smaller skull shows plainly death by toma- 
hawk; the skull having a cleft.) This skeleton was buried lying, with 
head on a pillow of twigs bound tightly together. Many of these graves 
were lined with bark, and sometimes with large drift or cobble stones. 
In some instances one burial was over another, and in three instances 




Plate II 



DISCOVERIES OF HARRISON WRIGHT 



201 



in this plot two were buried side by side, one being in every case a 
woman. 

One pot, of small size, plain and with elliptical rim, Mr. 
Wright thought a drinking cup. The smallest one has a face in each 
side of frieze of very different character from those of original find, 
being surmounted by a head-dress curiously like those of Egyptian 
soldiers (see back cover). This, 
also, Mr. Wright thought a 
drinking cup. The only bit of 
metal in these graves was the 
serpentine bronze bracelet, a 
most unusual relic, here shown 
with the bone comb ( Plate 
Ila). (All of the articles found 
were presented to the museum 
of the Wyoming Historical and 
Geological Society, and many 
are reproduced in their publica- 
tions. The turtle shell rattles, 
bracelet and comb are here re- 
produced for the first time by 
the courtesv of the societv. ) 

This led Mr. Weight to 
infer that they were at least 
300 years old. He also observed 
that the burials evidently ex- 
tended over a very long period, 
as evinced in the grade of im- 
plements found, from the Neo- 
litic to the Stone Age. Of all 
the skeletons examined by Mr. 
Wright, only the turtle man 
was above medium height. 
Charcoal was found on all 
these graves, indeed it has 
come to be the hall mark of the 
Indian grave. All the personal 
belongings were often burned 
on the grave, or sometimes, ac- 
cording to Schoolcraft's Abo- 
riginal Archives, a fire was 
lighted for four nights after 
burial on the grave, to shed 
light on the path to the happy 
hunting grounds. 

It was greatly regretted that so much was found and removed 
from Tioga Point. But it was very soon discovered, in the process of 
garden making, that Mr. Wright had located the graves too far apart ; 
and as many more have since been found, twenty-nine in all. After a 




Pl.ATE I la 



203 OLD TIOGA FOIXT AND EARLY ATHENS 

number of others had come to hght, investigation showed that this was 
a defined plot, about twenty feet from edge of river bank, and about 
eighty feet in length, and twenty to thirty feet wide. In the corner, 
twenty feet from north line of the lot was found, under ground, a pillar 
of eight large drift stones, and with them a flat stone on which is 
roughly cut the exact proportions of the little plot. This stone is in 
Tioga Point ^Museum. \lrs. Harriet Maxwell .Converse thus explains 
the plot-: "Tt was customary to bury the dead in clans rather than 
families. It was the rule that a circle should be made in the burial 
places for the clan chief." This was borne out by finding exactly in 
centre of plot a large circle of drift stones, with a marker at east and 
west side. No other totem having been found it seems possible that 
the turtles may have been buried as a mark of the clan, for totems 
were the heraldry of the tribes. Although the turtle totem was usually 
carved in stone, like No. 5, Plate VII, which was found at Athens or 
Sheshequin, and has the feet well carved on under side. 

As to the age of this burial plot ^Ir. Wright noted that aside 
from the absence of iron implements, the bones were fast cemented 
in the clay or loam, indicating a very long period of interment. Ac- 
cording to Mrs. Converse they were buried in the true Iroquois fash- 
ion ; yet the Andastes or Carantouans were of Iroquois stock. The 
mystic number "7" appears so often in the markings on first pot, and 
on ]\Ir. Wright's Tioga No. 5. that he thought it offered a chance for 
speculation, the number seeming to be intentionally used.^ It has been 
a matter of great regret that Mr. Wright did not live to pursue inves- 
tigations at Tioga Point. There were some old stumps of apple trees 
on the river bank at edge of plot, supposed to have been- of Indian 
planting. In having them removed it was discovered that under each 
was a grave or Indian repository of pottery. Again the finds suffered 
from ignorant workmen, who destroyed most of the contents without 
informing the owner. Lender one stump, very near original grave, 
was found no skeleton, but a group of eight pots (fragments of three 
shown in centre of Plate I) which had been arranged with care two 
or three feet below the surface. At the bottom was spread clay, or 
cement, as the workman said, on which stood the eight pots carefully 
imbedded in sand ; every one broken in careless removal.* One of these 
pots was filled with a shining black dust, similar to plumbago. Seven 
of the graves were in a circle around this group ; and around two others 
of the stumps were seven graves in a circle, including some found by 
the Wright party. At the second stump the writer was called by the 
workman, and it was her pleasure to bring to light the tiny pot shown 
at lower right hand of Plate I, which was perforated all over the sur- 
face by the thread-like apple roots. But one bone was in this grave, 
the jaw of a child of about seven years, as shown by a molar not yet 
through the gum. This pot is less than three inches high. Red ochre 

- Personal letter to author. It will be remembered that Mrs. Converse was the daughter 
of Thomas Maxwell, and adopted into the Seneca tribe. 

^ See page 67, \'ol. II, Part I, Proceedings, etc., Wyoming Historical and Geological 
Society. 

■* On this occasion a second party from Wilkes-Barre had made excavations in adjoining 
lots with absolutely no results, and were being taken to the train by Mr. Murray. 



DISINTERMENT OF CLAN CHIEF 



203 



in large quantities was found in these graves (see Figure 7, Plate 
VIII), and near one was the paint cup and mixer shown as No. G, 
Plate VIII. Also a very fine small pestle and mortar not reproduced. 
The owner, like his forbears, long refused to examine the grave in 
the centre of the plot, but at last consented to celebrate the formal open- 
ing of the Historical Museum, and June 27, 1895, the work was be- 
gun. The circle of stones proved to be over a sepulchre about three by 
five feet, with an upright stone at each corner, apparently as a marker, 
for, of course, this must have been well above the surface originally. 
The work continued that day until a heavy rain interposed. Being re- 




sumed the 2<Sth, the huge drift stones continued to be luuiul lo a depth 
of four feet. The writer, hoping to save the pottery, assisted Messrs. 
Murray and Ercanbrack in excavation. Finally. two large flat stones, full 
of Devonian fossils, proved to be the covering to a skeleton of a man six 
feet or more in height. While lying on back, with head to the south- 
east, with hands crossed on breast ; the crushed front of skull and the 
unusual position of legs, right foot under thigh, and left leg fallen 
across right, seemed to indicate that he might have been buried in a 
sitting posture, and overturned by settling of stones of the sepulchre, 
which had evidently crushed the large pot (see centre bottom figure, 
Plate I), fully eighteen inches in diameter, at left side of head.-^ A' 

•^ This position (or on right hand) was usual with pottery in all the graves. It is re- 
grettable that an enthusiast displaced finger bones before photographed, and that the position 
of celts was changed. 



204 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

perfect flavin"- knife, very small arrow point, and a tomahawk were 
at right si(ie ; the wooden handle of tomahawk plainly discernihle. Also 
bits of mica and wampum. When fully uncovered, the grave and its 
contents were instantly photographed by an amateur, Mrs. D. J. Mac- 
afee, from which reproduction was made. It was at once suggested 
that it should be removed to the museum, and with great ingenuity, 
after digging a trench around skeleton, sheets of zinc were carefully 
pushed under it, a frame nailed around,, and the whole removed to 
the museum, where it still remains. Though, unfortunately, not having 
been hermetically sealed, it is not well preserved. 

From the unusual care taken in interment, this is supposed to 
have been a man great among his people, and at his disinterment he 
surely lay in state, being visited by more than 1,000 people l>efore re- 
moval to museum. Who was he? What his race, and why this 
careful burial ? There's a pretty tradition which tells that the Indians 
of this region buried close to the river because the soul was more 
quickly carried to the happy hunting ground ; and this plot is at the 
narrowest point between two rivers. 

Several skeletons here found were of unusual size ; one, judged 
from the length of thigh bone, to be seven feet. Mrs. Converse, taught 
by the Indians to decipher their hieroglyphics, thought to visit Athens 
and read the markings on this pottery, but she never came. Investi- 
gation on our part has proven nothing. While this plot is the only one 
with exact boundaries known, from that time, Tioga Point continued to 
reveal, by accident, new places of sepulture, which seem to indicate that 
the narrow neck of land is closely filled with graves ; beside many other 
scattered burial sites. Laying water pipes led to the discovery of con- 
tinued interments from old Academy to Murray lot, in Main Street. 
Of course, these have all been accidental discoveries by hurried and 
ignorant workmen. As a rule, when examined, the skeletons were of 
great size, notably one found near north gate of Maurice property, 
which should have been preserved ; it was thus described by Prof. 
Holbrooke : 

"Judging from the thigh bone he must have been seven feet tall. The skull 
was much larger than usual, very thick, the forehead unusually receding, the top 
flattened. The jaws were extremely strong, full of large, perfect teeth. Alto- 
gether the remains seemed to be those of a brutal and very powerful giant. With 
him were found a few small flints and a rude flint axe head." (1901.) 

This skeleton was four feet underground. Two or three years 
later, while laying water pipes, a continuous row of graves was found 
from Main Street to stable on south line of same property. Here the 
pottery (shown in Plate IV) was colored on the outside and light on 
the inside, showing manufacture from brick clay. The site of the 
Museum-Library proved another fruitful source of interest. In exca- 
vating for cellar (1897) it was discovered there had been two periods 
of interment, the lowest graves being about eight feet below surface, 
'the upper ones two to four feet. Under one of the prehistoric graves 
was a bed of ashes with crushed fragments of many pots, containing 
shells, flints and small bones. The arrow points in the lower graves 



TIOGA POINT POTTERY 



205 





Plate IV 



Plate III 

were of the rudest shapes. 
Some skulls and various 
implements from these 
graves are in Tioga Point 
Museum, and Plate V 
shows the pottery, of a 
very dififerent character 
from any found except on 
Queen Esther's flats, from 
which comes the very large 
one show^n in Plate III. 

In 1898, while grading 
around building, Messrs. 
Murray and Ercanbrack 
found many graves ; exca- 
vating with care, all the 
pottery was found in frag- 
ments, evidently broken be- 
fore burial, according to a 
frequent Indian custom. 
Continued investigation 
brought to light a circle 
twenty feet in diameter, of 




Plate V 



206 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

large sandstones, and fifty feet south a second similar one. In the 
centre of both were masses of ashes, potsherds and deer's skull and 
antlers, and every indication of fires for a long continued period. Yet 
here, no doubt, was the camping ground of both whites and Indians 
during war times. Indeed, two white men's graves were found in this 
plot. A number of Indian graves were also found across the street 
when the foundations were laid for Soldiers' Monument, but no obser- 
vations made. 

Three graves with stone markers were found when laying water 
pil^es in front of Mrs. Noble's residence, and several broken pots. The 
last ones of interest were found iti Main Street, at northeast corner 
Murray lot, in laying gas pipes. These graves were very close together, 
and full of pottery much like that usually found. (There seems to be 
no graves in- this lot except those on river bank.) The only notable 
piece in almost perfect condition is at lower left hand comer of Plate I. 
Whether pipe or double mouthed pot is not easily decided. 

As to pipes found in this locality, the most notable are shown in 
Plate VI. No. 1, found on Round Top, is of steatite highly polished, 
sometimes called a moose whistle. No. 2 is of earthenware from old 
Te-a-o-ga. No. 3, a fine earthenware specimen and totem of Wolf 
clan as well, was found on site of Queen Esther's Town. No. 4, earth- 
enware from Teed collection, has a bird or beast on bowl. No. 5 is of 
red pipe clay, found on the Point. No. 6, a remarkably fine steatite 
tube, is from New Sheshequin flats. We regret inability to reprotluce 
others of great interest from this locality, hoarded in private collections. 

Plate No. VII shows ceremonial stones and beads found on the 
Point, and totem already mentioned; 1, 2 and 3 are peculiar objects 
from the Indian burial place near Towanda "Garden of Roses" ; 1 and 
3 are of stone, and seem broken from some larger objects. No. 2 was 
found in an Indian grave, but is, of course, of white man's make, in- 
geniously carved from a deer's horn, and evidently used as a powder 
filler. Plate VIII shows 1 and 3, large, well-made net sinkers or canoe 
anchors, found in river ; 2, an unusually large stone axe from LHster ; 
4, largest and most perfect pestle from Murray plot ; 5, 6 and 7, already 
noted; S, a well-made paint cup from river bank; 9, a stone implement, 
use unknown, but showing much work. There are numerous other 
curious objects of use in Tioga Point Museum from surrounding 
region. 

Many unusual pipes or calumets have been found on New Sheshe- 
quin flats, several of red pipe stone, now lost to sight, which should be 
in our museum. An Indian burial ground at old Sheshequin (now near 
Van Dike's, Ulster), revealed enormous skeletons; and as long ago as 
1843 two of unusual size were found at Burlington, buried with care 
in a stone sepulchre. May they not have been Sasquesahannocks ? 

Large, white spear heads, with red or blue veins, have been found 
near Ulster, and some curious stone pot lids. Several village sites 
along the west bank of Susquehanna, below Sayre, are not noted on 
map ; also one on east bank of Chemung near present Tyler farm. Just 
below Susquehanna bridge, in the river and edge of bank, the boys 



PESTLES, PIPES AND POTTERIES 



207 




Pirate VIII 

have found another burial ground, some pots, etc., being found in rifts 
and thoughtlessly destroyed. 

A very important Indian burial place or ossuary was at Owego, 
along the creek, probably Nanticoke. Bodies were brought here for 
interment from both up and down the river until 1800. This was near 
Jonathan Piatt's residence. "Owege" was an Indian town of consid- 
erable importance. We believe the best local collection there has been 
made by Mr. Kingman. 

Potteries at Tioga Point 

W'hile it has been said pottery was not manufactured further down 
the river for lack of clay, that is not true of Tioga Point, where clay 
beds abound, as well as evidences of their use. The Indians made use 
of the "blue clay" found in abundance at the foot of Round Top, on the 
Chemung, and just below Mile Hill, on the Susquehanna ; and on the 
Hayden property, southwest from Sayre. There was a finer clay, of 
which the squaws were evidently more fond. In 1897 G. T. Ercanbrack 
and M. P. Murray, while examining supposed site of old Te-a-o-ga on 
the Point, made some interesting discoveries, locating, no doubt, the 
most extensive pottery in this region, about 50 rods southeast of stone 
house on bank of Susquehanna River.'^ In the edge of the river, and 
indeed one might say in the river bed, from shore to shore, is a thick 
bed of clay, far lighter than the common blue of the region, in fact, 
almost white. The soft shales, sandstones and small masses of mica in 
this locality easily furnished the industrious squaws with all needed 
materials. It is unnecessary to attempt detailed description of mode 
of manufacture, now accessible to all in various ethnological publica- 

" In this locality were also found more broken or unfinished implements of stone than 
at any other site; plainly indicating a manufacturing place of celts, etc., as well as pottery. 



208 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

tions of Smithsonian Institntion. bnt a few details may be of interest 
to the uninitiated. After selecting' her clay, the female potter ( for it 
was always the squaw) tempered it to secure durability by mixing with 
it powdered soapstone, mica, powdered quartz and shells, or sharp 
sand, all of which, as has been shown, were deposited by the moraines 
ready for her hand at Tioga Point. Mr. Wren, of Wyoming Historical 
and Geological Society, gives some account of next method of pro- 
cedure in "Susquehanna River Indian Pottery," although he did not 
include Tioga Point in his investigations. 

( )f course, the clay mixture was wet, and then the modelling be- 
gan in various fashions, easily indicated by soiiie existing pottery. 
Quite likely many of the finer pots, evidently only for burial, may have 
been shaped over a round mass of baked clay not unlike a door knob. 
But even with this the potter had a skillful hand to evolve some grace- 
ful shapes here found. Others were made by coiling a narrow strip 
or rope of wet clay from centre of bottom up, and some were built in 
sheets or layers, dried for two or three days, and then perhaps covered 
with thin coating of a different sort of clay. Much pottery found here 
is brown inside and red outside, and was at first supposed to have been 
colored with ochre. But it is easy to see that in these, for the outer 
covering, the brick clay was used, which turned red in burning. 

More of this style is found on Queen Esther's Flats than on the 
Point, and probably it was manufactured near the clay bed on present 
Thurston farm. Possibly the pots were partially dried before deco- 
rated, and here was displayed the artistic talent of the maker. The 
most beautiful specimens were found in the Murray burial ground, 
and were perhaps all made by the same person. A traveled scholar 
on first seeing the Alurray pot with the faces, exclaimed involuntarily 
"that was fashioned by the Michael Angelo of the tribe." Imagine the 
shaped pot held on the squaw's left hand, or on the so-called door knob 
implement, while her fingers rapidly ply the decorations, her only tools 
her finger nails, a stout fish bone, a small flint, and a fine cord of her 
own manufacture from: some sinew of wild animal, or perhaps a cord- 
wrapped paddle. Squatted on the ground, with an admiring group 
around, she shaped the speaking faces, outlined the amazing groups of 
triangles, often all in sez'cns; made the circles of dots, and bore it tri- 
umphantly to the oven. Was she Algonquin or Iroqiiois? At any rate, 
we have seen her kiln. It was built against the bank for her conven- 
ience. There were four shelves rising in tiers about two feet wide and 
four feet long, formed of round sandstones laid close like a cobble 
stone pavement, walled up at end of shelves. It cannot be told how 
she closed her filled kiln, which easily held at one time a hundred pots, 
great and small. The sandstones w'ere burned red and cracked with 
many fires, and scattered over the shelves and around the kiln were 
innumerable potsherds, showing there were faults in firing. We 
counted twenty-two distinct forms of decoration. Between this oven 
and the clay bed were two circles about three and one-half feet in 
diameter, made of the sandstones, with depression in centre, showing 
evidence of long continued and hdt fire, either for cooking or firing 



INDIAN WORKSHOPS 209 

pottery. This interesting workshop should have been photographed 
or sketched, but soon after its discovery it was somewhat obliterated 
by severe floods. It was located close to the river clay beds near old 
Te-a-o-ga. 

The greatest stone workshops of the valley were evidently in She- 
shequin \'alley. xA.t the head of the narrows on flats of Macafee farm ; 
and also on old Kingsbery farm (now O. D. Kinney's) just where 
flats begni to rise have been found masses of flint flakes, at the latter 
site, covering a space about four rods square ; here also were innumer- 
able broken celts, pestles, etc., showing clearly that both arrow points 
and various stone implements were here made in quantities. Quan- 
tities of flint chippings were also found at the village site north of 
east end of Sayre Bridge by Messrs. Murray and Ercanbrack. It is 
evident better materials were found east of the rivers. Both of these 
were near easily discerned village sites. 

The somewhat rare soapstone vessels, with quaint lugs and holes 
by which they were doubtless suspended, have been found at old 
Diahoga and on Cayuta Creek. Of course, they were used for cooking 
purposes. 

When Weiser came the squaws had great iron pots for their corn, 
obtained from the w^hites. What did they use at an earlier date ? 

Distinct remains of long-used fireplaces were discovered on bank 
northwest of Museum-Library, and southeast of the boulder in Perkins' 
lot. But here were many deer bones and others, indicating camp sites 
rather than potteries. 

As to the pottery found in this region it is varied in size, color, 
material used, and decorations. The coarsest in material and make 
has been found on Queen Esther's Flats. There it has all been washed 
out of the bank, always broken. The fine specimen already shown in 
Plate III must have been of great size. Unfortunately, the break in 
frieze loses the graceful curve of the neck ; this pot is light brown, of 
great thickness, and is decorated on the top edge and inside of rim. 
It is possible, if not probable, that this and other pottery found 
on the flats is of Algonquin manufacture. 

What has been here recorded is in no sense authoritative, but is 
given with the hope that it may help to unravel some of the mysteries 
of aboriginal life at Tioga Point. 

Unquestionably much more might be learned from the private col- 
lections of P. L. Lang, I. P. Shepard and Dr. C. H. Ott. 

Description of Plates. 

I. Pottery and gorget from Murray garden, in Tioga Point Museum. 
II. Turtle rattle from Murray garden, now in Museum at Wilkes-Barre. 
Ila. Bracelet and comb from Murray garden, now in Museum at Wilkes-Barre. 

III. Pottery from Queen Esther's Flats, one-fourth natural size. 

IV. Pottery from Maurice lawn. 

V. Pottery from Museum-Library site. 

VI. Pipes and tubes in Tioga Point Museum. 

VII. Tioga Point totems and gorgets. 

VIII. Indian implements in Tioga Point Museum. 



CHAPTER XII 

VISITORS TO OLD TIOGA POINT 

Early Travelers Jlirougli ihe J\illey — Their Impressions and 
Obseri'atioiis 

Before beginnin^^ in detail the story of the actual settlement of 
Tioga Point, this seems a fitting place to record the impressions and 
reports of this region as given by various early travelers ; though their 
visits do not all antedate the settlement. 

It has been asserted and possibly proven that the Jesuit mission- 
aries never saw the Suscjuehanna. Of that zve are not fully conznneed, 
owing to the finding of crucifixes, etc., though there is no corroborative 
evidence either way. 

We have already told of the visit of Brule, and of Kleynties the 
Dutchman, and his comrades ; although as there are no definite records 
left by themi as to Tioga Point, we will begin, as have others, with the 
visits of Conrad Weiser.^ But let it no longer be said that his first 
visit was in 1737 ; for his own journal records that he then referred to 
a previous visit twelve years earlier, doubtless when he had followed 
his Palatine friends down the Susquehanna (see Chapter III), or on a 
previous journey back to New York State. Some writers say that his 
journal of 1737 mentions having visited the Susquehanna River towns 
in 172G, but we have not seen such a copy. (Application to Rev. S. H. 
Cobb, author of "The Story of the Palatines," and to some other high 
authorities, has thrown no further light on this subject, although it 
would seem that diaries of the Palatine emigrants would have men- 
tioned the principal Indian towns along their route.) 

The best account of the journey of 1737 is Weiser's own narra- 
tive, translated by H. H. Muhlenberg, and published in 1853 in Vol. I 

1 Conrad Weiser, whose name is on the honor roll of Pennsylvania, was born at Her- 
renberg, in the Palatinate of the Rhine, in 1696, and came with the Palatine emigrants to 
New Vork State when about twelve years old. Some years after their arrival at Schoharie, 
a Mohawk chief, Quagnant, took a great fancy to Conrad, and asked permission to take him 
home for several months; during which time Weiser became familiar with the Indian language 
and customs, and was soon in demand as an interpreter. The Indians named him "Taracha- 
wagon." When there was dissatisfaction among the Palatines, Governor Keith of Pennsyl- 
vania, while in attendance at an Indian council at Albany, "hearing of the unrest of the 
Germans, lost no time in informing them of the freedom and justice accorded to their coun- 
trymen in Pennsylvania," and invited them to come into his province. (See Cobb's Story of 
the Palatines.) An additional account is as follows: "Conrad Weiser first saw Diahoga be- 
fore 17.30; for we read that about 1723 there was such dissatisfaction among the German set- 
tlers in Schoharie, New York, that there was a general migration to Conestoga. Pennsyl- 
vania. The route chosen was the Charlotte and Susquehanna Rivers. Thirty families are 
said to have gone down in the Summer of 1723, fifty others in 1725, and still another com- 
pany in 1729. At the mouth of the Charlotte they built canoes with which to make the jour- 
ney, felling trees for the purpose. Twenty-five years later Sir William Johnson asked to 
have a patent begin 'where the Germans made their canoes to go to Conestoga.' " The horses 
and cattle were driven along the Indian trail. What must have been the astonishment of 
the Diahoga Indians to have seen these fleets of canoes filled with white men on a peaceful 
journey 1 

After this settlement, which was in the region of the Tiilpehocken and Swafara, Con- 
rad Weiser acquired position and influence. On account of his knowledge of Indian char- 
acter, language, etc., the authorities relied greatly on his judgment; he soon became an effi- 
cient leader in Indian affairs, and eventually in 1732 the official interpreter at all councils 
and treaties for over fifty years. The Indians said of him, "he is a good and true man, and 
has spoken their words and our words, anil not Iiis own." 

There are two excellent biographies of Weiser, which are rich in interest. The earlier 
one says, "Conrad Weiser had a call to a mission, and this Indian experience (among the 
Maquas or Mohawks) was the college in which his qualifications were developed." 

210 



CONRAD WEISER'S JOURNAL 211 

of Collections of Historical Society of Pennsylvania. This journey 
was to "Onondaga," 500 miles through the wilderness, and was com- 
menced February 27th. The record, as copied, begins between present 
Muncy and the Loyalsock Creek : 

"To-day we passed a place where the Indians in former times had a strong 
fortification on a height ;" it was surrounded by a deep ditch, the earth was 
thrown up in the shape of a wall, about nine or ten feet high, and as many broad. 
But it is now in decay, and from appearance,^ it had been deserted beyond the 
memory of man. * * Crossed a high mountain (Ulster). * * We passed 
safeh^ and toward evening we were also ferried over the great branch of the 
Susquehanna River. All the streams were very high, for the snows had been 
uncommonly deep this winter. This water is called Dia-agon, and comes from 
the region of the Sinickers and Gaiukers. There are many Indians living here, 
partly Gaiukers (Cayugas), partly Mahekanders. March 29, 1737, very hungry" 
(as his journey had been so prolonged that provisions had failed). 

He gives an amusing description of the preparation of food by 
the dirty cook, whose skin 

"Was not unlike the bark of a tree, from the dirt which had not been 
washed off for a long time, and was quite dried in and cracked, and her finger 
nails were like eagle's claws. When the soup was thus prepared, and after I 
had eaten a little and satisfied the worse cravings of hunger, I quietly left, and 
went into another hut ; gave the old gray-headed mother 24 needles and 6 shoe- 
strings, and begged her to give me some bread made of Indian corn, if it were 
only as much as I could eat at one meal. She gave me five small loaves of about 
a pound weight." 

Weiser further records that he was so nearly starved when he 
reached Owego that the Indians fed him with only a little each time. 
Finally, they had to subsist on Indian-made maple sugar, which made 
them all sick. In this narrative Weiser calls Towanda "Da-wan-ta-a." 

In a letter to a friend in 1740 Weiser thus tells of this journey* : 

"In the year 1737 I was sent the first time to Onondaga at the desire of the 
governor of Virginia.^ * * j departed in the latter end of February very un- 
expectedly for a journey of 500 English miles through a wilderness where there 
was neither road nor path, and at such a time of the year when animals could 
not meet with food. There were with me a Dutchman and three Indians. On 
the 9th of April I found myself extremely weak, through the fatigues of so 
long a journey with cold and hunger which I had suffered. There had fallen a 
fresh snow about twenty inches deep, and we being yet three days journey from 
Onondaga in a frightful wilderness, my spirit failed, my body trembled and 
shook, and I thought I should fall down and die. I stepped aside, and sat down 
under a tree, expecting there to die. My companions soon missed me. The 
Indians came back and found me there. They remained a while silent ; at last 
the old Indian (Shikellimy. an Oneida sachem) said, 'My dear companion, thou 
hast hitherto encouraged us; wilt thou now quite give up? Remember that evil 
days are better than good days, for when we suffer much we do not sin ; sin will 
be driven out of us by suffering, and God can not extend his mercy to the 
former; but contrary-wise, when it goeth evil with us, God has compassion on 
us.' His words made me ashamed, I rose up and travelled as well as I could." 

These words of Shikellimy (who was a ^Moravian convert) moved 
several young Moravian brethren to consecrate themselves to the work 

- Possibly an Andastes town, at any rate prehistoric. ' 

''Muhlenberg says: "This appears to be the same nature to those found in Western 
States." 

* See Memorials Moravian Church. 

° His mission was to effect, if possible, peace between the Iroquois and Cherokees, as 
Virginia was much harassed by war parties of both nations. 



212 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

of missions among the North American Indians. Another account of 
same incident was given hy Weiser to Count Zinzendorf in same vol- 
ume as above, pp. 88 and 89 (see Note 4). 

His hardships were perhaps partially told by Canassatego, an 
Onondaga chieftain, who addressed the Council at Philadelphia in 1742 
in Weiser's behalf as follows : 

"He has had a great deal of trouble with us, he wore out his shoes in our 
messages, and dirtied his clothes by living among us, so that he is as nasty as 
an Indian. In return we recommend him to your generosity, and in our own 
behalf we give him five skins to buy him clothes and shoes with." 

In April, 1743, he was again sent by the State to Onondaga, of 
which journey he says: 

"It was enough to kill a man, to come such a long and bad road, over 
hills, rocks, old trees, rivers ; to fight through a cloud of vermin and all kinds 
of poisonous worms and creeping things, besides being loaded with a disagree- 
able message. * * The tawny people laughed at me for this, and feasted us 
on hominy, venison, dried eels, squashes and Indian corn-bread." " 

On this journey, made on horseback, he was accompanied by the 
celebrated English botanist, John Bartram, and Lewis Evans, known 
as the maker of the "Map of the Middle British Colonies," already 
mentioned. 

For this visit to Tioga Point there are extracts from Bartram's 
"Observations on the Inhabitants, Climate, Soil, Productions, Etc., in 
Travels from Pennsylvania to Canada," published in London 1751. 
The route taken by the party was the usual Shcshequin or Ulster Path, 
called by the Moravians the "Narrow Way." 

Bartram says : 

"Reached the Cayuga branch (Chemung) near 100 yards wide, which we 
crossed, then rode near a mile to the town-house bearing north ; this town is 
called Tohicon and lies in a rich neck between the branch and main river. The 
Indians welcomed us, &c. * * * Here I observed for the first time in this 
journey that the worms had eat off the blade of their maize and long grass, and 
I saw some of the naked dark-colored grub^ half an inch long." 

These worms had been destructive throughout the Province. Bar- 
tram observed that the morning was very foggy, it was about the mid- 
dle of July. On their return they reached here August 7th. Bartram 
says : 

"I walked to the branch (Chemung River) after dinner, and found abun- 
dance of fossils on the banks, but the distance of the way, and heavy load of our 
baggage were an insurmountable bar to my bringing any home." 

He mentions a feast prepared by the squaws of hominy boiled in 
venison broth, and adds : 

"This day the Anticoque who travelled with us from Onondaga left the 
path a little to hunt, missed our track, hit upon an Indian town three miles up 
the branch, (probably Ganatocherat) and there picking up a scjuaw. brought her 
with him." 

In 1745 Weiser traveled again to Onondaga, being sent by the 
government' to try to establish peace between the Six Nations and the 
Catawbas of Virginia. "Shikalamy" and Andrew Montour were sent 

" Memorials of the Moravian Chiirch, page 62. 
' See Colonial Records, Vol. IV, p. 655. 



ZEISBERGER, POST AND CREVE-COEUR 313 

with him; and the Moravian Brethren, Spangenberg and Zeisberger, 
asked the privilege of accompanying the party. The Moravian journal 
is most interesting and instructive. Striking the Susquehanna at Sugar 
Creek this journalist says : 

"We went up the Susquehanna to Diaoga. We travelled by the narrow 
path that goes up a steep mountain on the side of the Susquehanna,* crossed the 
branch that is called the Tiaoga. At its junction with the Susquehanna, in the 
small triangle formed by the two rivers we found a fruitful tract, upon which a 
tribe of Mohicans had built a village (Diaoga). This spot is about 180 miles 
from Shamokin, and is a charming region of country." 

On their return they met below Owego two canoe loads of squaws 
from Diaoga, who had come up to hunt for wild beans. The next day 
at Diaoga they found food very scarce, were unable to obtain enough 
for their journey. It would be interesting to know of what were the 
three loaves furnished them. In 1750 Zeisberger made the trip again. 
Cammerhoff's account will be found elsewhere. Weiser also made the 
Onondaga journey again this year. Heckewelder and Zeisberger, as 
has been seen, say little about their stops at "Diaoga," though they 
made various later journeys to and fro. 

The year 1760 brought another emissary to Onondaga, by way of 
Diahoga, "Christian Frederick Post, one of the Brethren of Bethlehem," 
who had lived among the Indians ; Craft says, "the most adventurous 
of Moravian missionaries." He was bom in Germany in 1710, came 
to America and soon engaged in missionary work among the Indians. 
He gained unusual influence with them because he was twice married 
to Indian women. He was often successfully employed by the govern- 
ment as interpreter, or even on dangerous missions to the Indians. He 
w^as the emissary most active in bringing to a close the wretched French 
and Indian war in 1758.^ 

Hector St. Jean de Creve-Coeur, a French writer, emigrated to 
America in 1754, and settled on a farm near New York, doubtless in 
Orange County, as April 38, 1779, he interviewed Mrs. Rachel Budd, 
who had lived on the Susquehanna. Her narrative he included in his 
■"Letters of an American Farmer from 1780 to 1786." The Budds were 
among the earliest settlers in Wyoming, and in Bradford County. It 
is an interesting narrative, to be found in Craft's History, page 58. 
Additional extracts from Creve-Coeur's letters were translated by 
Steuben Jenkins ; October 38, 1774, Vol. I, pp. 303 and 303, "Journey 
to Wyalusing" : 

" * * * On the fifth day we arrived at Wyolucing situated ninety miles 
from Wilkesbury. It is an immense plain of unbounded fertility. I observed 
the blue grass had been replaced by the white clover, with which all the pas- 
tures were covered. There were as yet only a few families living here, and their 
cattle were of the greatest beauty. All of their districts within line of Connecti- 
cut claims have an extent more or less considerable on the river, depending upon 
the distance of the heads of the mountains, the breadth of the plains, and the 
fertility of the wood-lands. The most narrow extend to both sides of the river. 
The savages were anxious to reach home, we therefore quit this place, passing 
up the river, they showed me the remains of the ancient villages of the Senecas, 
Sesusing (Sheshequin), Tioga, Chamond, Ockwackaa (Owego), Shenando, &c. 

* Now Ulster Narrows. 

^ See previous chapter concerning Indians; also Penna. Archives. 



214 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

In fine, after three days navigation, always against the current, we landed at 
Anaquega,^" 198 miles from Wilkesbury. This great city is composed of more 
than 70 houses, some are wigwams made of the bark of the black birch, follow- 
ing the ancient usage, others of wood squared and joined at the corners with a 
dovetail. Here a worthy Moravian minister joined to the preaching of the gos- 
pel lessons on agriculture. It is to his zeal and perseverance that the savages 
owe the state of comfort in which they live." 

An extract from a narrative of Timothy Pickering^ ^ gives another 
visit to this region : 

"Having in the year 1784 purchased an interest in a large location of lands 
in the vicinity of Great Bend, I set out with some others concerned, to view 
them in August 1786. We were under the necessity of passing through the Wyo- 
ming settlements from Nescopeck to Tioga. The inhabitants were invariably 
poor, their stock of cattle small. From Nescopeck to Tioga, a distance of 120 
miles, we tasted bread but once." 

In 1795 the Frenchman, Due de la Rochefoucauld-Liancourt, trav- 
eled through the State and published an extensive journal. He says of 
his visit here: 

"The road from Old Sheshequin to Tioga, which had been represented as 
a very bad one, proved very good. Here the farm-houses lie closer together. 
Near Tioga the river of the same name discharges itself into the Susquehanna. 
The site of the town, or rather the 8 or 10 houses which are so called, is about 
two miles distant from the confluence of the two rivers. The price of land is 
eight dollars per acre. * * * the price of wheat is seven shillings sixpence. 
The town shares 16 yards wide and 50 deep cost twenty dollars. Some venison 
excepted, no fresh meat has been seen at Tioga since last Autumn. Last year 
there were three inns * * this year but one ; we found it crowded with trav- 
ellers from the Jerseys, Pennsylvania and New York, who intend to settle on 
the lakes. After a scanty supper we were all obliged to take up with tzvo beds. 
The sheets which had already served three or four travellers were, according to 
the landlady, very clean. Yet, on the other hand, we enjoyed the special favor 
of being permitted to lie down in our boots, as those of our party really did, 
who like myself, preferred taking their repose on the ground wrapped in a 
blanket.'' 

Luckless landlady ! We wonder was it Mrs. Irwin, Maxwell, Hep- 
bum or Harris? 

In October, 1796, an Englishman, Isaac Weld, visited our town. 
He says : 

"On arriving at this place (Lockliartsburg) we heard to our disappointment 
that the Susquehanna was nearly as low as the Tioga, scarcely sufficient water to 
float a canoe." 

However they soon found a riverman who would assist them on 
their voyage, by whose advice they exchanged their two canoes for a 
larger one, and resumed their voyage : 

"From Lockhartsburg to Wilkesbarre, or Wyoming, the distance is about 
ninety miles, and when the river is full — as in the fall or spring, you may go 
down in one day, but owing to the lowness of the water we were no less than 
four days performing the voyage. In many parts of the river we found the 
current very rapid; at the Falls of Wyalusing for instance, we were carried three 
or four miles in about a quarter of an hour, but in other places, where the river 
was deep, scarcely any current was perceptible, and we were obliged to work our 
way with paddles. The country bordering on the river abounds with deer and 
as we passed down we met numberless parties of the country people engaged in 

1" This name is not given by Dr. Beauchamp, but must mean Onondaga. 
" From Upham's "Life, of Pickering." 



WELD AND WILSON 215 

driving these animals. Very fine fish are found in every part of the Susque- 
hanna, and the river is much frequented by wild fowl, particularly by the can- 
vas back duck. * * * 

"The whole waj' between Lockhartsburg and Wilkesbarre are settlements 
on each side of the river at no great distance from each" other. There are also 
several small towns on the bank of the river, the principal one is Frenchtown — on 
the western side of the river. This town was laid out at the expense of several 
philanthropic persons of Pennsylvania, who entered into a subscription for the 
purpose, as a place of retreat for the unfortunate French emigrants who fled to 
America." — Weld's Travels in North America, London, 1800.^" 

In October, 1804, Alexander Wilson, a celebrated ornitbologist 
visited Niagara Falls via Easton, Wyoming, Tioga Point and New- 
town. We quote some passages from his "Foresters," a poem describ- 
ing his journey. It is all most interesting, and we commend it to oiir 
readers. The entire portion describing Bradford County may be found 
in Craft's history of same, page 89. His description of the scenery 
between Frenchtown^^ and Sheshequin is fine, and the visit to Obadiah 
Gore most interesting. This passage begins at ''Gore's" : 

"And e'e'n in bed reposed, the listening ear 
Seemed still the accents of the sage to hear. 
The morning came ; ye gods ! how quickly hies 
To weary folks the hour when they must rise ! 
Groping around we fix our various load 
And full equipt forth issued to the road. 
Inured to toil the woods slide swiftly past. 
O'er many an opening farm our eyes we cast ; 
Here rich flat meadows most luxuriant lie, 
Some gleaming orchards gladly we espy ; 
Full loaded peach trees drooping hung around. 
Their mellow fruit thick scattered o'er the ground. 
Six cents procured us a sufficient store. 
Our napkins crammed, and pockets running o'er ; 
Delicious fare, — nor did we prize them less 
Than Jews did manna in the wilderness. 
Still journeying on the river's brink we keep, 
And pass the Narrow's high and dangerous steep, 
That to the clouds like towering Atlas soars, 
While deep below the parted river roars. 
Beyond its eastern stream on level lands 
There Athens (once Tioga) stands. 
Unlike that Athens known in days of old 
Where learning found more worshippers than gold, 
Here waste, unfinished, their sole schoolhouse lies, 
While pompous taverns all around it rise." " 

^ While this volume was not published until 1800, we think it quite probable that the 
following information was obtained from Weld or his party (from the "American Gazetteer," 
London, 1798) : "Lockhartsburg, a town in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, situated on an 
isthmus formed by the confluence of the Susquehannah and Tioga Rivers, about a mile above 
their junction. There are as yet but few houses built, but it promises to be a place of im- 
portance, as both the rivers are navagable for many miles into the State of New York. It 
is four miles south of the New York line, nearly 48 westerly of Harmony and 90 above 
Wilkesbarre." 

On sober second thought we might attribute this notice to Richard Caton, the English- 
man, who ever had unbounded faith in the navigability of the Susquehanna. 

1^ For further information about Frenchtown see "The Story of Some French Refugees 
and their 'Azilum,' " by Louise Welles Murray, 1903. 

I'* This alludes to the Academy, which at that time lay unfinished for lack of funds. 
But Matthewson's Old Red Tavern, the tavern in Hollenback building, and that of George 
Welles, were thriving, as well as Dr. Hopkins' and John Saltmarsh's, which latter still stands 
on corner of Chemung Street. 



216 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Owing to the efforts of the well known Dr. Priestly many English- 
men made settlements along the Loyalsock (now in Sullivan County). 
Early in the nineteenth century a relative of one of these, Robert Sut-. 
clifif, a Quaker merchant of Shefifield, England, came over, and as he 
says, "during frequent intervals of leisure which the nature of my 
mercantile concerns rendered unavoidable," he traveled extensively in 
the Middle States — upwards of ten thousand miles. His journal was 
written "without the remotest thought of publication," but is quite as 
interesting as any in existence, extending over the years 1804, 1805 and 
1806. He visited this locality in 1805, coming from central New York : 

"12th month 8th This day I travelled along the Bank of Lake Seneca, on 
which are many pleasing prospects. I had the company of a young man, son of 
the postmaster at Newtown. In the evening we came to Ely's tavern in Hector 
township, the son of our landlord was called Hector, the first white child born 
in the township, he appeared to be about 12 years old. This part abounds with 
deer and black squirrels, of which provision they had plenty, and we had some 
for supper; the squirrels were very fat. 

"12th month 9th We left early and passed through a romantic country, 
where we had a view of one of the prettiest waterfalls I had ever seen. I was 
told that both white inhabitants and Indians kill many deer by hunting them 
down into the lake, on which they pursue them in a canoe. The pursuers soon 
overtake the deer, throw a halter over the horns, drag it to side of boat, take 
the life of the poor animal with a large knife, and then drag it on shore. 

"About noon we reached Catharines at end of Lake, a wharf here, some 
business carried on in vessels of about 15 tons burden. * * We passed on 
through Catharines' Swamp, a deep narrow valley which resounded with howling 
of wolves. * * My companion, by way of encouragement, informed me he 
had never heard of either a wolf or a bear attacking a man except when they 
or their young are first wounded. 

"This evening we came to Newtown, and had good accommodations at Ellis' 
tavern, where I spent some time with a person of the name of Goldbride, who 
informed me that he was the first person who had attempted the navigation of 
the Showmonge into the Susquehanna, and on down to Chesapeake Bay. In 
this first attempt he had sustained considerable loss, and several of his boatmen 
were drowned, but from the improvements made in river, considerable business 
is now doing upon it. 

"12th month 10th I left Newtown, and traveling along a thinly peopled 
country came to a small inn, kept by one, Esquire Wynkoop, where I got some 
refreshment. The innkeeper was not only a justice of the peace, but also a 
watchmaker. He appeared to be a very ingenious artist, and, as a magistrate, 
possessed a good share of useful knowledge. I perceived an edition of Burn's 
Justice on the shelf with his watchmaking tools, and therefore I suppose he ad- 
ministered justice according to law. (Wynkoop's was in the vicinity of Che- 
mung.) Towards evening I came to Tioga Point, where is the junction of the 
Showmonge with the Susquehanna ; and took up my quarters at Doctor Hop- 
kins, an acquaintance of my relation J. E. (James Ecroyd) to whose habitation 
at Elklands I was bending my course. This night I lodged at the Doctor's, and 
next morning set out for Elklands. After travelling along the bankof the Sus- 
quehanna and passing by Sugar Creek, I came to Dotherly's tavern in the even- 
ing on the banks of Towandy Creek. Here I supped, and the next morning 
breakfasted on wild venison." 

We will not take time to travel farther but would say, in the words 
of one who has read the book (J. M. M. Gernerd, Muncy), "This vol- 
ume teems with striking remarks and pleasant anecdotes ; the traveler 
realizes that he is in a new world ; he has his eyes open to every sight, 
his ear to every sound, and he makes his reader realize that it is quite 
unlike the Old World. Tlie book shows with a pleasing simplicity how 



SUTCLIFF AT TIOGA POINT 217 

our American ideas and growing institutions then impressed an Eng- 
lishman of Hberal mind, a man of close observation and strong common 
sense." Nothing escaped his attention even to the smallest unknown 
reptile. The last quotation given in Gernerd's "Now and Then," zye 
cannot forbear to copy : 

"I observed the people (near Philadelphia) engaged in a singular kind of 
harvest, breaking up and taking away large quantities of ice to lay up for sum- 
mer use. Those who have never visited warm climates can scarcely conceive 
how pleasant the use of ice is, for various purposes of the table, in the summer 
season." 

(This is specially interesting as showing how early Americans 
learned the use of ice, which England has yet to learn.) 

Mr. Sutcliff returned to England and brought over his family, but 
lived only a short time to enjoy America. 

The visit of Louis Philippe (late King of France) and his two 
brothers to this locality naturally was a notable event, it is an his- 
torical fact that the French Directory made certain advances to the 
Duchess of Orleans on condition that she would induce her oldest 
son (Louis Philippe) to leave the country. The prince sailed Septem- 
ber 24, 1796, in the ship America, Captain Ewing, direct to Philadel- 
phia, where he was soon joined by his brothers, who were released 
from prison to join him. It is supposed that Robert Morris furnished 
the funds for their travels. After spending a winter in Philadelphia, 
and visiting Washington at Mount Vernon, they traveled through the 
country by circuitous route to Niagara Falls. Thence they took the 
bridle-path or old Indian trail leading through the forests to Tioga 
Point. It is told by Cass in his book, "France, Its King and People," 
that they met near Canandaigua Alexander Baring (afterwards Lord 
Ashburton), whose acquaintance they had lately made in Philadelphia. 
He told them "that he had left an almost impassable road behind him, 
and the King answered by the comfortable assurance that Mr. Baring 
would find no better one before him." Arriving at Geneva, they de- 
cided to ascend Seneca Lake in a boat. At its head they shouldered 
their packs, and came to Newtown (Elmira) on foot, bringing letters 
of introduction from the son of Robert Morris, Thomas Morris of 
Canandaigua, to Henry Towar. They lodged for some days at the 
tavern of Mrs. Seely, while Mr. Towar fitted up a Durham boat in 
which they descended the Chemung to Tioga Point, where they stopped 
over night, lodging according to tradition at Doctor Hopkins, (for. 
while the Doctor did not keep a tavern until 1802, he often entertained 
distinguished travelers ; doubtless because his extensive practice made 
him well known from Palmyra, N. Y., to- Wilkes-Barrc). Thence they 
went down the Susquehanna to the French settlement at Asylum, thence 
to Wilkes-Barre, where they were entertained in royal fashion by Mat- 
thias Hollenback, and thence to Philadelphia. August 14, 1797, the 
Due de Montpensier wrote to his sister thus describing their journey : 

"It took us four months — we travelled a thousand leagues, which we per- 
formed partly by water, partly on foot, partly on hired horses, and partly in the 
stage or public conveyance. We have seen many Indians, and remained several 
days in their country. To give you an idea of the agreeable manner in which 



218 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

they travel in this country I will tell you that we passed fourteen nights in the 
woods, devoured by all kinds of insects, after being wet to the bone, without 
being able to dry ourselves, and eating pork, and sometimes a little salt beef 
and corn bread." 

In spite of their vicissitudes, the royaUies carried princely gear, 
for at VVilkes-Barre one of them is reported by Mrs. xAlexander, step- 
datighter of Matthias HoUenback, to have been dressed in an entire 
suit of white satin, with ruffles of exquisite lace in his sleeves. What 
a stir it must have made in every hamlet where they rested ; for, de- 
spite their fallen fortunes, they were princes still. 

Joseph Bonaparte was also in this vicinity ; it is even related he 
remained long enough to become enamored of a young lady in To- 
wanda. At a much later date his wife came twice to Tioga Point, trav- 
eling in great state in her own coach and four with outriders, all the 
way from Baltimore. She was the guest of Mrs. Abner Murray, 2nd, 
of whom she was very fond. Mrs. Murray, by a previous marriage to 
a man connected with the Patterson family, had lived in Baltimore, and 
become a favorite of Madame Bonaparte, hence the visits, which doubt- 
less also extended to her nearer relative, Airs. Elizabeth Patterson 
(Saltmarsh) ; though there is no positive record of this, as of the visits 
to Mrs. Murray. 

One other distinguished visitor doubtless honored Tioga Point, 
though we have no journal from which to quote. Talleyrand, the 
world famous Frenchman, visited Asylum, and the French settlement 
on the Chenango in 1795, and we assume he rested here. One of the 
young Frenchmen of Asylum, Louis Paul d'Autremont, accompanied 
him on his return to France as private secretary. There is little ques- 
tion but that Louis observed this locality, as July, 1798, in a letter to 
his mother, living in Asylum, he thus writes : 

"If my brother has an opportunity in passing upon the Susquehanna to see 
the fine farm at the junction of the Tioga, that was formerly for sale, let him 
enquire the conditions. The farm is most beautifully situated, and is called 
Queen Esther's Flats." 

It is easy to see from all these transcripts that this valley was early 
admired by every passerby, to whom it became familiar because on the 
only known route from Niagara direct to Philadelphia. 



PART II 

THE CONNECTICUT CLAIM 

1754-1798 



At this epoch, the history of the settlement of Tioga Point needs to be 
considered from three separate standpoints ; that of the Pennsylvania claim- 
ants, that of the Connecticut claimants, and that of the carefully concealed 
history due to the strife between these two parties. It is quite amazing to 
discover how little of the last, and one may well say also of the first, has been 
unravelled. After the lapse of more than a century, it is well nigh impossible 
to gather up all the fragments, though there are always new bits coming to 
light in unexpected places. Careful study of old letters, Mss.. and archives fails 
to reveal the underlying motives of many actions, or the full plan of procedure. 
Desiring to make a plain record, after years of research, we find as many miss- 
ing links still as in the early Indian history. Yet every new discovery proves 
that, call it what you will, Te-a-o-ga. Diahoga, Tioga Point, Old Tiog' Pint, or 
just the Pint, this town was ever well known and even famous with the Indian, 
the soldier, the traveler and the pioneer. It is only since it was permanently, 
or let us say officially, saddled with the name of Athens, that it seems to have 
sunk into comparative insignificance, overshadowed by its ambitious sister towns 
of more hasty growth. Our original purpose was to give the history of Tioga 
Point and her neighbors, whose interests were all closely connected in early 
times. But the wealth of unexpected material has led to a decision to consider 
the neighbors only as accessory to a full comprehension of Tioga Point history. 
Otherwise the work must needs run into several volumes. 

The attempt to combine the events as viewed from the three standpoints 
will doubtless provoke sharp criticism from those who have not struggled with 
the vexing problems of the times. 



CHAPTER XIII 

THE GENERAL LAND CONTROVERSY 

A Few Outlines, Queries, Anszvers and Reflections 

It is impossible to understand the history of Tioga Point and vicin- 
ity without some knowledge of the great land controversy between 
Connecticut and Pennsylvania. We therefore beg our readers, even the 
youngest, not to "skip this chapter because its heading sounds prosy." 
The late Hon. Stanley Woodward, of Wilkes-Barre, said of this sub- 
ject (address before the Wyoming Historical Society), "The struggle 
between the Connecticut colonists and the representatives of William 
Penn, from a present point of view, is unique, and should be interest- 
ing. To comprehend it accurately requires a review of certain histor- 
ical facts and conditions which underlie the epoch, and disclose its true 
character." 

While it is now well nigh impossible to understand fully the fierce 
controversies of the pioneer settlers, yet it is wise to attempt to fathom 
their most serious problems. For it was their struggle for existence 
that not only won for their posterity this fair heritage, but that made 
the best of us the people that ive are. 

The Connecticut pioneers were progressive Puritans ; sagacious, 
efficient, pertinacious, heroic. The Pennsylvanians were of different 
nationalities and sects ; Quakers, Dutch, German, Scotch-Irish ; with 
dififerent characteristics ; all excellent, but, in most cases, antagonistic 
to the "Yankee" ; for various reasons. 

There appears to be to-day so little definite knowledge of this 
great controversy, that it would seem wise to introduce into the course 
of study in our public schools, a concise and lucid explanation. At the 
time, the country was flooded with literature on the subject, and that 
too in a day when literature was scarce; yet there were pamphlets, 
books and many newspaper articles devoted to it. It is curious that 
the greater part of the publications were solely from the Connecticut 
point of view. It has even been said that an impartial view could not 
be taken. But it is our ambition as a descendant of Connecticut stock, 
and at the same time of one of the first Pennsylvania claimants on 
Tioga Point, to present the subject, not only so clearly that it will be 
read and understood by the present, and the rising generation ; but so 
that no one can accuse us of partisanship. Every available source of 
information has been consulted : and, after careful consideration of the 
matter, we feel moved to adopt the sentiment of Upham, the biographer 
of Timothy Pickering,^ wdio says, "Upon balancing the facts and evi- 
dence, we are brought, not to the conclusion usually the result of a fair 

1 That able Pennsylvanian (of Connecticut stock) of whom Fisher says, "Pickering 
represented Pennsylvania, and the sober second thought of her decent people." There is little 
question but that Pickering, with his ability and sound common sense, was the greatest factor 
in the final settlement of controversy. 

221 



232 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



consideration of the whole subject in Hke cases, that both parties were 
in the wrong, but that both were substantially in the right." (Vol. II, 
p. 228.) 

For exhaustive treatment the reader is referred to Harvey's "His- 
tory of Wilkes-Barre." For briefer, yet fair-minded accounts, the 
"Brief of the Seventeen Townships," written in 1879, for the Historical 
Society of Pennsylvania by the late Henry M. Hoyt (including an ex- 
cellent bibliography). Also the chapter in Fisher's "Making of Penn- 
sylvania," entitled "The Connecticut Invasion." Much space must be 
given in the history of Tioga Point to the local controversy ; therefore, 
the general topic will be presented in the form of queries and answers, 
available for quick reference on any given point. This idea is derived 
from an old AIss. in the handwriting of our own John Franklin. 

How many, even of our oldest residents, can answer the following 
questions ? 

What was the territory claimed by Connecticut? 
What were the boundaries designated in the charters 
granted by King Charles to Connecticut colonists, and 
to William Penn. 
What was the Susquehanna Company? 
What is meant by the "Indian Purchases"? 
What were the Seventeen Townships, and where located? 
Wliat were the Pennamite Wars? 
What was the Decree of Trenton ? 
Wliat was the Confirming Act? 
How were the different rights designated? 
What was the Intrusion Law ? 

What was the Compromise Act, and its consequences ? 
When did the controversy finally close? 
We will answer these queries as briefly as possible, repeating 
each with the answer: 

Query I. What was the territory claimed by Connecticut? 
Answer. This is most easily understood by reference to the ac- 
companying map, copied from one used by Charles Miner in his his- 



I. 
H. 



III. 

IV. 

V. 

VI. 

VIL 

VIII. 

IX. 

X. 

XI. 

XIL 




Map Showing the Connecticut Claim in Pennsylvania and the Western Reserve in Olu 



CHARTERS GRANTED BY KING CHARLES 223 

tory of Wyoming,- where the territory is designated by Hnes drawn 
across Pennsylvania, corresponding with the upper and lower bound- 
aries of Connecticut. While this extended entirely across Pennsyl- 
vania, and some effort was eventually made to settle all the claim, the 
great activity was in the Susquehanna \"alley ; therefore, the history 
of the Connecticut claim is of special interest in tliis valley; and the 
more so, because at Tioga Point, or Athens, as they chose to call it, 
the fierce defenders of Connecticut faith made their last stand ; and, 
according to their standards, won the day. The reader is invited to 
fight their battles over again, and make the decision for himself. 

Query 11. What were the boundaries designated in the chax"ters 
granted by King Charles to Connecticut colonists, and to William 
Penn? 

Answer. The English having discovered North America from 
latitude 34° to 48°, and made entry upon it, the British Crown at once 
assumed a right to it ; and divided aforesaid territory into two great 
provinces, called South X'irginia, and North \'irginia, or New England. 
In 1662 Charles II granted to Connecticut colonists the strip of land 
bounded by Narraganset Bay on the east, and the South Sea on the 
west; * * or, as James I had already granted it in 1620, "from sea to 
sea," between latitude 41° and 42°. In 1681 the same King, Charles II, 
granted to William Penn lands having the 42d degree for their north- 
ern boundary, thus overlapping by one degree the grant made nineteen 
years earlier. Nor was it (as has often been said) done in ignorance, 
either of the width of the continent, or the overlapping of boundaries.^ 
We have but to consult the records and maps of the time to be con- 
vinced that Charles II was well aware of these seeming errors. The 
special point made by Connecticut was that Connecticut colonists had 
the prior grant ; therefore, it could not be set aside. But a little inves- 
tigation shows that in the time of Charles II the Crown had many 
rights now given over to Parliament. 

"The right of the sovereign to grant land was just the reverse of the rights 
of a private individual. With the King it was the last grant which was valid; 
and all prior grants were void. The title of the King was never exhausted. 
This system gave the colonists endless trouble, and proved the basis of one of 
their complaints in the Declaration of Independence." — Fisher. 

- Here reproduced by courtesy of Tioga County Historical Society. 

^ In perhaps the only paper published in defense of Pennsylvania, that of Rev. William 
Smith, Provost of the University of Pennsylvania in 1774, he says, "The notion of extending 
the Claim of the Colony of Connecticut seems to have been first started by a certain schemer, 
and has since been generally treated as the wild chimera of a visionary brain." (Unfortu- 
nately he does not name the schemer.) He also savs: "Hutchinson says the geography of this 
part of xKmerica was less understood than at present. Some of Champlain's people, who had 
been but a few days' march from Quebec, reported joyfully that from the top of a high 
mountain they had discovered the South Sea. We all know what were the original motives 
of our ancestors in the first adventures to America. The mines of Peru and Mexico had 
raised the attention of Europe. All lands toward the South Sea were considered as rich re- 
positories of the precious dust; and other nations were desirous of sharing with the Spaniards 
the Golden Harvest. The extent of this northern continent was not known. It was consid- 
ered as a sort of isthmus, not much wider perhaps than that of Darien, and the voyage of 
the circumnavigators had been in such a track as not to discover the mistake. _ In 1608 the 
great Council of Virginia considered their country as a sort of isthmus of this kind. A barge 
made in sections was fitted up in England to convey them to the South Sea, and the Captain 
and his company were ordered 'not to return without a lump of gold, a certainty of the said 
Sea,' or one of the lost Raleigh Company. The South Sea was therefore put into the great 
original patents of Virginia with derivative grants, but certainly not with the intention of 
vesting any of the grantees with a country afterwards found to be at least 3000 miles across." 



224 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

The attorney-general of England thus reports : 

"The tract of land desired by William Penn seems to be undisposed of by 
his Majesty, except the imaginary lines of Nezv England patents, (which are 
bounded westerly by the main ocean) should give them a real though imprac- 
tical right to all those z'ast territories." 

Fisher says : 

"The lord commissioners (of trade) do not seem to have the slightest 
doubt as to the legal right of the King to make the grant (Penn's) without re- 
gard to whose territory it would overlap." 

Among these commissioners were some of the greatest lawyers of 
the age. 

Qtiery III. What was the Susquehanna Company? 

Answer. For this answer we quote at length from Miss Larned's 
"History of Windham County, Connecticut," pp. 556 to 560 : 

"The chief public interest in Windham between 1750-55. was the grand 
colonization scheme then brought before the public. That spirit of enterprise, 
that migratory impulse, which has led the sons of the Pilgrims from Plymouth 
Rock to the coast of the Pacific, was early manifested in Windham County. In 
1750 the spirit of emigration, long smoldering, broke out into open tlame. Con- 
necticut's chartered right had never been yielded. The marvellous richness and 
beauty of the Susquelianna Valley were already celebrated, and now it was 
proposed to plant a Colony in this beautiful region, and thus incorporate it into 
the jurisdiction of Connecticut. The originators of this notable scheme are 
unknown ; but it was soon promulgated and discussed in several Windham 
County townships, and, early in 1753, thus laid before the General Assembly : — 

"To the Honorable Assembly, to be holden at Hartford, second Thursday 
of May next, the memorial of the subscribers, inhabitants of Farmington. Wind- 
ham, Plainfield, and of several other towns, all of Connecticut Colony, humbly 
showeth : That, whereas, there is a large quantity of land lying upon a river 
called Susquehanna, and also at a place called Quiwaumuck. and that there is 
no English inhabitant that lives on said land, nor near thereunto, and the same 
lies about seventy miles west of Dielewey River, and, as we suppose, within the 
charter of the Colony of Connecticut, and that there is a niunber of Indians 
that live on or near the place of land aforesaid, who lay claim to the same, and 
we, the subscribers, to the number of one hundred persons, who are very desirous 
to go and inhabit the aforesaid land, and at the place aforesaid, provided that we 
can obtain a quiet or quit-claim of the Honorable Assembly, of a tract of land 
lying at the place aforesaid, and to contain a quantity sixteen miles square, to lie 
on both sides Susquehanna River, and as the Indians lay claim to the same, we 
propose to purchase of them their right, so as to be at peace with them ; where- 
upon, we humbly pray. That the Honorably Assembly would grant to us a quit- 
claim of the aforesaid tract, or so much as the Honorably Assembly shall think 
best, upon such terms as your Honors shall think reasonable, and in such a way 
and manner, that in case we cannot hold and enjoy the same by virtue of said 
grant, yet notwithstanding, the same not to be hurtful or prejudicial on any ac- 
count to this Colony; and in case we can Hold and possess said land, then to be 
always under the government, and subject to the laws and discipline of this Col- 
ony ; and provided, that we, the said subscribers, shall within three years next 
coming lay the same out in equal proportion, and settle upon the same, as also 
purchase the right of the Natives as aforesaid, or in some other way grant us the 
land aforesaid, as your Honors shall think best, as we, in duty bound, shall ever 

P'"'''^- "March 29, 1753. 

"A meeting for forming a company for the colonization of the Susquehanna 
Valley, was held in Windham, July IS, 1753. A large number was present, and 
great enthusiasm manifested. Articles of agreement were presented and adopted, 
receiving more than two hundred and fifty signatures. Jonathan Skinner. Jabez 
Fitch, Eliphalet Dyer, John Smith and Captain Robert Dixon, were appointed 
a committee 'to repair to the place on said river, view said land and purchase 



THE SUSQUEHANNA COMPANY 235 

right of natives, receive, prepare. lay out and convey said land' — the company 
agreeing that each subscriber should pay to the committee 'two Spanish milled 
dollars before said committee thus going to settle, set out on said business ; and 
on their return upon their rendering their accounts, pay each one's proportion 
of expense.' They were further instructed to set out immediately, or before 
September 1, tO' secure a tract of land twenty miles one way and ten another, 
and not expend over a thousand pounds. 

"Applications for admission to the Company soon came from every corner 
of Connecticut. 

"During the summer, negotiations were successfully conducted between 
representatives of the Six Nations, which claimed the land, and Messrs. Wood- 
bridge and Dyer on behalf of the Company, and a deed secured of a tract of 
land called Quiwaumuck or Wyoming, in the Susquehanna Valley. The suc- 
ceeding meeting of the Susquehanna Company was held in Hartford, November 
27, 17,')4. The project now had far outgrown county limits and embraced the 
whole Commonwealth. 

"Phineas Lyman. George Wyllis, and Eliphalet Dyer were appointed a com- 
mittee, to manage, transact and do everything in the name and behalf of the 
Susquehanna Company, on order to prefer the circumstances of the purchase 
lately made of the Indians, and all proper exhibits, to lay before his Majesty 
for his grant and confirmation. It was voted, to petition the Assembly for in- 
corporation ; that two dollars more be raised on every old share and one dollar 
on half a share, to be improved in completing the purchase, and that the clerk 
be a receiver, and that he transmit the same into the hands of the treasurer. 
One thousand dollars were ordered to be immediately transmitted to Colonel 
John Henry Lydius of Albany, in order to complete the purchase, in compliance 
with the agreement of the agents, and more if necessary. Eight hundred 'whole- 
some persons' were now allowed in the company ; new subscribers paying nine 
dollars per share. Samuel Talcott of Hartford. Isaac Tracy of Norwich. Samuel 
Gray of Windham. Oliver Wolcott of Litchfield. Samuel Bishop of New Haven, 
and Joseph Wakeman of Fairfield, were intrusted with the management of af- 
fairs in their respective counties. There were eventually above 1200 members. 

"In May, 1755, an address was prepared and presented to the Assembly, 
asking its countenance and protection in erecting a new colony, with liberty to 
employ suitable persons to erect monuments at the corners of the land already 
purchased, procure and lay out a township, and to build and erect sufficient forti- 
fications, a grist-mill and saw-mill. In response to these requests, the Assembly 
resolved : — 

" 'That they are of opinion that the peaceable and orderly erecting and car- 
rying on some new and well-regulated colony or plantation in the lands above- 
said would greatly tend to fix and secure such Indian nations in allegiance to 
his Majesty and friendships with his subjects, and accordingly hereby manifest 
their ready acquiescence therein, if it should be his Majesty's royal pleasure to 
grant said lands to said petitioners, and thereon erect or settle a new colony in 
such form and under such regulations as might be consistent with his royal 
wisdom, and also take leave humbly to recommend the said petitioners to his 
royal favor in the premises.' 

"As incorporation and confirmation were bej^ond the province of the Gov- 
ernment of Connecticut, the Company was forced to await the issue of an appeal 
to the Crown. The culminations of the long-standing difficulties between Eng- 
land and France prevented further action at this period. A protracted war was 
at hand. Hostilities had already commenced and the Susquehanna Company 
was forced tO' defer occupation of their Purchase till a more favorable time." 

As is well known, the first settlement was eventually made at Wyo- 
ming, which was the seat of all disorders until the Decree of Trenton.* 

The above gives an idea of the general sentiment in Connecticut, 
the proceedings of the Susquehanna Company being at first disclaimed 
by their own colony. 

■• March 1.3, 1754, Governor Wolcott of Connecticut, thus wrote to Governor Hamilton 
of Pennsylvania (for whole letter see II Pennsylvania Archives, p. 126) : "There being now 
no unappropriated lands with us, some of our inhabitants hearing of these lands at Susque- 



226 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Query I\\ What is meant by the Indian Purchases? 

Answer. The Indian purchases were as varied and conflicting as 
the charters ; but it must be attributed to the characteristics of the In- 
dian. Being always more or less migratory, title to them meant merely 
the right to hunt or fish. Option or pre-emption was beyond their com- 
prehension ; and there is little doubt but that the white man, even the 
puritanical pro])rietors of the Susquehanna Company, took advantage 
of this.'' October 25, 1736, twenty-three chiefs deeded to the Penns 
all the lands within the limits of Pennsylvania. The deed was made 
out to the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania (a name given to Penn, his 
heirs and agents ) , and agreed : 

"That neither we nor any in our nations, will at any time bargain, sell, 
grant, or by any means make over to any person or persons other than said 
Proprietaries * * * any lands within Pennsylvania as it is bounded north- 
ward by the government of New York and Albany." 

This was the famous deed of pre-emption of which so much was 
said in discussion of Indian title. Craft says this deed was indorsed, 
confirmed and ratified by the chiefs of the Six Nations, July 9, 1754. 

Governor Hoyt says that on July 11, 175-1, only two days later, 
eighteen chiefs deeded to the Susquehanna Company** (through the 
agency of Colonel Lydius of Albany) a tract of land embracing the 
tract afterward known as Westmoreland. ( These deeds can be found 
in Hoyt's Brief, page 15.) The Indians later claimed that this was a 
fraudulent deed ; that only a few of them were consulted, and that they 
were purposelv put under influence of liquor, etc., etc. (see Hoyt, p. 
39). In 17(58 the Six Nations deeded to John and Richard Penn all of 
Pennsylvania not heretofore purchased. As all these purchases were 
called in question by the opposing party, it seems reasonable to suppose 
that all the Indian chiefs failed to participate in any one of them. (The 
Pennsylvania Archives and Smith's Laws give these deeds in full.) 
The London Magasine of 1753 says: 

"America, Connecticut, July 27, 1753. several hundred people of this colony 
have agreed to purchase a large tract of land of the Six Nations, on the Sus- 
quehanna, about 300 leagues to the westward, lying within the limits of their 
charter, to settle upon it. expecting that it will in a short time be a distinct 
government." 

hanna, and that it was north of the grant made to Mr. Penn, are upon a design of making a 
purchase from the indians, and hope to obtain a grant of it from the Crown. This appearing 
to be a design to promote his Majesty's interest * * * we were all well wishers to it. But 
Mr. Armstrong informs me that this land is certainly zvithin Mr. Penn's grant; if so I dont 
suppose our people had any purpose to quarrel with Penna. Indeed I dont know themind 
of every private man, but I never heard of our leading men expressing themselves so inclined." 

^ VVhen the representatives of the Six Nations met the Pennsylvania Commissioners in 
1754 to sell some Susquehanna lands, they made reservations as follows: "We will_ never 
part with the land at Shamokin and Wyoming; our bones are scattered there, and on this land 
there has always been a great council fire. We desire that you will not take it amiss that we 
will not part with it. We have heard that our Brother Onas (Penn) and our Brother of New 
Kngland have liad some Disputes about the lands of Susquehanna. We desire you would not 
differ with one another about it, for neither shall have it. We will not part with it to neither 
of you." 

Again, "As to Wyommick and Shamokin and land contiguous thereto on Susquehannah, 
we reserve them for our hunting ground, and for the residence of such as in this time of 
War shall remove from among the French and choose to live there. Nobodv shall have this 
land."— Colonial Records, Vol. VI, pp. 116-119. 

" The original of this deed is still in existence, now in collection of Historical Society 
of Pennsylvania, and has been examined by the author. The Indian signatures are most cur- 
ious; when unable to write they used their toteins as distinctive marks. 

Afterwards the Indians spoke of the deed to the Susquelianna Company as "the deceit- 
ful Deed that John Lydius inveigled some of us to sign." "We agree that the deed should be 
destroyed," etc.; proposing that Governor Morris should find a way to oblige the Government 
of Connecticut to discontinuance of this proceeding." — Colonial Records, Vol. VI, p. 277. 



PENNAMITE WARS, DECREE OF TRENTON 227 

This may be called the first printed notice of the proposed set- 
tlement. 

Query V. What were the Seventeen Townships, and where lo- 
cated ? 

Answer. The Susquehanna Company granted townships five miles 
square along the Susquehanna, so run as to include as far as possible 
the fertile river flats (often already cultivated by the Indians), avoid- 
ing the Jiill lands. The Seventeen Townships were those occupied or 
acquired before the Decree of Trenton ; they extended in blocks from 
Berwick to Tioga Point, and contained about 3, 000 inhabitants at the 
beginning of 1778. 

Query VI. What were the Pennamite Wars? 

Answer. When the settlers under the Susquehanna Company first 
came to Wyoming Valley, they found Pennsylvanians already on the 
ground, prepared to contest the rights of Connecticut. Then ensued 
years of strife with forts, armed troops, battles, bloodshed and ani- 
mosity incredible. The Puritans were conscientiously tenacious and 
intolerant toward the Quakers. There were several distinct conflicts, 
always known as the Pennamite or Yankee-Pennamite Wars. The 
first began in 1769 with Ogden, an Indian trader from New Jersey, as 
leader of the Pennsylvanians. He was followed as leader by Colonel 
Plunkett of Northumberland, whose movement was called the "Plunk- 
ett Invasion." The third Pennsylvania leader was Alexander Patter- 
son, Chairman of Committee of Pennsylvania Landholders, who came 
armed with authority as justice of the peace; "he was a despicable 
man." 

Harvey says there were but two wars, ending, respectively, in 
1775 and 1784; others, generally, say three. "Each was a bloody con- 
flict, full of complications, breaches of faith and treachery." ( Fuller 
accounts will be found in Miner's "History of Wyoming," and Har- 
vey's "History of Wilkes-Barre.") 

Query VII. What was the Decree of Trenton? 

Answer. The Revolutionary War was no sooner ended than Penn- 
sylvania appealed to Congress to settle the dispute. Accordingly in 
1782, in spite of some protests from Connecticut, Congress commis- 
sioned seven men from different states, who should constitute a court, 
which began its sessions at Trenton, N. J., November 12, 1782. The 
trial and argument lasted forty-one days. It was agreed that all pro- 
ceedings should be kept secret ; and only brief notes have come down 
to us, to be found in the Archives and in Hoyt's Brief aforementioned. 
The decision was short, carefully worded, and as follows : 

"The cause has been well argued by the learned Counsel on both sides. 
The Court are now ready to pronounce their sentence or judgment. We are 
unanimously of the opinion that Connecticut has no right to the lands in con- 
troversy. We are also unanimously of opinion that the jurisdiction and pre- 
emption of all the territory lying within the Charter of Pennsylvania, and now 
claimed by the State of Connecticut, do of right belong to the State of Penn- 
sylvania." 

This decree was cjuietly acquiesced in by the State of Connecticut. 
It was recognized as an important step in nationality, being the first 



328 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



decision under the Continental Union of a serious dispute between two 
independent States. But, if Connecticut, as a State, acquiesced, the 
settlers under the Susquehanna Company did not; they held their case 
as still undecided. The Trenton decision was only as to jurisdiction. 
The commissioners in a private letter' requested Pennsylvania to re- 
spect the right of soil, as it was called; that is, that the original settler 
has the right of possession until otherwise proven, for, as has been well 
said, "the first foothold of the pioneer was the best of titles." Every 
new tribulation of the Connecticut settlers was more complicated than 
the last. The controversy over the right of soil was the cause of the 
last Pennamite-Yankee War. 

Note 7. "Trenton .'51 Dec 1782 

"Sir — We take the liberty to address your Excellency, as private Citizens, 
lately honored with a Commission to hear and determine the Controversy be- 
tween the States of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, relative to disputed Terri- 
tory. In the course of executing this Commission we have found that many 
Persons are or have lately been settled on the lands in Question. Their indi- 
vidual claims could, in no Instance, come before us, not being within the line 
of our appointment. We beg leave to declare to your Excellency that we think 
the situation of these People well deserves the notice of Government. The 
dispute has long subsisted ; it may have produced Heats and Animosities among 
those living on or near the Country in Contest, and some Imprudences may 
take place and draw after them the most unfavorable consequences. With all 
deference therefore we would suggest to your Excellency and the Council 
whether it would not be best to adopt some reasonable measures to prevent any 
the least Violence. Disorder, or misunderstanding among them ; and to continue 
things in the present peaceable posture until proper steps can be taken to decide 
the Controversies respecting the private right of soil in the mode prescribed 
by the Confederation. We doubt not an early Proclamation from the Executive 
of Pennsylvania would have all necessary good Effects ; and we feel ourselves 
happy in the fullest confidens that every means will be adopted or acquiesced 
in by the State, to render the settlement of this dispute complete, and satis- 
factory, as far as may be, to all concerned. 

"We have the Honour to be with 
great respect your Excellency's most 
obedient and very Humble Servants. 

"His Excellency John Dickin- 
•son Esqr." 




"On the back is written 178."] 
Jan 2. From Commissioners &c. read 
in Council same day." 



^o^%^ 




THE COMMISSIONERS' SECRET LETTER 229 

This letter was a secret, and was lost for years, and at last brought to light 
by Timothy Pickering. Many copies were made and put into circulation. The 
original is now in Athens in the possession of the heirs of Edward Herrick, Jr., 
from which the autographs were reproduced. Pickering having heard of this 
letter attempted to find it by writing to Briarley, who answered as follows : 

"Trenton 4 March 1790. 
"Timothy Pickering, Dear Sir — (After telling that he cannot find letter 
wanted.) We had very strong reasons for writing the letter to the President 
of Pa. We are fully acquainted with the peculiar circumstances of the New 
England settlers, that they had settled in good faith, &c., and if state attempted 
to dispossess they would become desperate and civil war be the consequence. 
That therefore the interest of humanity and the policy of the state would lead 
them to adopt the measures we recommended. The letter bore no official author- 
ity, we subscribed it as private citizens. Nevertheless we did conceive that it 
would have found weight, as it must be apparent that our means of information 
have been better than those of any other persons who were disinterested. 

"David Briarley." 
Three years later Pickering tries again with better success, as here shown : 

"Wilmington March 30 1793. 
"Yesterday on my Return from a Journey I received thy Letter of the 
twenty fifth instant. It gives me very particular pleasure that I have found 
the letter from the Commissioners. Confiding that it will be immediately de- 
livered to the Supreme Executive of Pennsylvania, it is enclosed. 

"I am with great respect thy sincere friend, 
"Timothy Pickering Esquire Philadelphia. John Dickinson." 

Of these three letters 'tis a curious fact that the originals of the first and 
last are in Athens to-day ; while that of Briarley we recently found among Mss. 
of American Philosophical Society, by whose courtesy it is reproduced. 

Hoyt says that no publicity was given to the first letter until the 
trial of Van Horn vs. Dorrance, in 1795 ; he was shown the originals 
by Edward Herrick in 1879, but does not say where they were found. 
The first letter is in the handwriting of Whipple. 

Query A^III. What was the Confirming Act? 

Answer. Owing to^ the new disturbances growing out of the 
Trenton decree, a petition was sent to the Pennsylvania Legislature ask- 
ing that the Seventeen Townships might be confirmed to the Connecti- 
cut settlers therein. Whereupon was passed, March 37, 1787, what 
was called the confirming lazi'. This may be found in 2nd Series, Penn- 
sylvania Archives, Vol. XVIII, p. GGO. The purport was to confirm 
the title of every Connecticut claimant, who was an actual settler and 
owner of land, prior to the decree of Trenton; the Pennsylvania claim- 
ants in the same territory were to be given lands of equal value else- 
where in the State. Craft says : "This law was important, because it 
was the first unqualified acknowledgment on the part of Pennsylvania 
of the Connecticut claimants." The passage of the act, however, 
brought on a crisis ; while the Connecticut claimants voted to accept it, 
there arose such a storm of criticism that it was suspended one year 
from enactment, and repealed April, 1790. 

Hoyt calls this repeal "a bad breach of public faith," but by it a 
step had been gained, and an important one. The eft'ect of the repeal 
was to turn the whole matter over to the civil courts, though the Con- 
necticut settlers continued to occupy the land and were undisturbed. 
Many suits were brought for ejectment, but only one was tried, the 



230 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

famous one, still quoted, of Van Horn vs. Dorrance. Fisher says: 
"Such a case, involving history, romance, adventure and constitutional 
law, had seldom, if ever, been tried." It was decided against the Con- 
necticut claimant. 

Query IX. How were the different rights designated? 

Answer. According to the rules of the Susquehanna Company, 
each township of five miles square was to be divided into fifty-three 
parts, each of equal quality ; fifty appropriated to the settlers, one for 
the use of schools, one for the church, and one for the first gospel 
minister who should settle in the township. At first, grants were made 
only at regular meetings of the Susquehanna Company ; but, as the bus- 
iness grew, a standing committee was appointed for this purpose. In 
accordance with votes of the company at various meetings, five kinds 
of rights caiue to be recognized, to wit: Original Rights, being those 
of original proprietors of company, who had paid from $2.00 to $15.00 
for admission. Settlers' Rights, offered as a gratuity tO' a certain num- 
ber who would go on ground, and hold possession for a certain number 
of years, being offered to promote rapid settlement, and compete with 
Pennsylvania. Siiiferiiig Rights, which were additional grants, given 
as compensation to those who suffered losses in the conflicts with 
Pennsylvania. (The committee was empowered to lay out a suffering 
township on Muncy Creek.) Certificate Rights, granted to proprietors 
in the company who did not become actual settlers ; these certificates 
were sometimes sold, and also used as currency or sources of specu- 
lation. Half -Share Rights, which from the organization of the com- 
pany men were permitted to purchase. "The shares issued by the Sus- 
quehanna Company increased from 850 to 1240, perhaps one hundred 
being granted for services rendered. A considerable number of half 
shares were given out, as many poor persons wished an interest in the 
purchase, and did not feel able to buy a whole right. Only 2000 acres 
were allowed on a whole share. 1000 on a half share. Prices of shares 
varied from $50. to $100. To preserve order, and prevent interfering 
claims, a land of^ce was established ; where, when shares were pro- 
duced to the amount of IHOOO acres, a survey was made by an appoint- 
ed officer, a patent or grant of township issued and recorded; the 
shares being received or cancelled. For several years John Jenkins 
was surveyor-general, Joseph Biles his deputy." Miner, p. 145. Also, 
after the discontent created by Trenton decree, it was decided to en- 
courage further settlement by offering half-share rights "to every able- 
bodied and effective man who would move onto the land, submit him- 
self to the orders of the company, and agree to remain three years." 
These later half-share men were dubbed "Wild Yankees," to dis- 
tinguish them from the old settlers. This became a term of opprobrium, 
as will be seen later. Four hundred half-shares were to be so issued. 

"No. 264. 

"These certify all Persons whom it may concern, that Matthias Holonback 
of Wyoming in the State of Pennsyvania is intitled to One Half Share in the 
SuSQUEHANNAH PURCHASE of Lands, according to the Vote of said Company 
for the disposal of Rights in said Purchase, at their Meeting held at Hartford, 
July 13, 1785. "Certified "Sam'l Gray, Clerk." 



HALF SHARE CERTIFICATES 



33] 



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232 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

(Endorsed on the back in the hand of Col. Franklin.) 

"The within Certificate No. 264 Despos'd of to the within named Matthias 
riollenback liy me. 

"Wyoming Feb. 2H, ITSfi. John Franklin, one of the Committee." 

"Entered in the Town of Athens for one right. 

"Test, John Franklin." 
A certificate of a Susqnehanna Whole Share Right to Samuel Huntington, 
some time President of the Continental Congress, and for many years Gov- 
ernor of Connecticut : 

"Windham 7th July A. D. 177.-?. 
"These Presents Witness — That we the Subscribers, Committee of the 
Susquehanna Company : In consideration of Sundry beneficial Services done by 
Samuel Huntington, of Norwich, for .«aid Company — Do hereby Institute him 
to one whole Share in the Lands in sd. Susquehannah Purchase in equal pro- 
portion, with the other Proprietors. 

"Eliphalet Dyer ] 

;;jK.)'A Elderkin Committee." 

Sam L Gray 
"Nath'a Wales Jr J 

"Recorded on the Records of the Susquehannah Company. 

"Liber E. Page .364, Sept. 6, 1796. 
"Attest — David Paine, Ass't Clerk." 

Query X. What was the Intrusion Law? 

Answer. In spite of the repeal of the confirming law, the Sus- 
quehanna Company continued their operations. By 1795 the present 
county of Bradford was covered by claims of their grantees, and by 
Pennsylvania warrants, both under and on top of them. Whereupon 
the State passed a new act designed to prevent intrusions on these 
lands, making such punishable by fine or imprisonment. This was 
called the Intrusion Law, and provoked sharp criticism. In 1801 a 
supplementary act was passed forbidding all future intrusions. Yankee 
settlers who came in after the decree of Trenton were now called Con- 
necticut intruders. 

Query XI. What was the Compromise Act, and its consequences? 

Answer. On April 4, 1799, the legislature passed an act entitled 
"An act for offering compensation to the Pennsykmnia claimants of 
certain lands loitliin the seventeen townships." This was the Com- 
promise Act, though commonly called the Compromise Law, rendered 
necessary by the position of the Pennsylvania claimants, who were en- 
tirely out in the cold. By this act all claimants were required to re- 
lease or give u|) their titles to the Commonwealth. That being done, 
the Pennsylvanians were to be paid for theirs in money, and the Con- 
necticut claimants, who were actual settlers before the decree of Tren- 
ton, were to have their land given back to them by the State on making 
a small payment. 

Under this act, commissioners were appointed to ascertain the 
quality, quantity and situation of lands in the Seventeen Townships, 
held by both claimants; to divide the land into four classes and affix 
the value to each class. These commissioners were Thomas Cooper, 
General Steele and William Wilson; their duties were difficult and 
delicate. The valuations were from eight and a quarter cents an acre 
to a sum not exceeding five dollars. 



SUMMARY OF CONTROVERSY 233 

The Connecticut settlers, though at first a Httle slow, finally came 
forward in large numbers and released. The Pennsylvania speculators 
would not release at all, and another act had to be passed in 1802 
which allowed the Yankees a title without being sued by Pennsylvania 
claimants. In 1807 a final act was passed by which Connecticut claim- 
ants were not obliged to have occupied before decree of Trenton, and 
Pennsylvania claimants could release and be paid in money if thev had 
acquired title before Confirming Act. In 1808 all powers of commis- 
sioners were suspended, and they were required to deposit their books, 
records, etc., in the land office of the State. ^ 

Fisher says : 

"Thus after a shameful waste of life, property and money, the legislature 
was compelled to do what it could have done just as well fifteen years before. 
What shall be said of such a history? If ever there was a quarrel unnecessary, 
wasteful and foolish, it was this dispute. Let us hope that something besides 
cruelty, devastation and wrong, resulted from that mistaken persistence of Con- 
necticut, a persistence which attempted to grasp a western empire which the 
lawful decrees of the British Crown had given to another Commonwealth.'" 

Query XII. When did the controversy finally close? 

Answer. It has generally been said that the controversy closed in 
1808, when the commissioners completed their work, according to the 
Compromise Act, yet it is high time for Tioga Point to claim her own. 
The controversy did not come to an cud at JVyoming. or in i8o8, but 
was transferred to Bradford County, where, with the exception of 
bloodshed, it was as bitter as ever, and may be said to have ended only 
with the close of the Welles-Matthewson case in 1827." 

The above quotations from the New York Regents' Boundary 
Report, prove a lamentable ignorance as to the excluded townships. 

Having thus given, as it were, a bird's-eye view of the principal 
points of the controversy, let us reiterate Hoyt's outline; an exact ju- 
dicial view of the whole matter ; as follows : 

"The Royal Charters and Grants to Connecticut and Pennsylvania. 

"The purchases by both colonies from the Indians. 

"The possession taken by both parties. 

"The decree of Trenton. 

"The statutes of Pennsylvania after that decree, and the decisions of the 
courts under them." * =i= * 

As to effects, "it involved the lives of hundreds, was the ruin of thousands, 
and cost the State millions. It wore out one entire generation. It was right- 
eously settled in the end. We can afford now to look at it without bias or bitter 
feeling." * * In conclusion, "I. In the forum of Law, Connecticut, with a 

s For all these laws see Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, \'ol. X\"III. Here find 
Provost Smith's pamphlet, and some minutes of Susquehanna Company, also Governor Wol- 
cott's letter as mentioned, reports of commissioners, and much of interest to the student of 
State or local history. 

" "In 1808 the powers of the Commissioners were suspended, and the case between the 
State of Pennsylvania and the Connecticut settlers of the Seventeen Townships came to an 
end. (Note — Although the number of certified Townships is generally given as seventeen, an 
eighteenth, Athens, was apparently included in the confirmation to tlie settlers.) 

"Certified Township No. 18, Athens, which was confirmed to the Connecticut settlers 
of the Susquehanna Company by the Compensation Act of 1790, was laid out in May, 1786, 
five miles square 'adjoining the State Line,' by John Jenkins, who began 'on the north line 
of the Susqa. Purchase, one mile west of the Tioga Branch,' (Chemung River). This survey 
was made a short time before the present boundary was run, and it is quite apparent from 
the plot of the township that the 'State Line' referred tb was the temporary line laid out 
across the Susquehanna and Chemung valleys by William Maclay in 1784. This township 
was covered by Pennsylvania Lottery warrants laid out by Maclay in 1785." 



234 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

title regular on its face, failed justly. TT. In the forum of Equity, the Connecti- 
cut settlers without other title than the "possessio pedis,' prevailed rightly." 

Author's Note — In considering the continuation of the contro- 
versy, we are confronted with the g;ravest task in this history ; one that 
has seemed for years a veritable mountain, lofty and inaccessible. In 
vain have we sought a companion to assist us, in vain wandered around 
it, seeking- some easy foothold. And now, having at last determined 
to scale its heights unaided, we pause afifrighted. What shall be re- 
corded, what omitted? How present the matter clearly, judicially and 
impartially, and yet avoid the criticisms of our readers? In this we 
have not the able guidance as heretofore of Hoyt and Fisher ; for, cur- 
iously enough, like the Wyoming historiatis of the past, they did not 
follow the storm up the river ; and made little or no mention of the 
Half-Share Settlers, the "Wild Yankee League," the excluded town- 
ships,'^ or, indeed, of the most important of all, the proposed erection 
of an independent state (to be related in a later chapter). They seem, 
too, to be utterly ignorant of the long lawsuit which was the real close 
of the controversy, and which has been called "the most famous law- 
suit ever tried in Pennsylvania, which shook the Commonwealth from 
centre to circumference." 

Wyoming and its many struggles has always so filled the public 
eye that there has been no room left for consideration of the Tioga 
Point region. The Trenton Decree has often been said to have prac- 
tically ended the Pennamite and Yankee controversy. But, when it 
ended at Wyoming, for Athens and her sister townships it had only 
just begun ; for, as stated by a legislator of 1825, "In the sequel the 
opposition receded to the township of Athens, lying around Tioga 
Point." Suit after suit, in local and higher courts, ended in carrying 
the final controversy into the legislature. Wily politicians revived the 
quarrel when temporarily stilled, and local politics, county elections, 
and even State issues were afifected for years ; legislators finally being 
elected for the sole purpose of helping the one or the other side. Peti- 
tions and special acts were in order from 1819 to 1837. The journals 
of the house reveal whole sessions given over to heated discussion as 
to Connecticut and Pennsylvania rights. The final settlement, by a 
special act granting justice to both parties, closed what the newspapers 
of the day called "a long and painful controversy, which every year 
was a bill of heavy expense to the State." 

The reader will easily see that to scale these heights one should be 
learned in the law ; and will therefore be lenient to our shortcomings. 



CHAPTER XIV 

THE PERMANENT SETTLE^IENT OF THE VALLEY 

1783-1787 

Pennsylvania Titles Under Province and State — Tlie Coming of the 
First Settlers — Matthias Hollenhack and "Hollenback's Store" 
Lockhart's Lottery Warrant — The Establishinent of the State 
Line — Effect of the Decree of Trenton — John franklin — The 
Half-Share Men or "Wild Yankees" — Cause of the Settlement of 
Ulster and Athens — The Nezu State Project — llie Intercepted 
Letters — Franklin Imprisoned — The Connecticut Gore 

While much more than the cursory glance at the land controversy, 
as given in the previous chapter, would be required to understand af- 
fairs at Wyoming ; enough has probably been recorded as an intro- 
duction to the history of Tioga Point. If needed for reference, it can 
easily be found elsewhere. Our readers, however, must have an intel- 
ligent idea of Pennsylvania titles, as they differed somewhat from those 
of other States, indeed, the student of the early history of this region 
must seek to fathom many mysteries. And to weave all the separate 
strands into one smooth thread of lucid and chronological history is 
as difficult as would be the task to a modern woman of converting 
tow and flax into a smooth thread by means of the old-fashioned flax 
wheel. 

"Under the proprietary government lands were never regularly put in 
market, nor their sale regulated by law ; but they were disposed of to whom, 
on what terms, in such quantities and such locations as the proprietor or his 
agent thought best ; all the business of the Penn family being conducted accord- 
ing to the old feudal system, the inhabitants being merely tenants, paying quit 
rents to Penn's heirs, and having little interest in the affairs of the province of 
Pennsylvania, unless hired or persuaded to assist the proprietary family."' 

Lender the State, the land jobbers and speculators made the great- 
est confusion ; claim upon claim confronts us ; chamber surveys,- actual 

1 An interesting bit of Penn ways, relating somewhat to this locality, was found among 
the Mss. of the American Philosophical Society. John Penn instructed Stewart, Ogden and 
Jennings to dispose of lands on east branch of the Susquehanna as follows: 100 acres for 
seven years, leased for one ear of Indian corn per annum. At the end of seven years the 
settler to have an option on his land if the Penn's wished to sell. 

- Some idea of troubles arising from so-called chamber surveys (made on paper without 
examination of property) may be gleaned from a letter found among papers of the late Judge 
Ilerrick, written by a client holding title to land near Wysox. The whole group of letters 
from father and son were really pitiful. 

William Buckley of Philadelphia, to Judge Herrick, 1816. (Buckley was the Pennsyl- 
vania claimant.) 

"I know not how to reconcile the principles on which the citizens, I was going to say, 
(ire robbed of their property, for it seems an established one that it is wrested from them in 
every shape that advantage can be taken of them. I have pd. Taxes on those lands for many 
years, also the State purchase money; have obtained Patents, and complied with all the requi- 
sitions of the Laws to the best of my Knowledge. How are these things reconcilable on the 
rules of common equity? And I am now stripped of them by Persons that perhaps never pd. 
a cent Tax, or the state any consideration. The township or county receive taxes from me 
for Lands that I am not admitted to possess or dispose of. I am at times ready to exclaim 

235 



23(5 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

surveys, deeds poll, titles under the Proprietaries, the new purchase, 
the State and the Connecticut claim. Settling rights, possessory rights, 
half-share rights, ejectments, etc. One's brain reels; yet it is con- 
solatory to be told by an able lawyer of the early lawsuits in Piradford 
County alone, when there were often as many as six overlajiping 
claims, and. as he puts it, "Cords of wood piled up in the court room" ; 
for often the claims could only be decided by the blazed tree, and the 
year of actual survey by the consecutive rings. 

The fertile valleys of the upper Susquehanna were early looked 
upon by greedy eyes of others than the Connecticut settlers, and lands 
were carelessly disix)sed of here as elsewhere. 

According to some lists in possession of the Historical Society of 
Pennsylvania, the Penns made some grants of land under the original 
deed of pre-emption of 173G. One is specially noted of November, 
1743, to Jno. Anderson, possibly the "honest Quaker trader," of later 
date. Other lands on and near "the Sasquahannah" were granted at 
same date. After the ratification of the pre-emption deed, the Penns 
advertised that they would receive applications for land on the east 
side of the Susquehannah in 1765, office to be open June 1, although 
the first orders of survey seem to have been those of 17(59. 

Edward Herrick, Jr., thus treats of the early surveys hereabouts 
(see Craft's "History of Bradford County," p. 271) : 

"That part of the township of Athens lying east of the Susquehanna river 
was emhraced in the purchase from Indians hy Proprietaries, at the Fort Stan- 
wix treaty of 176S. In the year 1773 Charles Stewart.^ deputy surveyor of the 
State, made surveys and laid warrants for the lands in that purchase. There 
were three warrants laid in Athens, embracing all the level lands directly east 
of the village; to wit, Jacob Whetmore of ?>Qoh acres. No. 25; John Stover of 
322i^ acres, No. 1790; and David Trisler of 280| acres. No. 16. The title to these 
three warrants subsequently passed into Jos. Wharton of Philadelphia, from 
whom the settlers derived their title when it became necessary to purchase the 
Pennsylvania title in order to retain their lands." 

So much for Mr. Herrick's research. Access has recently been 
given the author to a quaint old Indian basket, in which were hidden 
many bits of history practically undisturbed for fifty years or more. 
Among the old papers therein was "an order of survey issued to John 
Lukens, Surveyor-General, by the Proprietarys of Pennsylvania," bear- 
ing date 3d April, 17(59, No. 25, for "a certain tract of land situate on 
the South East side of the North East Branch of the Susquehanna, 
about two miles above the mouth of the Tihogo in Northumberland 

O Tenipora, O Mores. I prefer compromise to litigation, but, if impossible / am determined 
of any Redress to be had. And I am spared with life I will seek Justice. I want nothing 
farther." (The above was written on hearing that arbitrators had decided in favor of Con- 
necticut settlers.) In this case there iiroved to be no actual survey, and the chamber survey 
incorrect, one corner extending thirty rods into the river. 

''After the purchase of 17(iS, which embraced the eastern portion of the State, Charles 
Stewart was the first deputy, being appointed in March, 1769, for that part of the purchase 
w-est of the dividing ridge between the l^elaware and Susciuehanna. He it was who nnade the 
detached surveys in the Wappasening Valley surrounding Nichols before the Revolution. 

In some early lawsuits actual survey in this locality was doubted. But the diaries of 
the Moravian missionaries of Wyalusing and Sheshe(]uin (see Craft note books) tell of the 
coming of surveyors to Sheshequin May 10, 17G9, mentioning Stewart by name, as coming 
with John Anderson and "three of their surveyors." This party is also mentioned as at Wyo- 
ming" in some old accounts in collections of Historical Society of Pennsylvania. May 12, 
1771, Ettwein again mentions a surveyor at Sheshequin. It has generally been said that the 
first surveys were made in 1772. 



THE FIRST SETTLER 237 

County." While there are several similar orders of survey in the Her- 
rick collection in Tioga Point Museum, there are none but this that 
differ from his description. For while Stover's and Trisler's tracts did 
pass to Joseph Wharton, it was not so with Whetmore's, or as he signs 
himself, Jacob Witmore of Lancaster County. There is no evidence 
that he was ever in this locality ; but of his tract, now known as the 
Ovenshire farm, there is a complete chain of conveyances to the pres- 
ent owner, all found in the old Indian basket: first the order of survey 
of 1769 ; next a deed to Matthias Slough of Lancaster, consideration 
fo, date March, 1780. Nothing is known of Slough except that only 
six days later he deeds the tract to William Patterson of Cumberland 
County, consideration os., lawful money of Pennsylvania. Here we 
will make a break in the chain to introduce the first settler on this tract. 

The first, and often the most disputed point in the history of a local- 
ity, is who was the first settler, and what the date of his settlement ? 
While family traditions make history for the members of that family, 
it is for the historian to bring to notice documentary records, always 
indisputable evidence. 

In May, 1783, Captain Simon Spalding"* came to settle on the 
fertile flats now known as Sheshequin, a name originally belonging to 
the old Indian town "Tschetschequinmink," west of the river. These 
were unusual plains where the Sullivan land forces had encamped in 
1779, with Capt. Spalding in command of a company, at which time he 
resolved to return. He reported the "Indian grass" as high as his head 
when he sat on horseback. Naturally, this attractive location was 
covered by Penn grants, to which some of the present owners trace 
their titles. Some occupants held on a possessory right. But Spald- 
ing's comipanions were all Connecticut settlers, and most of them pur- 
chased their titles under the final grant of old Ulster. They were, 
Joseph Kinney,'^ Benjamin Cole, Hugh Forseman, Thomas Baldwin, 

■* Capt. Simon Spalding (militia title. General) was the son of Simon Spalding and Anne 
Billings of Plainfield, Connecticut; born January 16, 1742; married Ruth Shepard April 15, 
1701; died January 24, 1814. His father, Simon, was son of Edward, son of John, son of 
Kdward, who came from England about 1630 and settled at Braintrim, Massachusetts. Simon 
Spalding and wife were early settlers in Wyoming \'alley. In 177.5 he had a grant from the 
Susquehanna Company of lands at Standing Stone, on which he lived for a time, but was 
forced to return to Wyoming by the outbreak of the Revolution. He immediately enlisted in 
Ransom's company, being made Second Lieutenant; by promotion became Captain of a com- 
pany, seeing active service at Germantown, Brandywine, Mud Fort and other places; accom- 
panied the Sullivan expedition, and finally served in the First Regiment, Connecticut Line, 
and continued in service until January 1, 178.3, being an unusually brave and faithful soldier. 
It is said justice has not been done to him as to his service; that the Revolutionary victory 
at Bound Brook was really due to him, although the honor went to a superior officer. At 
the time of the Wyoming massacre he commanded the forces that were hastening to the rescue 
from the main army, when they met the fleeing inhabitants, and knew they were too late. 
The same year he came to Sheshequin, probably having decided when the army was encamped 
there that it was preferable to Standing Stone. He was a large man, of imposing and pleas- 
ing appearance, very simple in his tastes, and scornful of any pretensions of his neighbors. 
He had seven children, and like Joseph Kinney, his descendants have helped largely to people 
the valley. General Spalding was a member of the Connecticut Society of the Cincinnati; 
represented Luzerne County in the legislature, and was always actively concerned in the wel- 
fare of the valley and the State. There is no existing portrait. His sword and desk are in 
Tioga Point Museum. 

Additional information may be found in '"Early Times," and in the "Spalding Gene- 
alogy." 

^ Joseph Kinney was born about 1755, of Scotch-Irish parentage, at Enfield, Connecti- 
cut. (Have no record of ancestry.) Joined the patriot army when about twenty, was first 
engaged in battle of Dorchester Heights. At the battle of Long Island, later, was wounded 
and captured and confined for three months in the old Jersey prison ship; when exchanged, 
as soon as possible he rejoined the army and was in the battle resulting in surrender of Bur- 
goyne. He emigrated to Wyoming in 1778. In 1781 married Sarah, eldest daughter of Simon 



238 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Stephen Fuller and his sons. This teas the first permanent settlement 
in this 7'aUey. Thomas Parks,*"' who located at the State Line, is said 
to have come with this party. According to Joseph Kinney's own de- 
position some years later, he came in the Fall of 1783, having- probably 
returned for his family. He deposes: "A Mr. Patterson came up with 
us, and settled below the land in dispute." (Satterlee's and Matthew- 
son's.) Here, then, is noted the first settler in present Athens Toztm- 




Patterson's Location 

ship, Benjamin Patterson ;' and curiously enough his choice was on 
the land already owned by William Patterson. There was no known 
relationship or even acquaintance between these men. William was a 
resident of Cumberland County, where he died this same year, 1783 ; 

Spalding, and came with that family to Sheshequin, where he lived until his death in 1841. 
At W^yoming he was a school teacher, but engaged in agriculture in his new home, and built 
the second frame house in the valley. Probably his character is best portrayed in the words 
of Timothy Pickering, who said he was "a man of superior discernment, of mind improved 
and still improving; because he is inquisitive, has a taste for reading and a thirst for knowl- 
edge." Pickering, therefore, recommended his appointment as Judge of Common Pleas in 
1791 under the new constitution. However, Joseph Kinney was very domestic, and refused 
political positions. He raised ten children, having, therefore, a numerous progeny in the 
valley, whose talents, experiences and experiments would easily fill a volume. 

His eldest son, Simon Kinney, was an able lawyer, and, unlike his father, was one of 
the most active politicians in the county of his time; a man of strong prejudices but unques- 
tioned ability, who in his later life was identified with the founding of Illinois. 

There is no more thrilling story of adventure than that of Simon's son, the dashing 
Henry Lawrence Kinney, who went out with a colony of Sheshequinites to explore the West; 
who founded Corpus Christi, Texas; served in the Mexican War, during which he made a for- 
tune, subsequently spent on further expeditions into Central America; became concerned 
in Mexican rebellions, and was killed at Monterey while engaged in bold deeds. His life story 
should be written for the boys of the valley. In his party was one of the Marshalls of She- 
shequin, who pushed on to California, and was supposed to be the same Marshall who first 
discovered gold there. 

"Thomas Park, born 1749, son of Josiah Park of -; , Connecticut, was of 

English descent. The family were early settlers at Wyoming, and Thomas was very active 
in the Revolution, and took part in Sullivan's campaign. He made his pitch near the State 
I,ine, embraced in .Athens grant, and afterwards was obliged to buy Pennsylvania title of 
Le Ray de Chaumoiit. He married, in 1782, Abigail, daughter of .\braham Nesbit, one of the 
original proprietors of old .\thens. His father came to Athens Township with him. Thomas 
Park had nine children, who grew to maturity, most of whose descendants are living in the 
vicinity, lie is called the first settler in Litchfield. He was a brave and worthy man, and 
became a prosperous farmer. 

' Patterson's life and lineage was carefully traced by the well known genealogist, D. 
W. Patterson, at the request of Edward Herrick, Jr. Born in Connecticut, he later lived at 
Piermont, New York. He served in the Revolution, and is said to have been in Sullivan's 
army. Previous to his settlement at Athens he lived for a time at New Lebanon, New York. 
From Athens he went to Chenango Point, thence to Cincinnati, thence to New Madrid, 
Missouri, and died in Kentucky about 1845. If not an Indian trader, he surely was a rover. 
His sister was the grandmother of the late Samuel J. Tilden. 



BENJAMIN PATTERSON— JACOB SNELL 239 

Benjamin was born at Stratford, Connecticut. January 15, 1752, 
though not ascertained to be a Connecticut settler. He is said to have 
been an Indian trader. He built his cabin on the river flats of the 
present Ovenshire farm, opposite the lower end of the island, as shown 
by the black cross in accompanying picture (taken from the high 
ground south of present home of Airs. Celestia Ovenshire). Further 
evidence of his early settlement is given in the narrative of Elisha For- 
sythe* — printed in the Owego Sf. Nicholas of 1851:, p. 389. Forsythe 
came up the river in 1783 and 

"Found at Tioga Point but one white man by the name of Patterson, and 
no others between that place and Choconut."' 

Patterson is supposed to have staid only two years, but there is 
record of his residence in 1788 ; although in 1785 he sold his posses- 
sory right to Robert McElhoe,^ who held undisputed possession until 
1805, when he sold to David Paine, and Paine to Samuel Ovenshire,^" 
whose grandson John is the present owner. Samuel Ovenshire ob- 
tained a clear title by purchasing also the claim of the heirs of William 
Patterson. In the allotment of Athens Waterman Baldwin had Pat- 
terson's location. This Connecticut right Patterson bought oi Baldwin 
in 1788, perhaps for McElhoe. 

In the early Spring of 1781 Jacob Snell and family poled up the 
river, coming from Stroudsburg. IVhilc there is no corroborative 
record, it is an undisputed fact that the Snclls zvere the Urst permanent 
settlers in the to^imship, the family contimiing in the valley to present 
date. The journey was made in a canoe, containing the family and 
their belongings, which included a sheep or two and some poultry. 
The oldest living descendant gives their first location as a log cabin, 

* Elisha was the son of Jonathan Forsythe, who lived below Shawnee, and on account 
of Pennaniite troubles moved up the river in 1783 with Rudolph Fox, who had taken refuge 
in Wyoming during the war. After staying awhile at Towanda, they poled up the river to 
Choconut, now Union, New York. Elisha was a boy, but later in life related their story to 
Judge Avery of Owego, a copy of which is in the Craft Collection in the Tioga Point Museum. 
On their way up the river, with the exception of Patterson, they saw only Indians. They 
furnished provisions to Patterson. The Forsythes leased land at Choconut of the Indians, 
giving seven barrels of corn a year for rent. They seem to have come before Draper or Mc- 
]\Iaster. Elisha became a carpenter, and built the first ark floated on the upper Susquehanna. 
He said_ of this, "Judge Ashbel Welles had seen one, and he chalked it out and explained it 
to me; it was built for Judge Welles, who ran wheat in it down the river."' 

^ Nothing whatever is known of McEIhoe, except from the deeds. That given by him 
to Paine describes the property as that "which I hold by virtue of a deed from Benjamin 
Patterson 7. Nov 1785 who held under Commonwealth as well as in virtue of having actual 
and legal possession." 

1" Samuel Ovenshire was the son or grandson of William Ovenshire and Nancy Speed, 
both English people. There is a romantic and probably true story that Nancy was of a 
wealthy or noble family, and becoming enamored of William (sometimes called O'Turne), 
whose station was beneath her. Her family objecting, she escaped by a window, and having 
no means came as a "redemptioner," that is sold her work or time after arrival to secure 
her passage. Arriving in Philadelphia, on the same vessel with her lover, after working out 
her time, they were married by an Episcopal clergyman, the record having been found not 
many years ago by Edward Ilerrick. Jr. Eventually they came to Sheshequin. The name 
William Ovenshire is found in the Hollenback account books of early date, and Widow Oven- 
shire on the Tioga tax list of 1796. Samuel was born in Sheshequin April 27, 1791. After 
the fashion of the day, his widowed mother bound him to Col. Franklin. When of age he 
purchased of McElhoe the farm adjoining Franklin's, and in 1817 he married Sarah, daughter 
of Stephen Bidlack. 

A few years later he built the home now occupied by Mrs. Celestia Morley Ovenshire, 
the wife of Samuel Ovenshire, Jr. Samuel and Sarah had six children who grew to matur- 
ity. Samuel, Jr., had but one son, John Ovenshire, who resides on the homestead farm to- 
day. There are many Ovenshire descendants in the valley. 

In reality there were four cr five claims or titles to this land and adjoining tracts; 
Witmore, Stover and Trisler's claim passed to Joseph Wharton, yet some years later the pat- 
ent granted to Leray de Chainnont was for lands overlapping these, on a warrant to Peter 
Clinton and Andrew Packer, from Stover, Trisler and Whitmore. 



240 



OLD TIOGA POIXT AND EARLY ATHEXS 



not far north of Kingsbcry farm above SJicshcqnin. built probably by 
some earlv hunter. The exact date of their permanent location is not 
known, but its position was west of the Chemung. Jacob Snell had no 
claim, but. like many pioneers, hoped to acquire one by possession. 
Jenkins' survey makes no mention of Snell. The first record found 
is in an old Connecticut deed, undated, of a lot south of the present 
Tvler property, which is described as 

"Butting westerly on the shemong or tiogo branch, near to or at a certain 
place called Snell's foard." 

The lot. Xo. 53. second division, is opposite the Snell's permanent 
location, which was between the old tannery site and the railroad bridge. 
Some extracts are here given from the published sketches of Mrs. 
Jennie F. Snell concerning the family history : 

■•Jacob Snell was the son of Joseph (Snell Schnell or Cornell) who emi- 
grated from Germany to Lancaster Pa. where he married a French wife, and 
removed to Easton or vicinir\-. ( Xo dates given.) Jacob came up the river in 
a boat with his wife and five children and camped out on the river flats just 
below the narrows. There were no white families near, they soon built a log 
cabin." 

In the same sketch ^Nlrs. Snell says, "across the river a white man, 
Andreas Budd. had a cabin." Andreas Budd was a German supposed 
to have come in 17S3, and who remained until 1795. He built the 
first log house after Secord's on the Point. It was on the river bank 
©n the south end of the present Maurice property. It was said he was 
brought by Matthias Hollenback. 

The Snells found a few Indian families on the Point and scattered 
alono- the river bank above them, probably Sapoonies or Tuteloes. They 

were friendly however, especially 
the squaws, who were frankly 
curious as to the belongings of 
the family, even the clothing. 
They were very covetous of the 
cooking utensils, whose use they 
imderstood. One squaw in par- 
ticular frequently borrowed an 
iron pot. which, with other cum- 
bersome utensils, was kept on a 
bench outside the cabin. One 
day she was told it could not be 
spared, but when a little later 
Mrs. Snell wished to use it, the 
kettle was missing. The squaw 
was rapidly paddling her canoe 
across the river, but when she 
saw Mrs. Snell she stood up. with 
the kettle in her hand, and called 
gleefully. "^Me pottie, me pottie.'' 
This clever trick so amused the 
owner, that, for harmony's sake, 
the coveted pot was left in the 
squaw's possession. 





'^'^ d'^uA 



HOLLEXBACK'S STORE 241 

Abraham Snell, generally known as 'SLajor Snell, was born July 5, 
178-i, the first z\.'liitc child known to have been horn in Athens tozcn- 
ship. The accompanying portrait, taken very late in life, seems to be 
the only one in existence. While their location was across the river, 
the Snells have generally been called the first settlers at Tioga Point. 
On the arrival of the Connecticut people Jacob Snell knew his title 
was in danger, and was about to go to Harrisburg to confirm it, when 
he died. The location was lot Xo. IS in Connecticut township, allotted 
to Oliver Bigelow, whose claim was sold or transferred to Jacob Snell's 
heirs. His children were John, Abraham. Jacob, Daniel and Henry; 
who, w'ith all their descendants, have lived and died in this vicinity. 
A few years after Jacob's death, his widow married Joseph Spalding 
and had two children, Simon and Celestia. who have many descendants. 

Matthias Hollenback and "Hollenhack's Store." 

The pioneers at Tioga Point had not the trouble incident to new 
locations, because of Matthias Hollenback and his store, already estab- 
lished. 

Mr. Hollenback was a man of great courage and sagacity ; his 
active Revolutionary service and keen observation had made him famiil- 
iar with the coimtry, and his boldness had made the Indians admire 
him. He was, therefore, well prepared for the cross-country trips 
which gave him the reputation of establishing the route from Wyo- 
ming to X'iagara ; and became adept at dealing with the Indians. His 
biographer says of him : 

"Matthias Hollenback was born Feb. 17, 17.52. at or near Jonestown in 
Lebanon county, Pa., the second son of John Hollenback. whose father George 
Hollenbach came to Philadelphia from Wurtemberg. Germany, about the j'ear 
1717, and died on his farm in Montgomery county in 1736. John removed about 
1745 to Lebanon (then Lancaster) county, and there reared his family; his wife 
being Eleanor Jones. It will thus be seen that his son Matthias was of mingled 
Welsh and German stock. Matthias left his birthplace in 1769. and came to Wj'O- 
ming Valle}' to seek his fortune as a settler under the Connecticut claim : his 
sole outfit being a horse and saddle, and fifty dollars ; these with six weeks of 
country-school education, and that wonderful measure of energ\-, fortitude and 
common-sense with which nature had endowed him. constituted the working 
capital, which during a business life of sixty ^-ears he turned to such good ac- 
count. He at once engaged in trade ; and at the outbreak of the Revolutionary 
War had made substantial progress. In 1776 he was commissioned by Congress 
an Ensign in one of the independent Wj-oming companies raised for home de- 
fence ; but as these troops were almost immediateh- ordered to report for duty 
in the Continental army. Hollenback saw service for eighteen months under 
Washington in the campaigns of 1776 and 1777. His first engagement seems to 
have been under Gen. Dickinson at ^Millstone. X. J., Jan. 20. 1777. where his 
conduct is said to have been daring and courageous in the extreme. Miner sa3-s 
the Wyoming companies were also at Bound Brook, at Brandywine. at German- 
town and Mud Fort : that they fought at Trenton and Princeton seems im- 
probable. 

"'When danger to Wyoming became imminent." saj-s Miner, 'he (Hollen- 
back) returned, not to avoid, but meet danger." As lieutenant in the company 
of Capt. Dethick Hewitt, he was one of the little band that marched out to bat- 
tle and defeat on the .3d of July. 177S. Says Miner (History of Wyoming), 
'I have heard several say. who saw him there, and afterwards recognized him in 
the battle, that a braver soldier never marched out to meet an enemy.' He him- 
self says, "We engaged the British part of the enemy's army, and as I supposed, 



242 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

were beating them. The first I knew, the militia on the left broke and gave way 
* * * I ran back of the smoke which settled down upon us on the right, and 
discovered our people all in confusion on the left ; I informed Capt. Hewitt, and 
that he must order a retreat, which he did.f * * * and we fled every way 
all in confusion, to make the best we could to save our lives.' Ilollenback's 
escape was by way of the river, near Monockonock Island. As he was swim- 
ming the river, in the edge of evening, many sliots were fired at him. but he 
escaped without injury. Arriving at the Wilkes-Barre fort, he reported the 
issue of the day, and at once mounted and hastened to meet Capt. Simon Spald- 




ing, who was known to be on tlie way — too late — to the assistance of the set- 
tlers, with the remnant of the Wyoming companies. That officer declining to 
risk entry into the valley (this was on July 4th), then in possession of a power- 
ful and victorious enemy, Hollenback loaded his horse with supplies, from 
Spalding's commissariat, and devoted himself to the succor of the fugitives, old 
men, women and children, who were fleeing through the wilderness, terror- 



t Compare this with Miner's pretty account (History of Wyoming, p. 224) of the way 
in which the Accusing Angel blotted out with a tear the record of this brave Captain's pro- 
fanity! The above account is copied directly from a statement in Matthias Hollenback's own 
hand, dated December 2G, 1820. 



HOLLENBACK'S STORE 243 

stricken, bereaved and destitute, in search of safety to the eastward. It may 
well be believed that his visits were hailed by those whom he thus aided and 
encouraged, as those of an angel of mercy. 

"When affairs at Wyoming had become tranquil, Hollenback again engaged 
in business, proceeding with redoubled energy to establish that chain of trading- 
posts which were the pioneers of trade in the valley of the upper Susquehanna. 
As an illustration of this enterprising spirit, on the conclusion of peace he col- 
lected a drove of beef-cattle, and drove them across the state of New York to 
Niagara, for sale to the British garrison in Canada. So slow were the tidings 
of peace toward the distant frontier, that he was held a prisoner by the British 
for some weeks before the official news caused his release, enabling a profitable 
disposition of his cattle, which were still on the American side. His first trading 
outposts were those of Newtown and Tioga Point, established in 1783. The 
great ramifications of his business brought him in touch with the Indians of the 
Si.x Nations, so that his attendance was necessary at some of the most important 
treaties, among them the second of Fort Stanwix in 1784, and that with Oliver 
Phelps at Buffalo Creek in 1788. Thus he became acquainted with Col. John 
Butler, Joseph Brant. Red Jacket, and other chiefs ; in later years Red Jacket 
paid him a friendly visit while on his way to Philadelphia for an interview with 
the 'Great Father.' 

"It will be seen that the trading posts at Newtown and Tioga Point were 
in full action before the laying out of Athens under the Connecticut survey, and 
before any permanent settlement there by the Connecticut men. (For many 
years the 'Point' was known far and near as "Hollenback's Store.") In view 
of these facts, and of the prominence of Hollenback in all its early history, 
although he never made it a permanent residence, he may well be considered 
as first among the 'makers of Athens." 

"Judge Hollenback was of the middle stature, and slender build, but with 
a muscular and vigorous frame, capable of the extremes of exertion and ex- 
posure. In all seasons and every kind of weather, he did not spare himself, 
nor allow his business to suffer from neglect. His earnings were generally 
invested in real estate ; so that at his death he was one of the largest landholders 
in northeastern Pennsylvania. His first commission in civil life was as Justice 
of the Peace, signed by Benjamin Franklin, May 11, 1787; and under the state 
constitution, he was commissioned by Gov. Mifflin as Associate Judge, August 
17, 1791 : a position which he filled with honor and esteem for thirty-eight years. 

"Though never in the least a politician. Judge Hollenback generally acted 
with the Democratic party; his last vote being cast for President Jackson in 
November, 1828, but three months before his own death. The ballot was taken 
from his hands as he sat in his carriage, the election board coming to the door 
for the purpose ; the incident prompting vigorous applause from the bystanders 
of his own political faith. He died Februar\' IS, 1829, aged seventy-seven years 
and one day." 

It has generally been said that the Tioga and Newtown stores 
were opened in 1783 as trading posts with the Indians, Mr. Hollenback 
being employed by the Government. The greater part of his books 
and papers have been preserved and have been carefully examined by 
the writer, to whom they seem unequaled in minute and careful details, 
revealing the secret of his success. There is such a mass of material 
about this one enterprise, that a whole volume might be written on 
the first business z'eiitiire at l^ioga Point: some detail, therefore, 
seems pardonable. While the books of his main store in W'ilkes- 
Barre run back to IT 74, having accounts with Queen Esther, and 
many entries concerning the outposts, the search was vain for cor- 
roboration of the early date for Tioga. But just as we were going 
to press some small memoranda, in Matthias Hollenback's own hand, 
on bits of paper, came to light, dated April 17, 17S4 : "The amount 
and 7ceight of venison sent to Wyoming from Tioga Store." This is 



244 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

pretty sure evidence that the store was opened in 1783 ; and as all the 
first invoices are of white men's goods, mostly food supplies and to- 
bacco, it seems justifiable to say that Hollenback established this store at 
the time when William McClay and others were appointed to explore 
the Susquehanna, fix the boundary line, etc. The names mentioned in 
the memoranda are Benjamin Cole, Abel Yarrint^ton, Capt. Spalding 
(Sheshequin, 1783), Samuel Cole, "Rosel Franklin" (Wysox). It is 
quite possible that the store was also to accommodate the group of 
settlers at Sheshequin who came in the spring and fall of 1783. The 
memorandum noted "128 lb. dry venison ham — 253 fresh ditto, 135 
Corned Ditto, first cost 3d per lb." It is evident that Hollenback was 
alone in the venture at Tioga, that J. Hageman was his partner at 
Wyoming and Jacob Weiss at Newtown. The earliest invoice found 
of goods sent up the river, 24th November, 1783, is labelled "An ac- 
count of goods received for Tioga." But the first mention of the 
store is in the orders on Mr. Hollenback's partner in the Wyoming 
store : 

"Newtown June ?, 178.) Sir : please to pay to Steaphen Willcocks one 
pound thirteen shillings & Six pence for 13 Days Boating for the use of Tioga 
Store & charge the Same to Weiss & Hollenback per order — this is pensilvania 
money, etc. "Weiss and Hollenback." 

"To Mr John Hageman" 

"Sir pleas to let Mr Jones have one pound twelve Shilling & Six pence 
for ]3 days work in Boating to Tyoga & charge it to weiss & Hollenback — In 
goods & you'l oblige yours — M — Hollenback Tyoga Decbr. 27th 1785 — 
"To Mr J. Hageman — Wyoming." 

Two other accounts have been found for this year, viz. : "July 23, goods 
were sent to Tioga 'and a Barrel of flower for frate.' " 

"Deer. 8 1785 Sugar, Salt Pork, Rum, Bread, etc., for the use of the Ser- 
vants at Tioga." 

The goods were "pushed" up the river in canoes or Durham boats, 
and generally came from the store at Wilkes-Barre, unless, as in case 
of large consignments, they were conveyed by wagon from Philadelphia 
to Middletown, and then transferred to the boats. Even when con- 
signed to Newtown, they seem to have been generally unloaded at 
Tioga Point, the reason for which is not known, but that the Indians 
from below always landed here on the Susquehanna side, making a 
portage. Many were the vicissitudes of transportation. The goods 
were sometimes badly damaged by storms or by the splashing of 
careless boatmen. The river would suddenly fall or freeze, when at 
various points they had to be reloaded in wagons or sleighs, as the 
case might be. Sometimes a much needed small order w'as brought 
from Wilkes-Barre by the post rider. But doubtless the most trying 
journey was made by John Hollenback, who, starting in charge of 
several sleds, found the roads so icy that it was thought best to take 
to the frozen river, the sleds in this instance having to- be let down 
the bank with care by tying them to saplings which bent, making the 
descent safely, but with much anxiety to the young man in charge. 

Hollenback's first location at Tioga Point could not have been, 
as sometimes stated, in a building of Hepbtu-n's or Alexander's, as 
these men were not at Tioga Point until later. The cabin of Andreas 



LOCATION OF HOLLEXBACK'S STORE 



245 



Buck! may have been built or used by Hollenback, but, as has been 
already shown, he purchased John Secord's location, on which in 1778 
were "suitable buildings." As there is no reason to believe these build- 
ings were destroyed by either Hartley or Sullivan, doubtless they were 
occupied by Matthias Hollenback. 

Hollenback's store then probably was always located on the pres- 
ent Hunsiker property, just south of the Museum-Library. And 
Secord's buildings were quite likely the small house and log stable 
reported in 1805 to be rotting down and nearly gone. The old well, 
still in use, was said by Mr. Hollenback's family to have been dug 
before the Revolution, probably by Secord. The correspondence with 
Lockhart also indicates that Hollenback was established prior to 1785, 
and either in that or the following year he built the well-known house 
and store on the northeast corner oi the lot, around which clustered 
the first houses of the settlers. "Hollenback's Store" was long the 
address on letters; and Mrs. Perkins says, "the town itself was known 
more by that name than any other." This building, which the builder 
called "a small tavern," was a two-story structure of hewn logs, facing 
the north, with greatest length east and west. The store or tavern 
room occupied the whole south side, a door from Main Street opening 
into a dividing hall, and a north door into the living rooms. One large 
chimney in the center, built of rough stone, furnished corner fireplaces 
for each room. The house seems 
to have been well furnished by Mr. 
Hollenback ; although, having once 
established the business, he did 
not make any continued stay at 
his trading posts, having a clerk, 
partner, agent or apprentice as oc- 
casion warranted, both here and 
at Newtown. However, he or 
some member of his family fre- 
quently spent some time at Tioga 
Point, keeping a watchful eye on 
the business, and the household 
goods. So observant was he that 
even a broken window glass or 
a missing weight or pair of and- 
irons was at once noted and entered 
in memoranda. The first clerks 
at both Tioga Point and Newtown 
were Daniel ]\IcDowelP^ and John 
Shepard^- ; the former 
probably chosen because 
of his familiarity with 
the country and popu- 
larity with the Indians 

^1 Daniel McDowell, later one of the first settlers at Chemung, was the son of John Mc- 
Dowell, said by some to be a Cameronian Scotchman, and by others a Scotcli-Irishmaii, 
whose home at Stroudsburg w'as always a veritable haven to the Connecticut settlers in their 
various flights from Wyoming. Indeed, it is a inatter of record that McDowell's love for the 




^^^^ ;^^^^^ 






346 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

as well as witli the Connecticut settlers. Probably the first white 
customers were the commissioners who were delegated at the treaties 
of 178-i-5 to deal with the Indians (see Chap. X), or William Maclay 
and his companions, sent to explore the upper Suscjuehanna, and 
later to lay out the lottery warrants. It is known that the Boun- 
dary Commissioners of 178G-7 made their headquarters at Tioga Point. 
And it will also be seen later that many Connecticut men were in the 
vicinity. While it has always been understood that both his stores 
were started as Indian trading posts, all the first invoices were made' 
up of white men's goods, liquor and salt pork. There is, however, one 
list of 1784 or 1785 (date illegible) that was probably for the Indians. 
(See Chap. X.) 

Yankees was so well known that they were on one occasion compelled by the Pennamites to 
choose another route. It seems quite possible that the Snells were friends of the McDowells, 
and by them directed to their new home; for Daniel was always a warm friend of the Snell 
family, and stories of his bravery and agility have been handed down by them to present 
generation, many of which are corroborated by printed records. Daniel early espoused the 
cause of the colonies, and became a Captain in Revolutionary .\rmy. About 1782, being cap- 
tured at Shawnee by Indians, he was taken over this route to Niagara. He was particularly 
impressed with the beauty of the Chemung N'alley, then in the glory of autumnal foliage, and 
resolved, if he were spared, to settle there. He had ample opportunity to observe the scenery, 
for, according to the story still told by Isaac Snell, and repeated by Thomas Baldwin and 
others, the inhuman savages fastened him to the ground, near his future home on the ridge 
above Chemung village, close to a spring not twenty rods from present Erie station. His 
tormentors placed a forked stick across his neck, and two or three on each arm and leg. TliTs, 
like running the gauntlet was an e.xperimental torture, which his muscular frame, great agility 
and superhuman bravery helped him to endure, and led his captors to name him "Keto" (the 
iron man). He was finally conveyed to Canada, where after being prisoner for some months, 
he was exchanged for blankets by some white men, set free and worked his way home by 
Quebec and a sailing vessel for New York. 

After testing his bravery, the Indians tried his agility by proposing a foot race from 
Newtown to Teaoga and back, about twenty miles each way. It was bravely run and won! 
The Indian kept ahead until they came to a foot log thrown across Cole's Creek. Here for- 
tune favored "Keto." The moccasin thongs of the Indian became loosened, caught on a pro- 
jecting twig, anij threw him into the water. When he came in behind he was muttering, "Me 
bad luck." Such true tales of the trials, courage and persistence of the pioneers are, indeed, 
stranger than fiction. 

^" John Shepard, clerk, Indian trader, taverner, miller, merchant and landowner, was 
one of the most prominent pioneers of the valley, whose descendants are still among us. His 
life and character are fully pictured in "Early Times," and are already well known. Born in 
Plainfield, Connecticut, April 17, 1765, he came thence to Sheshe<iuin in 1784 with his uncle, 
Simon Spalding, and soon after, in his own words, "engaged as Clerk for Weiss and Hollen- 
back in the Indian country at Newtown." .\fter some experimental trading on his own ac- 
count in the lake country, he returned to Tioga Point and clerked in HoUenback's store in 
1787. He twice saved Matthias HoUenback's life when threatened by a wily redskin. In 1788, 
having accumulated by his industry and enterprise some capital, he purchased the mills of 
Prince Bryant on Cayuta Creek, afterwards called Shepard's, as was also the little settlement 
clustered around the mills. He soon became prosperous, as these were the only mills of any 
size in the valley, and made large purchases of land and improved them. According to the 
tax list of 1796 he was then the most extensive landowner in the township. He married .\nna, 
daughter of Obadiah Gore of Sheshequin, and built a large house still standing opposite Elm 
Cottage. Their children were Prentice, who died young; Isaac, who lived and died near his 
birthplace; Aliami, who married Jesse Floyd of Long Island; .Amanda, who married Charles 
Hopkins; Julia .\nna, well known as the gifted writer, who married George A. Perkins; Job, 
who married .Abigail Ellsworth, and lived and died in Elm Cottage at Milltown, and Phoebe, 
who married John Hepburn. Mrs. .\nna Shepard died in 18(t5, and in 1811 he married a sec- 
ond wife, Hawkins of Long Island. Their children were Ruth, who married Dr. A. 

H. Woodworth; Letty, who died unmarried; John and Joseph, who removed to California, and 
Mary, who married Silas Kordham, and spent most of her life in her father's second home- 
stead, built near the Susciuehanna River in 1817. Isaac P. Shepard, son of Charles H., son of 
Isaac, son of John, is now the only descendant of the name in this locality. 



PRICES OF GOODS AND PELTRY 



247 



Some idea of the goods and prices may be obtained from the fol- 
lowing lists, copied many years ago from some old account books, then 
in the possession of the late Harrison Wright : 



Retail Price List at Holloihack's Store, 1787-8. 



Almanacs per doz. G/ — 

" pocket. . " ■'>/— 

Baize per yd. 2/6 

Black Stroud per yd. 12/ — 

" Gauze " 5/ — 

Beef salt per lb. (5 d 

Bacon " 1/3 

Beaver spears each 4 d 

Bread per loaf 1/(5 

" per lb. 5 d 

Beans per bush 8/ — 

Bibles ea 8/ — 

Blankets 2 point 12/ — 

2^ '■ 16/— 

.3 " 20/— 

Bowls pint ea 21/ — 

Broadcloth per yd. 28/ — 

Bull yearling £ 2 

Butter per lb 1/ — 

Butter tubs ea 3/6 

Calico french per yd 8/ — 

" white sprig " 7/ — 

Caps ea 2/ — 

Chocolate per lb. 3/ — 

Cheese *' 1/4 

Cider per qt. 1/ — 

Cloth superfine " yd 32/ — 

" drab per yd. 7/6 

Corn per bush 3/6 

Combs ea 6 d 

Copperas per lb 1/3 

Corduroy per yd 10/ — 

Cotton Stripe " 3/ — 

1 Cow £ 'i 

Cutteau ea 1/ — 

Deer skins dressed 24/ — 

Drilling per yd. 4/6 

Egg Nog per bowl 2/— 

" Cider " 2/— 

Fish hooks ea 1 d 

Flannel red per yd 4/6 

Flax Seed per bush 12/ — 

Flints per doz 1/ — 

Flour per lb. .5 d 

Garters per pr. 1/ — 

Gill Glasses ea 1/3 

Grog per bowl 1/3 

& milk " 1/6 

Handkerchiefs, silk 8/ — 

" Barcelona, ea 8/ — 

Silk Romall 8/— 

" Putticat, ea 6/6 

Cotton 4/6 

Hats ea 5/— 

Hay per cwt 2/ — 



1 Heifer £4 

Hose per pr. 6/ — 

■' blue yarn " 5/6 

Hoes ea ' 7/6 

Indian meal pr bush 4/ — 

Indigo per oz. 1/ — 

Ink pots ea 4/ — 

Irish linen yd 4/ — 

Jews Harps ea 6 d 

Labor per day 2/6 

" mason " 8/ — 

Lead per lb. 1/ — 

Lineu stripe yd 3/ — 

Moccasins per pr. 3/ — 

Muslin per yd 6/6 

Nails per lb 1/6 

Needles per doz 6 d 

Paper per quir. 3/6 

" per sheet 2 d 

Potatoes per bush 3/ — 

Pork per lb 4 d 

" salt " 1/— 

Pen knives ea 1/6 

Pipes ' ea 3 d 

Pins per paper 1/6 

Psalm books ea 6/ — 

Powder per lb 5/ — 

Razors ea 2/ — 

Rum per gal 12/-^ 

" per qt 2/ — 

Russia sheeting yd 4/6 

Salt per bush 28/— 

per peck 7/ — 

Saw Mill saws ea 32/ — 

Scissors per pr 1/6 

Serge, white " 4/ — 

red " 4/6 

Shad ea 4 d 

Shoes per pr 18/ — 

Shoebuckles " 2/6 

Shingles per M 30/ — 

Shot per lb 2/6 

Sickles ea 5/6 

Silk per skein 1/ — 

1 Sling 1/3 

Snuff per lb 6/— 

bottle 7/— 

Soap per lb 1/3 

Spectacles per pr 4/ — 

Sow and pigs £ 2.8 

Steel per lb 1/4 

Spelling books 3/ — 

Sugar per pr 1/ — 

maple " 1/3 

loaf " 2/6 



348 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



Tallow " 1/— 

Tape " 2d 

Tea " 7/— 

Testaments ea 5/ — 

Thread per skein 3 d 

Tobacco, plug per lb. 2/ — 

leaf per lb 1/3 

" per vd 3 d 

Toddy per bowl 1/3 

Tumblers pint ea 2/ — 

Tea cups & saucers. .. .per set 4/6 

Tricot per yd 5/ — 

Venison per lb 1 

Whipsaw files ea 1/3 

Whiskey per gill 6 d 

per qt 2/6 

" per gal 10/— 

■FURS & PELTRY. 

Bear skins IG/— @ 20/— 

Beaver 22/— 

per lb 12/— 

Calf : ea 5/— 

Elk ea 16/— 



Deer ea 2/6 @ 7/- 

Fisher 4/- 

Fox black 

" gray 

" red 7/— @ 8/- 

Marten 4/- 

Mink 3/— @ 4/- 

Muskrat 1/- 

Otter 10/— @ 24/- 

Panther 8/- 

Raccoon 3/— @ 5/- 

Weasel 4/- 

Wild cat T)/— @ 8/- 

Wolf 6/- 

COIN RATES. 

130 Spanish Milled dollars = i52 
1 Guinea = £l. 17. 4 
h Johannes := £?,. 4 

CURRENCY. 

8/— = $1.00 
£1 = $2.50 



Many other account books, earlier and later, have since been 
found. The residents in the region may be known from the following 
list of customers, residence being: added as far as known : 



Names from the Books of "HoIIciiback's Store" at Tioga Point in JtySy-S. 
Residence, as far as known, added by author, 1906. 



John J. Ac Modery 

Newtown 
Capt. Allen, Athens 
Allen & Shepard 
Benjamin Badlock 

Athens 
Isaac Baldwin 

Chemung 
William Baldwin 

Chemung 
Thomas Baldwin 

Chemung 
Isaac Benjamin 
Samuel Beidleman 
Usual Bates 
John Bedford 
Solomon Bennett 

Athens 
Abisha Bingham 
Chester Bingham 

Ulster 
Hezekiah Bingham 
Jacob Bowman 

Sugar Creek 
Benjamin Brink 
E/ceiviel Brown 
Humphrey Brown 



Prince Bryant 

Milftown 
Henry Buck 

Ulster or Buckville 
William Buck 
Elijah Buck 

Chemung 
Jonathan Burwell 

Athens 
Henry Bush 
Thomas Christie 
Benjamin Clark 

Ulster 
Benjamin Cole, Sen'r 
Daniel Cole 

Athens 
John Cole 

Sheshequin 
Theodry Cole 
Nathaniel Cook 
Charles Cornales (Cor- 
nelius?) 
Samuel Coe 
Benjamin Crosby 
Sally Crosby 
Aaron Dean 

Athens 



Mr. Debartsch 
Elisha Decker 

Athens 
Lucius Dedrick 
Lewis Dedrick 
Moses Dewitt 
John Dolson 
Tunis Dolson (mason) 
Nicholas Depue 
Amos Draper 

Union or Owego 
Frederick Eiglor 
Joseph Elliott 

Wyalusing 
James Fanning 

Springfield 
Seth Fields 
John Finch 
Richard Fitzgerald 

Meshoppen 
Caleb Forsythe, Union 
Jonathan For.sythe 

Union 
Rudolph Fox 

To wan da 
Arnold Franklin 

Wysox 



LIST OF CUSTOMERS IN 1787-8 



349 



Roswell Franklin 

Wysox 
Stephen Fuller 

Sheshequin 
Benjamin Gardner 

Athens 
Peregrine Gardner 
Nathaniel Goodspeed 
Avery Gore 

Sheshequin 
Obadiah Gore, 

Sheshequin 
Thomas Green 
George Hall 
John Handy 

Athens 
Thomas Handy 

Newtown 
John Harris 

Athens 
Samuel Harris 

Athens or Paint- 
ed Post 
William Harris 

Athens or Paint- 
ed Post 
Isaac Hancock 

of Wylouising. 
Abner Hatfield 
James Headley 
Jacob Herrington 

Athens 
Reuben Herrington 
John Hollenback 

Wilkes-Barre 
Matthias Hollenback 

The Proprietor 
Silas Hopkins 
John House 
William Jackawaj^ 

Athens 
William Jenkins 

Athens 
Clark Jennings 
Solomon Jennings 
William Jones 
Eldad Kellogg 

Athens 
Abner Kelsey 

Newtown 
Nathan Kingsley 

Wyalusing 
Wareham Kingsley 
Joseph Kinney 

Sheshequin 
Abner Kyer 
Ephraim Lewis 
Christian Loop 

Newtown 



Thomas McClure 

Athens 
Thos. McClure, Jr. 

Athens 
John McClure 

Newtown 
Daniel McDowell 

Chemung 
Mr. McCady 
David McCormick 

Newtown 
Col. McKinstry 

Athens 
Miss Betsy McCullough 
James McManus 
John Manhart 
Josiah Marshall 

Ulster 
Christian Minier 

Ulster 
Abraham Miller 
John Miller, Esq. 

Athens 
Ag. Moody 
James Moore 

Athens 
John Nestler 
John O'Neal 

Athens 
William Ovenshire 

Sheshequin 
Epenetus Owen 
Stephen Parrish 
Benjamin Patterson 

Athens 
William Patterson 
John Person 
Mr. Pocksby 
Jeremiah Potter 
Henry Provost 
Samuel Ransom 

Tioga 
John Redford 
John Roberts 
James Roberts 
William Ross 
Anthony Rummerfield 
Elisha Satterlee 

Athens 

Senter 

John Shearer 
John Shepard 

Athens or Milltown 
Daniel Shaw 
Jeremiah Shaw 
Adriel Simons 

Ulster 
Reuben Smith 



Doctor Smith 
James Smith 
Gerard Smith 
William Slocum 

Athens 
Francis Sneckenberger 

Milltown 
Jacob Snell 

Athens 
Samuel Southard 

Newtown 
John Spalding 

Athens 
Joseph Spalding 

Athens 
Simon Spalding 

Sheshequin 
Alexander Stephens 
Phineas Stephens 

Athens 
Uriah Stephens 

Athens 
John Stephens 
Daniel Sullivan 

Athens 

Sutton 

Mr. Taylor 
Joel Thomas 

Athens 
Joseph Thomas 
Joseph Thompson 
Lawrence Tremper 
William Tripp 
Samuel Tubbs 

Sheshequin 
Joseph Tyler 

Athens 
Daniel Upson 
Walter Waters, Sen'r 

Newtown 
Walter Waters 

Newtown 
James Whitney 

Chenango 
Thomas Wigton 

Meshoppen 
Stephen Wilcox 

Milltown 
Timothy Winchell 
Jonathan Woodworth 
Samuel Wright 
William Wyncoop 

Athens or Che- 
mung 
Abel Yerrington (Yar- 

ington) Upper Ul- 
ster 
John Young. 



These are all the names entered on the books of "Hollenback's Store" for 
any purpose, between February 10, 1787, and August 21, 1788. 



250 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

The following is an account of some "Discoverers" and their In- 
dian goods, "Discoverers" being a term applied to the men, surveyors 
or others, sent by land speculators to locate their claims : 

"Tioga, Augt. 13th 1788. 
"Matthias Hollcnhack, Elijah Buck & Daniel McDowel, 

Dr. to Store, for Sundries delivered the Discoverers, Indians, &c. 

To Sundries of powder and lead i. 6. 3. 

by Snipe Nose 2. 13. 

" " John 13. 

" " Jacob 2. G. 

" " " Charles Cornales 1. 13. 

" " " Thomas Green 1. 2. 

" " Isaac 10. 

■' Sutton for pledge of Rifle 3. 

" 1 cow killed by Sutton 7. 10. 

" 1 Bushel meal 6. 

" by Philip, a Tuscarorah 1. 2. 

" 6 calico shirts at 16/ 4. 16. 

" Six two-point blankets, at 12/ 3. 12. 

" cash 8/. 3 lb. plint (flints?) at 0/ 2. 16. 

" 5 pound of powder, at 6/ 1. 10. 

" 32 silver broaches 32/, sunds. 1/6 1. 13. 6. 

" scarlet and linen 1. 10. 6. 

" sundries 2. 4. 6. 

£.40. 0. 0. 

It is rather unusual that there is no fire water in this account. 

The stock of the store consisted of dry goods, wines and liquors, 
groceries, books, stationery, iron and leather in bulk, and all sorts of 
household goods. While some cash in gold, silver and paper was taken, 
the greater part of the trade was by barter ; all kinds of furs, maple 
sugar, grain, etc., being taken in exchange for goods. When the 
country became settled, wheat seems to have been the chief medium 
of exchange, trade being brisk or dull, according to the crop, and 
price offered. During the winter the wheat crop of the famous Genesee 
Valley and the Lake country was drawn on sleighs tO' Newtown, the 
head of navigation, to be ready to ship on the "spring fresh." 

The numerous invoices and inventories show that the earliest 
settlers jjurchased far more ready-made goods than has been generally 
supposed, and that the stock at "Hollenback's Store" was an extensive 
one, embracing many articles now unknown, especially in cloths and 
cottons. The pioneers at Tioga Point had no need to dress in home- 
made linsey-woolseys, etc., for they could purchase calimanco in all 
colors, cordurett, blue half thicks, bufif cassimere, spotted swansdown. 
green baize, yellow flannel, thicksett, Joan's spinning in all colors, 
strouds, romals, durants, watered camblet, sarcenett, rattinett, bom- 
basett and fustian ; also socks for the men and hose for the children ; 
and shawls for the women, of chintz, muslin and silk in every color; 
apron tape, cap tape, etc. Other, somewhat unusual, goods were 
lemon juice by the bottle, brimstone by the barrel, ink powder, black- 
ball in sticks, hatbands and loopings ; bar iron, bar steel, pig lead, and 
many pounds of bread. Coffee was seldom on the lists ; chocolate in 



WHOLESALE PRICE-LISTS, 1783-4-5 251 

large quantities and Bohea tea seeming to be the favorite beverages, 
unless mention is made of every kind of liquor, even the far-famed 
Hollenback Madeira wine. These lists explode many old stories of 
the necessity for home manufacture by the busy housewives. The 
following- price list may be of some interest : 

General Wholesale Prices from the Books of IVeiss & Hollenback, in 1/83-4. 

Superfine Cloths, pr. yd 18/ to 25/ 

Irish .Linen, do do 2/6 @ 4/3 

Hatts, each 28/ @ 32/ 

Pen Knives, pr. doz 15/ 

Cutteaus, pr. doz 7/6 @ 15/ 

Knee Buckles, pr doz., 7/ @ 12/ 

Pinchbeck do. pr. doz 28/ 

Check Handkerchiefs, pr. doz 24/ @ 27/ 

Gray Worsted Hose, pr doz 56/ 

Thread, pr lb 3/ 

Hooks & Eyes, pr lb 2/6 

Chintz, pr piece 80/ 

Sewing-silk, pr oz 4/3 

Milled yarn hose, pr doz 36/ 

Gray do. do. pr doz 30/ 

White serge, pr pr yd 1/5 

Swanskin, pr yd 3/3 

Thick Tricot, pr yd 2/8 

Brown Linen, pr yd 1/5 

Men's hats, each 2/6 

do. shoes, pr pair, 3/6 

Brandy, pr gall 4/3 

Salt, pr bush 1/6 

Tobacco, pr 100 lbs, 55/ 

London quality binding, gross, 15/ 

Garters, pr gross 18/9 

One-half point Blankets, pair 11/3 

Two point do. pr do 1.3/9 

Two 1/2 point do pr do 20/ 

Three point do pr do 26/3 

Red flannels, pr yd 2/9 

Silk Romalls, pr piece 96/ 

Fine ivory combs, pr doz., 14/ 

Coarse horn do. pr doz 3/ 

Common needles, assorted, hundred, 7/6 

Pig lead, pr 100 lbs., 30/ 

P rice-List of Indian Goods, Bo't of Turnbull, Marmie & Co By Weiss & 

Hollenback, 1784-5. 

500 Gunflints, at 2/ per hundred 
2 doz Razors, 2/6 pr. doz. 

4 ■' Enamelled Knives, at 1/6 pr. doz. 
2 " Women's Scissors, " 2/- " " 

47^- doz Silver Broaches at 4/3 pr. doz. 

48 " •' " at 4/9 " " 

44 " " •'■ • at 5/—" " 

31 " " " at 4/3 " " 

8 J " Ear Rings at 14/— " " 

13 Ear Wheels at 1/6 

5 Large Crosses at 2/3 

8 Double " at 8/ — 

54 doz. Silver Broaches, No. 1 at 3/9 




e^'^CLyUA.C^^ 



^ZTyl OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

2 Setts Gorgets at 42/— 

3 do. Moons at 24/— 

2 large do at 6/ — 

3 do do at 10/— 

10 Wrist bands at 4/— 

8 Arm do at 10/ — 

6 do do at 8/ — 

1 doz Dutch Pipes 5/ — 

2 strings Seed Reads at lOd. 

1-lb. of 14oz Wampum 1/6 

4-lbs. 6oz Round do 3/9 

In nss Guy :\rax- 
welP" took charge of the 
store and continued in full 
charge until ITDo, when 
he emharked in business 
for himself at Newtown, 
although for many years 
afterward he seems to have had a partial supervision over both the 
Newtown and Tioga Point business. His immediate predecessor was 
Aaron Dean, a man about whom absolutely nothing is known. He con- 
ducted the store on a credit system and contracted many debts, as shown 
in the accounts of the period. Some idea of the amount of stock may 
be obtained from Mr. Hollenback's estimate of the business when Guy 
JMaxwell relinquished it in 1795. In the seven years he had ordered 
goods to the amount of £7566 and sold to the amount of £6093. 

Let us try to imagine the beginnings of the settlement. Except 
for the ground cleared by Secord, probably from river to river, "Hollen- 
back's Store" was practically in the woods. East of the river, where 
Patterson had his cabin, the river flats were probably clear. West of 
the Tioga (Chemung), from the Chemung Narrows to present ^lilan 
or farther, extended the open grassy flats known as "Queen Esther's 
or Hester's Flats." On the upper end of these was Jacob Snell's cabin, 
and nearly opposite the Point was another cabin, which sheltered many 
occttpants. The Snell's was nearest the wilderness, some of whose 
wild inhabitants were as plenty and as much to be dreaded as the red 
men. Andreas Budd doubtless had the only habitation on the Point 
except Hollenback's store. But there were a goodly number of neigh- 
bors by the close of the year 1784. According to the depositions of 
Franklin and Kinney, "a number of people took up land east of the 
river" ; Christopher Hurlbert, William Miller,^* Daniel Moore, ^•** and 

1" Guy Maxwell (already mentioned in Chapter X) was a Scotch youth, according to his 
■son; parentage unknown. 

"Having learned the art of trade, and mystery of a merchant" as an apprentice in 
Pittsburgh, he was visiting his home in Martinsburgh, Virginia, when Matthias Hollenback 
went there to visit his relatives in the fall of 1788. Soon a mutual liking sprang up. and the 
youth of eighteen returned with Mr. Hollenback to Tioga Point, where he lived until 1795. 
About 1790 he married Nelly, daughter of William Wyncoop, who then lived just across the 
Tioga River. It is said theirs was the first marriage celebrated at Chemung, a favorite resort 
for Tioga Point lovers. Thomas Maxwell, son of Guy, was born at Athens in 1792. It is 
somewhere noted that Guy Maxwell's wife was Eleanor \'on Steinberg, but that is a perfectly 
unfamiliar name in the vicinity, and must be an error. 

Mr. Craft says that Guy was born in Ireland, July 1."), 1770. 

He was made a justice of the peace September 1, 1791, a youthful official, but highly 
esteemed, as shown in the trust reposed in him by Pickering (see Chapter X). 

1* Very little definite information is at hand about William Miller. He is generally saia 
to be German by descent; kiiozvn to have resided at Wyoming, and to have been an Indian 



BEGINNINGS OF THE SETTLEMENT 253 

a few months later Mason, Carey and Eklad Kellogg. None of these 
had a title, but hoped to acquire one by possession. Hiirlbiit was a 
surveyor from Wyoming Valley, to which he returned. He and Miller 
were located on the flats very near Patterson. Miller and IMoore each 
built a house, according to the depositions ; but as these became some- 
what confused under cross-examination, it seems best to rely on Z. F. 
Walker, who had access to all the early surveys. He states that "^Miller 
was located opposite the head of the island, Patterson opposite the 
lower end, and Moore just below, where for some years he maintained 
the ferry" in the bend of the river, about half a mile below the island. 
Moore's ferry was later known as "Park's Ferry." While there is only 
casual mention of these pioneers, there is reason to believe that Hurl- 
bert, Miller, Moore, Kellogg (and some others mentioned in Jenkins' 
survey) were the advance guard of the Connecticut settlers, who, as 
will be seen later, wished to have a strong settlement near the York 
state line. It will be observed that the locations chosen zvcrc not con- 
tiguous, but such as to command the land and the river, so that, like 
the Indians of a previous epoch, they could waylay travelers by land 
or water, and prevent the coming of the enemy, who in this instance 
was the hated Pennamite. Their locations also could be recognized 
as pitches to be included in a new township, which was done wdien 
Athens was granted. 

In November, 1TT9, the Assembly of Pennsylvania passed a law, 
assuming to itself jurisdiction over the entire territory granted to 
William Penn ; feudalism was no more. Henceforth it was the State, 
and not the Province or Proprietaries. April 9, 1T81, a law was en- 
acted to establish a land office, for the purpose of perfecting the titles 
of those to whom grants had already been made, and July 1, ITS-i, 
another law was made, opening a land office for the sale of vacant lands 
under Penn's purchase of 1768. The price was fixed at ten pounds per 
100 acres, or 33^ cents per acre ; quantity limited to 400 acres, with 6 
per cent, allowance for roads and creeks. 

The purchase in 178-1 of Pennsylvania from the Indians having 
been confirmed by treaty at Fort Mcintosh, in January. 178."), a land 
office for sale of lands in the "new purchase" was soon opened; terms, 
thirty pounds per hundred acres, and warrants allowed to contain ten 
per cent, overplus, besides the six per cent, allowances. A number of 
men formed an association for the purchase of (i3,000 acres, a con- 
siderable part of which was in Bradford County and Athens Town- 
ship. It covered the land n'cst of the Susquehanna River, north of 

trader along the river. Judge Merrick, being interviewed by Iiis grandson in 1806, gave the 
following information: "Col. Johnson of Philadelphia, was the Pennsylvania warrantee of 
Sharp Delariey (lottery warrant No. 84). William Miller was his tenant. He had four sons 

(names of two not recollected). Johnson oldest, John next, ; also two daughters, 

one of whom married Samuel Hepburn. John lived and merchandized in .\thens Borough; 
he died, his widow sold property now Chester Stephens and married Alphonso C. Stuart, 
attorney of .\thens and Towanda. John died 9 Feb. 1S12 at 32 years 9 mos. and is buried 
in the old graveyard. William is buried on the farm now owned by Hiram Phelps. The 
Miller family went west." From other sources William Miller is reported as an Indian 
trader at Newtown. His wife's name is not known. The daughters were Edith and Mar- 
garet, the latter the wife of David Alexander. 

'** Daniel Moore was an Irishman who came to America as a soldier in the British 
army, which service he seems to have deserted. He moved farther back in the township, where 
he died about 1830, leaving a number of descendants in the valley. 



354 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Tovvanda Creek, and soiitli of the State line. "The price was placed 
so high that few ventured into the hilly part of Northern Pennsyl- 
vania." "Under the pressure of certain landjobbers. /. c, John Nichol- 
son, Robert Morris, William Bingham and others, an act was passed 
later on, reducing the price to (5^ cents per acre. Speculation then ran 
wild, fictitious applications and poll deeds were freely used, and within 
a year or two all the lands in Bradford County had been applied for." 
April ;?, 179^, an act was passed opening a land ofiice for pre- 
emption sale of the balance of the lands in the new purchase of 1784, 
at the price of 6f cents per acre in 1,000 acre warrants, with 10 per 
cent, overplus, and six per cent, allowance for roads and creeks. A 
map of Athens Township, and explanatory list, inrahiabic for com- 
prehension of Pennsylvania titles by warrant and patent, is here given, 
the work of the late Zephon F. Walker, with his own words of intro- 
duction. 




'I ELD 



LIST OF ATHENS TOWNSHIP WARRANTS 



255 



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Northrup flats 
Franklin flats 
Satterlee flats 




Tioga Point 
Queen Esther 
Greens landing 
Murray farm 
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West of Rivers 
Milltown 
West of Rivers 


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BINGHAM AND LE RAY DE CHAUMONT LANDS 257 

Unfortunately, Mr. Walker appended no explanatory note, and 
space forbids a full history of the great land tracts hereabouts and 
their ov/ners. The first and third lists in Mr. Walker's table are ex- 
plained in this chapter. Some attention will be given later to the tract 
of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, which embraced parts of Ridgeberry, 
Ulster, Athens, Burlington and Franklin. 

The Bingham lands embraced altogether about 60,000 acres in 
Wells, Columbia, Smithfield, Springfield, South Creek, Ridgeberry, 
Ulster and Athens townships. William Bingham was a wealthy Phila- 
delphian, whose whole purchase was 1,000,000 acres in Pennsylvania. 
McEuen, Hale and Davidson were true Pennsylvania landjobbers. The 
Leray tract embraced Litchfield, Windham, Rome, Sheshequin and 
Athens east of the rivers. A copy of the original deed in the Craft 
Collection (date 1797) shows that in consideration of £27,000 Robert 
Morris conveyed to James Donatianus Le Ray de Chaumont^"' (a 
French citizen of America) 80,830 acres of land between the Rivers 
Susquehanna and Delaware, 53,000 of which were in Luzerne County. 
It is said that this land was granted to Robert Morris in payment of 
money borrowed in Europe by Morris to carry on the war of the 
Revolution, but there is no corroborative evidence as with the Holland 
lands. Joseph Kingsbery/^* of Sheshequin, became the agent for Le 

^^ Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, father of Jaines, was a Frenchman with whom Benja- 
min Franklin lodged at Passy, near Paris. They became warm friends, and that de Chau- 
mont continued a friend to America is proven by subsequent events. 

i°* Joseph Kingsbery came from Enfield, Connecticut, to Sheshequin April 29, 1796. 
According to his own records, he was a surveyor and at once engaged in that occupation. 
He soon married Anna, daughter of Simon Spalding, at whose death he became the owner of 
the Spalding homestead, which has been occupied by his descendants until a very recent date. 
He became a prominent citizen of the region, and his letters on religion, politics, business, 
etc., show a remarkably versatile mind, eager to gain new information from important sources. 
In a letter of Silas Deane to Robert Morris, dated October, 1777, at Paris, he inti- 
mates that de Chaumont was a friendly French merchant who was shipping powder to Morris 
via Martinique, and Deane adds "Mr. de C. is a capital man in this Kingdom, well respected 
by the Ministry and a warm friend to America." In March, 1788, "M. de Chaumont's best 

compliments to Mr. G he wishes to know the direction of the gentleman who owns 

now the lands of Joseph Wharton. If Mr. G has altered his mind upon his demand 

for this tract, it is important he let it be known as M. de C. (son of Donatien) is going to 
N. York where he is to dispose in one manner or another of the money which is entrusted 
to him to be employed in land before the departure of the packet." Tliis indicates that it was 
foreign capital, )iot his own, that was invested by de Chaumont. It has been generally sup- 
posed that James D. L,e Ray de C. did not live in America, but there are plenty of let- 
ters in existence to prove that he did, although he often returned to Europe for long inter- 
vals, leaving affairs in the hands of his son Vincent, a haughty, overbearing man, who resided 
in LeRaysville, Jefferson County, New York. He seems to have appointed Kingsbery agent 
during one of his father's long absences. \'ery much of this land in the neighborhood of 
.\thens had already been settled under Connecticut title. Both the de Chaumonts visited 
their lands in this valley. Sometimes they were obliged to cross the water to show title deeds, 
etc., to their purchasers. Large sums of money were borrowed on these lands, much of it 
from Gouverneur Morris, to whom a mortgage was given, and in 1815-16 there are many 
letters from him that show a keener insight than the de Chaumonts. C. F. Welles, Sr., at 
one time made a proposition to purchase, but was told that Nicholas Biddle was to become 
proprietor of a part; and in 1821 Kingsbery was notified that the elder de Chaumont was 
seeking a purchaser for the whole, regret being expressed at the probable cessation of inter- 
course; but Kingsbery being asked to procure settlers from New England for the New York 
lands. Apparently Biddle, on examination, was not satisfied with the so-called "Le Ray" title, 
and in 1822 possession and management was once more vested in the elder de Chaumont; but 
that very same year he seems to have sold a large part of it, and gave a trust deed to his son 
for the rest; and Kingsbery's agency doubtless ceased for awhile. At least there are no 
explanatory letters until ten or fifteen years later, when a letter from B. T. Case of Mont- 
rose, to Almon H. Read says, "It is no easy matter to fully elucidate the subject of the Le 



258 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Ray about 1811. His papers have long been said to have been de- 
stroyed. But many have recently been found by Hon. O. D. Kinney, 
from which a sketch is given in note appended. While some of the 
tracts on Mr. Walker's list were purchased at a much later flate than 
others, they are all included in the one table. For information alx>ut 
the Asylum Company Tract the reader is referred to "Azilum," by 
L. W. Murray, published 1903. 

According to the Act of 1784, the first choice of lands on the flats 
and river bottoms was disposed of by lottery to such applicants as had 
enrolled their names in the land ofifice. The drawing was at Lancaster, 
May 1, 1785; the names of the 705 applicants were placed in a wheel, 
and the man whose name was first drawn was entitled to the first choice, 
and so on. The money obtained from the sales ($42,000) was to be 
applied to improving the public roads from Philadelphia to the western 
part of the State, and to improving navigation in the Schuylkill River. 
Josiah Lockhart,^'^ a merchant of Lancaster, was the lucky man, and 
Tioga Point his choice, lottery warrant No. 1. 

It would be interesting to know why he chose this particular tract, 
to which he gave the most appropriate name of "Indian Arrow," the 
first English name applied to Te-a-o-ga. 

As the title to most of the land in the present Borough of Athens 
is derived from this warrant, the original document is here reproduced 
(see insert). It was obtained by the late Edward Herrick, Jr., from the 
papers of Gen. Henry W^elles at the Stone House, and is now in pos- 
session of the Herrick heirs. It should be framed and hung in Tioga 
Point Museum for all generations to see. Though a copy of this 
ivarrant was long ago in print, the survey made in accordance with it 
a month later, antedating the Connecticut survey by a year, has never 
been reproduced or even alluded to heretofore ; whether inadvertently 
or by reason of Connecticut prejudice, is not known. The original 
is still in existence in the Department of Internal Affairs at Harris- 
burg, and the accompanying cut is a fac-simile made expressly for 
this book. 

Ray lands. They were sold in 1833 in New York City under a decree of the chancellor of 
the state for the payment of divers debts owing by the Le Rays in France and Belgium." He 
then goes on to prove that the title has never left the Commonwealth, because a great fraud 
had been perpetrated (explanation here unnecessary). 

Count Alexander de la Rochefoucauld bought some of the tract close to Athens, but 
never completed payment. 

Kingsbery had 2 5^ per cent, for every "actual settler." There was much trouble about 
the title, and much complaint of fraud. Pierre Joseph De Caters of Antwerp, Belgium, was 
one of the purchasers of 1833, and the paper is still in existence, dated 1831, granting power 
of attorney to Col. Kingsbery to sell these lands and see that contracts were completed. The 
whole group of letters to and from Kingsbery are full of interest, especially those of the 
celebrated Gouverneur Morris, who discussed not only the business in hand, but every topic 
of the times in a masterly fashion. 

1^ Careful research reveals little about Josiah Lockhart. He was long a resident and 
shopkeeper of Lancaster, wealthy and eccentric. The impression has been that he was German, 
but his will mentions a brother in Ireland, and a brother Robert of Virginia, making his na- 
tionality doubtful. Ilis wife was the daughter of William McClure of Franklin County, Penn- 
sylvania; his only child was a son. Tiie exact date of his birth or death are not known. His 
will was proven in Lancaster in 1808. He was a merchant of some repute, and sold goods 
to M. Hollenback and John Harris of Tioga Point in 1785. 



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FIRST SURVEY OF TIOGA POINT 



259 



C7^^*^x^/- 










Mrs. Perkins, in "Early 
Times," speaks of an old map 
that was evidently Maclay's 
survey of all the warrants. 
The reproduction is so small, 
the inscription is here printed : 

"The Draught of a Tract of 

Land called situate in the 

Point between Susquehannah and 
Tioga in District No. 10 in North- 
umberland County Containing one 
Thousand thirty eight Acres Nine- 
ty four Perches with usual allow- 
ance for Roads, Surveyd June 27th 
Anno Dom 178.5, in pursuance of 
the Warrt. No. 1 Dated at Phila- 
delphia 17th Day of May Anno 
Dom 1785 to Josiah Lockart. 

"Wm. Maclay D. S." 

Lockhart paid for his 
choice twelve pounds and 
three shillings, a mere pit- 
tance. A glance at the Walker Vifu/'-A 
map will show that many '^'^'^'l' 
more of these lottery war- c^z^'m'^ 
rants were laid in Athens 
township. William Maclay, 
Deputy Surveyor, was dis- 
patched to survey and plot 
out these warrants. 

No actual survey of state line had been made up to this time. 
King Charles had designated the boundary of Penn's grant as on 
parallel of -12° ; the initial point thereof was fixed in 1774, and at this 
time Maclay was authorized to locate a more definite line, which was 
to form the north line of the warrants, as related in the following 
pages. It may here be observed that, as nearly as can be ascertained. 
Colonel Arthur Erwin, an account of whom will be given later, was the 
only holder of lottery warrants who came upon the ground. 

Bstablisluneiit of Neii.' York and Pennsylvania Boundary. 

So much of the early history of both Pennsylvania and Connecticut claims 
at Tioga Point is connected with the various Inies run between Pennsylvania and 
New York, that it seems best here to give the matter some attention. The source 
of information is the "Report of the Regents' Boundary Commission," published 
by the State of New York in 1886. The charter of Charles II to William Penn 
in 1680 described the northern boundary of the grant as on the parallel of 42° ; 
this has never been disputed. As early as 1751 it seemed desirable to settle the 
boundary between the provinces ; and Governor Clinton made an appeal to the 
Lords of Trade, enclosing a letter from the Lieut. Governor of Pennsylvania, 
mentioning the "lycence" granted to Col. William Johnson and Company ; the 
company were the Sparkell family, who had already created much disturbance 
concerning the line between New York and New Jersey. Both parties were 
anxious to have the Pennsylvania line definitely fixed ; and the more so after the 
organization of the Susquehanna Company in 1754. 

Governor Hoyt, in his "Syllabus of the Controversy l>etween Connecticut 
and Pennsylvania,'' says (page 40) : 



2()0 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

"Perhaps it vvas not altogether ignorance of bounds that moved our worthy 
predecessors. In the course suggested tO' 'get rid' of the deed of 1754 to the 
Susquehanna Company, under date of July 2, 1755, Thomas Penn writes to Gov- 
ernor Morris, 'When a purchase (from the Indians) is made, I would not have 
it in words too particular, but to extend the Northern Boundary of Pennsylvania 
without any mention of a Degree. * * j \-^^(l rather avoid making the Govern- 
ment of New York privy to it, as they expect we shall confine our purchase to the 
forty-second degree, whereas we shall certainly expect three degrees.' " This, 
of course, means to include the 43d degree, as was proven by later treaties giving 
the boundary line as running through "Oswegy" — really Owegy, or present 
Owego — which was accepted as the northern limit of Penn's province. Oweg>', 
"by the distorted representation of the geography of the country," was er- 
roneously placed about where Tioga Point is located ; therefore the Johnsons 
and many others believed it to be below the 42d parallel ; while some old maps 
indicate that the Penns proposed to include the Susquehanna River from its 
source. A line drawn east from Owego would strike the Delaware a long dis- 
tance above the point at which the line north to the Susquehanna leaves it, and 
would have left the Indian villages of Chenango, Chughnut and Ouaquaga in the 
possession of the whiles, thus defeating the object of the detour to the Delaware. 
Upon Guy Johnson's map annexed to the Rev. Charles Inglis' Memorial con- 
cerning the Iroquois in 1771 (New York Documentary History, IV, 661), 
"Owegy" is more correctly located, and the Indian boundary is shown by a 
diagonal line drawn southeasterly from that point to the present Initial Point. 

"In the Indian deed to the Penns, signed at Fort Stanwix, the same day 
that the deed defining the general boundary-line between the Indians and the 
Colonists was signed, the grant to Thomas and Richard Penn covered 'all that 
part of the Province of Pennsylvania not heretofore purchased of the Indians, 
within the said general boundary line, and beginning with the said boundary line, 
on the east side of the east branch of the river Susquehannah, at a place called 
Owegy, and running with the said boundary line down the said branch * * "'- 
then up the said river Delaware on the west side thereof to the intersection of 
it by an east line to be drawn from Owegy aforesaid to the said river Delaware, 
then with that east line to the beginning at Owegy aforesaid.' Sir William John- 
son and the New York commissioners present would not have consented to this 
grant had they an idea that 'Owegy' was north of the beginning of the forty-third 
degree." 

In 1774 the Proprietaries petitioned the King to have the boundaries marked 
and fixed. By the advice of his Majesty's Council, Lieut. Governor Colden of 
New York appointed Samuel Holland, and the Governor of Pennsylvania ap- 
pointed David Rittenhouse, as commissioners for this purpose; the latter was 
one of the ablest astronomers and mathematicians of his time. They fixed the 
Initial Point of the boundary at Hale's Eddy, on the Delaware River. The 
weather was severe, and the danger and fatigue so great that they abandoned 
the work, having marked only the intersection of the forty-second parallel with 
the Delaware. A temporary "line of cession" was run by R. L. Hooper, in 
1774 or 1775, from the mouth of Owego Creek; while laying out British Military 
Land Warrants in New York, in present Broome and Chemung Counties, ex- 
tending to the location of Waverly. 

The matter now rested until after the Revolution ; when, the Common- 
wealth having extinguished the Indian title, thought it desirable that the north- 
ern limit should be settled. Commissioners were appointed in 1783 to explore 
the Susquehanna, fix the line, etc. Deputy Surveyor William Maclay was one of 
these; and the Boundary Report says that in 1784 or 1785 he ran a line which he 
designated "the Temporary line of the State," across the Susquehanna valley 
and Chemung flats, from one-half to five-eighths of a mile south of the present 
boundary, forming the north line of the tract of Northumberlnd Lottery War- 
rants laid out by him in 1785. Farther west, near milestone 90, he ran another 
"temporary line" as warrant boundary ; possibly one continuous line. Maclay 
also ran a line east of the Susquehanna; but this was never used as a base- 
line for warrant surveys. 



SURVEYS OF THE STATE LIXE 261 

Early in 1785 both States appointed commissioners to run and mark the 
hne permanently. The work began in the summer of 1786. Astronomical obser- 
vations were made every twenty miles between the Initial Point on the Dela- 
ware River and Lake Erie ; and the line between was run by compass. As 
proven later, these methods were very uncertain. However, ninety miles were 
completed in that year, "from the Delaware to the western side of the south 
branch of the Tioga, and marked with substantial mile-stones." Alpheus Harris 
and Zephon Flower were surveyors in this party. Besides the milestones. Lati- 
tude Stones were set : the third was on the left bank of the Chemung or Tioga 
River, west of the village of Waverly ; probably near Tozer's Bridge. It was in- 
scribed, "60m. 69 ch : Var. 1° 50m." 

Here it seems the author may assume to differ from the Regents' Report, 
for in 1896, when looking up relics of pioneer history, just at locality indicated, 
the old stone was found in use as a doorstep. It is now in Tioga Point Museum 
and is inscribed : "Penna A Latitude 42° Vai 1° 50'— 1786." 

In 1787 the commissioners completed their work. No field notes or diaries, 
or the survey itself, have ever been found; all information having been derived 
from their reports and letters. The boundary thus established was formally 
confirmed in 1789. Many of the milestones were of the rudest character, and it 
is supposed that some were only posts. In the course of years a large number 
disappeared ; but it was not until 1875 that any attempt was made to replace 
them. Action was then taken which resulted in the appointment of a joint com- 
mission and skilled surveyors to examine and re-establish the line. The monu- 
ment of 1774 marking the Initial Point had entirely disappeared; a source of 
much difficulty. However, an arrangement was made with the Superintendent 
of the United States Coast Survey, by which four points upon the parallel of 
42° were established with all the accuracy known to modern science. As the 
work proceeded, many inaccuracies were found in the line of 1786-7 ; the greatest 
variation being nearly 1,000 feet ; although it was utterly impossible to decide 
whether and where the line had been tampered with to suit the convenience of 
settlers. After much deliberation, both States decided to set the new monuments 
on the line of 1787, as too long a time had elapsed to make it practicable to cor- 
rect the former errors. Therefore, substantial monuments were erected at every 
mile, although hardly one of them is really on the 42d parallel. In connection 
with this work of 1877, the late Z. F. Walker is given honorable mention in the 
Boundary Report. It seems now strange that after so much effort at accuracy, 
the actual line was not marked, but the New York State appropriation was ex- 
hausted, and Pennsylvania was unwilling to defray the e.xtra expense of $10,000. 

Matthias Hollenback, being a man of afifairs, of course knew of 
the lottery warrants. Doubtless he had made some sort of a contract 
with Secord, and as has already been recorded, he quickly made pay- 
ment, June 6, of £100 "for a certain tract of land called Tioga Point." 
The description suggests Hollenback was buying more than the seven 
acres. 

According to the affidavits (giveti in Chapter VII) it was only 
twelve days after the survey that witnesses were before Commissioner 
Maclay, testifying that Hollenback's location was on the ground which 
Secord had improved and occupied prior to 1780, claiming a title 
whose source is unknown, probably only possessory right. Secord's 
conveyance to Hollenback was "Proven before Wm. Maclay, Esq., 
July 25, 1785." Secord was at Tioga Point for this transaction, which 
combined with the affidavits of the previous month established Hollen- 
back's claim, the existence and validity of which was evidently proven 
by ^Maclay, on his return to Lancaster, to Lockhart's satisfaction, as 



262 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

shown in his quaint letter here reproduced. ^^ The marvellous twist 
given to the points of compass suggest that Lockhart had not been on 
the ground or was no map maker. 







?^^ Uw>t ^-^ '^«<ri^ o^J^t^^^ 





>2</»^t-<A e-^-jC-A. 






JdjB^^^^tJ 




1'' The original of this old document has been presented to the Tioga •Point Musuem and 
will doubtless be of great interest. As the writing is somewhat indecipherable, it is here 
printed: "July 27, 1785. Dr. Sir, the four Corner-lotts is engaged on the Maine Street across 
from the Tiogo to the North Branch, one for Daniel McDowell one for John Harrise one 
for Mr McCIayes son & one for Matthew Hollonback, etc. ye servant Josiah Lockhart. 
"To Mr Matthew Ilollenback & John Harrise." 

"P. S. Gentlemen, if any gentlemen makes application for lotts as they are laid out, 
they will be subject to twenty shillings per year of quit rents and that I will give them a 
good title forever for any such lotts as is laid out by the surveyor according as the plan will 
be set forth to the public & to be subject to all regulations as the state of Pensilvania pr me. 

"JosiAH Lockhart." 



JOSIAH LOCKHART'S SKETCH-MAP 263 








Inscription on Back of Letter 

This letter and sketch have much information and some problems. 
It may be inferred that Matthias HoUenback has already sold the cor- 
ner lots. John Harris is assigned to the one now north of the Museum- 
Library, on which he had a cabin and a store later. Daniel McDowell, 
Hollenback's clerk, has one of the east corners, and Maclay must have 
chosen one for his son when he made the survey. As to the personality 
of these men, John Harris was a descendant of the founder of Harris- 
burg, and brother-in-law or nephew of Maclay ; he came to this region 
with the ]\Iaclays, or, more likely, with Samuel Harris of the same 
family, who "pushed" up the Susquehanna and Chemung about this 
time and squatted at Painted Post. No further mention is found of 
"Mr. Maclay's son," and the pioneer settlers said that John Harris 
had a store on Maclay's lot. Observe the streets in this first plot of 
"Lockhartsburg," as it was called for some years by Pennsylvanians. 
The same Main Street as now, the old Sullivan Road. But Lockhart's 
"Main Street" surely crosses from river to river just where the Acad- 
emy and Museum-Library stand in 190T. We will hear of this street 
again later, although it has never been mentioned by local historians. 
The letter indicates a fifth lot leased to one Robert McDoall, an un- 
familiar name. Twenty shillings a year is not excessive rent. 

Here the descendants of the Connecticut settlers are perhaps sur- 
prised, and uneasily wondering about the grant of the Susquehanna 
Company. But the dates are against all previous statements. Maclay's 
survey of Tioga Point was the earliest ; and no doubt it was his loca- 
tion of the State line that first gave the Connecticut people the idea of 
laying out another township. 

During all this time the schemes of the Connecticut settlers at 
Wyoming were shaping toward a settlement at Tioga Point. For, in 
spite of the decree of Trenton, the contest still raged ; and every 
effort was made to prolong it.^* The story of the whole fierce struggle 
at Wyoming need hardly here be told.^''' 

^* Upham says, "To heighten the mischief, there was a general weakness of authority, 
and a spirit of reckless turbulence pervading some portions of the country, leading to a con- 
viction that a more efficient government had become necessary. People everywhere were con- 



2G1 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

The Susquehanna Company was temporarily paralyzed or dis- 
creetly quiescent after the decree, although a meeting was held in 1783, 
and a resolution passed, saying "that this Company arc dctcnnincd to 
pursue their just claims," etc. In other words, to enforce, if possible, 
the right of soil or, more plainly put, "possessory right." At this 
time the able Timothy Pickering had been called to Wyoming to attempt 
to settle the disputes, which he longed to do. Upham, his biographer, 
says : 

"He loved the people, the common [<eoplc. He never had a particle of pride. 
He honored merit alone, never paid or affected homage to what is called 'great- 
ness.' This was manifest in all his actions, language and manners. But the un- 
usual condition in the Susquehanna valley was such that Congress could exercise 
no powers, hecause it was then undecided to which state the territory helonged. 
Pennsylvania could not shelter the territory, because its inhabitants did not suffer 
her to extend her authority, civil or military, over them ; she had tried it over 
and over again and been repulsed." 

Congress did not even send troops direct to Wyoming's aid at the 
time of the massacre, but to Easton, Sunbury, etc. ; not wishing to do 
anything that would c<)m])romise its policy of non-interference. He 
also says : 

"In co-operation with the Land Company of Connecticut many persons of 
influence in New York and elsewhere were busy in concerting schemes * * * 
looking to the separation of the territory into a distinct state, and to land specu- 
lations there from which they would derive great advantages. The outside par- 
ties secretly encouraged another interest, of those who had purchased under Pro- 
prietary government, and by the confirming law had been stripped of their titles." 

It is difficult at this period to understand the conditions which 
influenced the chief actors or. indeed, all the actors in these contro- 
versies. Upham. having carefully examined all of Pickering's IMss.,-'' 
and apparently considered the matter in an unprejudiced way, has made 
the matter quite clear. He says : 

"Indeed, there was at that period pervading the country a fearful disregard 
of the obligations of law, a wide-spread spirit of insubordination to government 
in general. The public mind, during the Revolutionary war, had * * been get- 
ting loose from the idea of political restraints : and it was long before it recovered 
a healthy allegiance to the authority of government. * * At that day the truth 
had not dawned upon any, that, in a free Republic, rebellion is out of place, 
al)surd, and sure to fail. Further, it was not then known, as subsequent exper- 

vulsed by e.xcited discussions, and vehement dissensions incident to the struggles that resulted 
in the adoption of the present Federal Constitution. After decree of Trenton Pennsylvania 
ought instantly to have quieted the Connecticut settlers in the possession of their farms; the 
affection and allegiance of such a people would have been worth more than all their lands. 
lioth States undoubtedly felt confident of being in the right. This accounts for their perti- 
nacity and determination not to recede, or concede at any moment, in any crisis, or to the 
slightest extent. This was not an unreasonable obstinacy. The case had such inherent diffi- 
culties and perplexities, it will always be looked upon in opposite lights. No hlatne can there- 
fore attach to tlie parties at the time for each having viost decided opinions relating to it; 
they proved the sincerity and depth of their convictions by the .constancy with which they 
clung to them, and suffered for them. The duty of the historian is to relate what men did 
and said without espousing the sentiments of either side, or being responsible for actions or 
language. In this affair, at the time, men spoke their minds forcibly and emphatically, yet 
many outlived their prejudices, and reversed their judgments." 

^^ See Harvey's "History of Wilkes-Barre" for exhaustive treatment. 

°° Timothy Pickering's Mss. are still preserved in keeping of Massachusetts Historical 
Society. \'ols. 62 and OS cover his residence in Wyoming, and are said to be valuable sources 
of information concerning history and land controversies of Wyoming Valley. In his journal 
of a tour through northern Pennsylvania in the summer of ITSfi, he was several times in or 
near Tioga Point. We have not had the privilege of examination of Mss., which we regret, 
as he made close observations on this trip as to quality of land, natural products of country, 
etc., various allusions to wliich are to be found in Upham, \'ol. II, pp. 250 to 255. 



AD\'EXT OF JOHX FRANKLIN 



265 



ience has proved that a Repnljlic cannot easily lie dismembered. Counties can 
not sever themselves from States, nor States from the Union. With such a lack 
of appreciation of the folly of forcible resistance to laws, it is not to be won- 
dered at that frontiersmen like the Connecticut settlers at Wyoming should have 
been drawn into rebellion. Their peculiar experience had led them to know no 
other sovereign than their own determined will ; they had looked in vain, out- 
side of their own narrow limits for aid or for justice. Such men were fit sub- 
jects to be instigated into rebellion. All they wanted was a leader, and he ap- 
peared at the crisis. Colonel John Franklin. He had signalized himself by deeds 
of gallantry on many occasions, was a man of great physical strength, every way 
qualified to enlist the confidence and stimulate the passions of men disposed to 
daring measures. There does not appear to be any evidence against his personal 
and private character. * * * Qf course no weight can be attached to expressions 
used against him while the heat and violence of the struggle to subdue him were 
at their height." 




Hero enters actively upon our scene the man of whom it has been 
said "Tliat zvhich -icill ever make Atliens a Mecca to every true son 
of the Yankee settlers is that here lived, here died, and Jiere is buried 
Colonel John Franklin." — Craft. 



2GG OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

John Franklin's biography should be fully written ; it is a task that we trust 
will soon be well done to the glory of Tioga Point. 

Here it seems best, rather than to give the usual pedigree, etc., to record 
some things said of him by men who knew him, or lived nearer his time. Frank- 
lin's life, in a way, is the story of the Connecticut Controversy ; in giving it, his 
faults as well as his virtues are glaringly shown. But that he was an able 
leader (rather than as has been said, the tool of crafty men, thinking only of 
greed and gain) must be evident to those who follow the details of his remark- 
able career. His life should be made known to all the youth living within the 
boundaries of Westmoreland, should be studied in our schools, talked of in our 
streets, and ever shed its light over the Happy Valley where, at last, shrouded 
in darkness, it went out. Where and when he was born, whose son he was, etc., 
are of small moment to zvhat he ims. 

We have chosen to portray him partially in the words of the late Hendrick 
B. Wright, given in "Plymouth Sketches," who lived so near the time of Frank- 
lin's activity that his pen picture glows with a color seldom given by the cold, 
critical historian, or the prejudiced Pennsylvanian, whose views will be given 
at intervals through the succeeding chapters. While some descriptions were 
drawn from Miner and others, the basis of the following extracts was the mem- 
ories of Jameson Harvey, whose father was Franklin's intimate friend, his home 
being one of the favorite stopping places of the "Hero of Wyoming" as he jour- 
neyed back and forth. Mr. Wright is not followed verbatim, some interpolations 
and omissions having been made by author. 

Mr. Harvey represents Franklin as a tall, square shouldered, well-built man, 
six feet or more in height, with wonderful development of physical power. He 
leaned slightly forward in his walk, but moved with a firm step. From the 
accounts of others, he seems to have been a man of Herculean frame, and pos- 
sessing strong muscles and sinews, as shown when it required the united strength 
of four men to hold and bind him with cords, when arrested for treason and 
sent off to the Philadelphia prison. He was a son of John Franklin, Sr., one of 
the original proprietors of the Susquehanna Company, and a native of Canaan, 
Litchfield County, Connecticut. He came with his wife and children to Plymouth 
in 1774. He had brothers who either immigrated with him or about the same 
time to the valley. Roswell, Jr., and Arnold Franklin were not brothers to John, 
though probably related. 

In the spring of 1775 John Franklin entered the wilderness alone, and upon 
the banks oi Huntington Creek, on his father's rights, as shown in Westmore- 
land Records, Ledger A, page 46, made his "pitch." Having circumscribed the 
limits of his claim by notching and blazing the trees, he knocked up some turf 
with the poll of his axe, and this was his warrant of entry. 

No white man had preceded him in this vicinity. His faithful dog was the 
only witness to this act of possession, and his rifle the only battery of his defense. 

The man who had the courage and personal bravery tO' do this possessed 
the qualifications to fill the places of trust afterwards conferred upon him. Dur- 
ing the summer of 1775 he chopped over and cleared off some three or four 
acres, sowed it with grain, erected his log hut, and was now ready for his family. 

His nearest neighbor was at the Susquehanna River, seven or eight miles 
away. "In that year he came tO' take a round in Plunket's battle," and returned 
to his wild home again when it was over. And thus the resolute man was en- 
gaged, whose capacious intellect, in succeeding years, dispelled the sophistry con- 
cealed in the Trenton decree, and whose untiring energy and iron will gave cast 
and coloring to the almost helpless Yankee cause. 

The man of the people ; the man for the people. The tall and stately form, 
whether at the head of his company, driving the Tories before him out of Plj'- 
mouth ; taking his oath of revenge, bound in chains as a traitor, at the head of 
his company under Sullivan, exterminating the enemy, or pleading the cause of 
his afflicted associates, ever loomed up, the object of love, affection, and pro- 
foundest veneration by the Connecticut settlers of Wyoming. 

In the spring of 1776, he installed his wife and children in the primitive 
home, the only family in the township. In November, 1778, his wife died, leaving 
three small children, one an infant of a week old. Having no person to take 



COLONEL JOHN FRANKLIN 267 

care of them, he determined to place them in charge of his kind friends in Canaan. 
Harnessing a horse to a little cart, he put in the three children, tied a cow by the 
horns to follow, and drove on, having a cup in which, as occasion required, he 
milked and fed the babe. Thus he traveled the rough way, more than two hun- 
dred miles, in safety, exhibiting all the patience and tenderness that might be 
expected from a mother. 

After the first ten years of his residence here, he was the leading and con- 
trolling spirit of the Yankee people. No one questioned his braver}' nor doubted 
his integrity and honesty. .^11 relied on his sound and well-balanced judgment. 
He differed with some of them as to the propriety of accepting the confirming 
law of 17S7, but his view was the one which ultimately prevailed. To it the 
opinions of statesmen, jurists and laymen were forced to give place. His devo- 
tion to- the cause was well shown in the following incident, .^n intimate "friend, 
William Jackson, was wounded during the most serious attack of the Pennamites 
in 1784. Seeing his comrade, in what he supposed a dying condition. Franklin 
seized the rifle from the hands of Jackson, covered with the blood from his 
wounds, and with his eyes elevated to heaven, and his right hand upon his heart, 
solemnly took upon himself an oath : 

"/ li'-ill never lay dozvn my arms until death shall arrest my hand, or Pat- 
terson and Armstrong be expelled from Wyoming : the people restored to their 
rights of possession ; and a legal trial, guaranteed to every eifi::en by the Con- 
stitution, by justice, and by km.'." 

In this transaction we read the heart of Franklin, and learn the brave and 
determined character of the man. His position was established now among his 
associates ; he had fully defined his status. The effect of the oath brought full 
development; he saw in himself, and so did his men, his future position — the 
leader of the cause. 

Not long after this, at a parade in Shawnee, Captain Franklin was unan- 
imously elected Colonel of the Regiment. He was now their chosen and revered 
chief, and upon him were centered all the affection and confidence that the sol- 
diers of the Revolution reposed in Washington. 

Henceforward he was their agent, manager, representative, advocate and 
companion. And probably no man ever became so familiar with his associates, 
and yet at the same time retained their respect. He could let himself down, but 
his dignity of character was sustained in the exalted qualities of his heart. 

Mr. Miner says : "He could make no pretensions to eloquence, yet he rarely 
failed to command attention, even from the learned and accomplished; earnest, 
often vehement, his whole soul seemed to be in the matter he discussed." 

What is eloquence ? The utterance of strong emotion ; the power of per- 
suasion, elevated, forcible thought ; well chosen language, and an impassioned 
manner. Most of those qualities Colonel Franklin possessed to a large degree. 
The language of his memorial to the Legislature, and his oath upon the bloody 
rifle, are specimens of the highest order of eloquence. He cannot, of course, 
be measured by the standard of men like Burke or Clay, whose choice language 
and impassioned delivery furnished models of their kind for the world. But it 
can be said of Franklin, as of Paul before Felix, that when he spoke there was 
silence, and men trembled. 

The few specimens left us of his legislative efforts show a thorough compre- 
hension of his subject, and a bold, fearless course of argument. They may be 
classed as solid and common-sense productions. He possessed but the rude ele- 
ments of education, and lacked knowledge of the proper grammatical construc- 
tion of sentences, but n.'hat the schools had not supplied, God Almighty had. 

The general features of the compromising" law of 1799, which proved the 
panacea of Wyoming troubles, were mostly the result of his labors. He was a 
member of the General Assembly of that year, and he made his mark. For these 
services he was continued a representative for the four succeeding ones, ending 
in 1803. But he lived to see peace restored, and had the proud satisfaction of 
seeing it established on his own basis ; upon a theory for which he had at one 
time contended against the opinions of eminent lawyers and many of the Con- 
necticut settlers. The effect of the decree at Trenton, as decisive of title to 
lands, became abrogated, "Col. Franklin triumphed, and the flag of the Con- 



2G8 OLD TKK^A I'OINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

necticut settlers, wliicli had long trailed in the dust, went to the head of the 
staff." 

At this period the legislative body met at Laneaster. There were no public 
stage coaches: the condition of the roads forbade their use, the members were 
accustomed to go and return on horseback. It was the custom of Franklin to 
walk with the bridle rein over his arm, his horse following after, with a huge 
portmanteau on his back, tilled with his clothes, books and papers. The people 
along the road became accustomed to the tall, athletic figure, known as the man 
wdio traveled "afoot on horseback" ; and as they could easily recognize him at a 
distance, would exclaim: "There comes Franklin, the great Yankee hero!" 

After the conclusion of his services in the Assembly, he retired from public 
life. But his home was always the resort of old settlers; many of them would 
make him annual visits. He had a wonderful memory, and treasured up all the 
incidents, adventures and anecdotes of the eventful times in the valley, in most 
of which he had i)articipated ; and even up to the close of his checkered life, de- 
lighted to dwell ui)on them in his conversations. And when he gave his last 
breath there died the head and front of the Yankee column. 

His home at Athens, built in 1791, still stands as part of the house of 
Nathaniel F. Walker, his great great grandson. It is impossible to picture it 
because of overshadowing additions. His grave, and that of his second wife, 
are close to the home, on the bluff overlooking the highway ; a shrine towards 
which many pilgrims should wend their way. The portrait painted in old age. 
when his mental faculties were impaired by the storm and stress of years, illy 
portrays the character or the splendid physique of the young John Franklin. 

Leaving muclT of his life at Wyoming to Wyoming historians, we will give 
his part in the history of Athens, as suggested by the late Edward Herrick, Jr.: 

"In the settlement of Northern Pennsylvania, Franklin was the recognized 
leader, making annual pilgrimages to New England and bringing back hosts of 
industrious settlers ; and the people whom he brought hither, he never forsook. 
Their battles he fought in the courts, the assembly, in newspapers, in pamphlets, 
and. if necessary, with his strong right arm, with a zeal, persistency and fidelity 
which deserved for the cause Jic tlioitght to be right, a better fate." 

July 13. 1785. the Susquehanna Company, roused to action by 
Frankhn and many prominent men of Connecticut, New York and 
other states, held a live meeting once more at Hartford (for full ac- 
count see Penn. Archives, Vol. XVIII, 2d series).-^ At this meeting 
the half-share movement was decided upon, and many other resolu- 
tions passed, all based upon the one which proclaimed that the Trenton 
decision had astonished the world, and that the right to these lands 
in ])0'Ssession was "founded in law and justice clear and unquestion- 
able, and we cannot and will not give it up." The half-share men 
were to go on tlie groimd not later than October ; the LHster grant 
was for their benefit. After this Franklin traveled all through New 
England and Eastern New York, with a copy of all the resolves of the 
meeting in his hand, telling the ]:)iteous story of the wrongs of the 
Connecticut settler. Being a natural orator, he soon had the whole 
country roused and ready to support him in any endeavor. Previously, 
with the Gores and others, he had formed an association to purchase 
a large tract of land in New York State, just over the line. He spent 

-1 Pickering says of this, "After the decree of Trenton the state-claim of Connecticut 
was forever barred; but the case of the innocent settlers who entered in full faith of the 
right of Connecticut was entitled to commiseration. The Susquehanna Company ought, like 
the State, to have abandoned their claim. T.ut they had recourse to intrigue, invited emij 
gration of all men on condition they should enter the country armed 'to man their rights,' 
the land being offered gratuitously. Ry this the Susquehanna Company hoped to pour in such 
a mass of young and able-bodied men as would appear formidable to the government of Penn- 
sylvania." Pickering says this was the project of men of the most respectable standing in 
Ccmnecticut, and was known as tlie Half-Share Movement. 



THE NEW STATE PROJECT 269 

several weeks ex[)loring" this tract from ( )(|uag() up the Clienango, and 
It is written that "Mr. Gore, of this j^lace, sent some time ago to the 
Assembly of New York with a petition for a grant of land, returned 
last night, and brought the news that the petition of the Wyoming 
settlers had been granted, and that he was going up and choose a 
place." (Capt. Shrawdcr. ) It soon became evident that the Penn- 
sylvania Legislature was controlled by the land jobbers ; Franklin 
tried in vain to secure a court to try the private right of soil, and in 
vain to interest the government of Connecticut in behalf of the suffer- 
ing settlers. What then was left to be done? Manifestly to erect a 
new state." At this time there were, according to Franklin, upwards 
of six hundred effective men among the Susquehanna settlers, and a 
large number promised from the west branch. All that seemed neces- 
sary, therefore, was to bring on a sufficient fcjrce to wrest the territory 
from Pennsylvania. Indeed, Franklin says : 

"We were also determined to oppose any authority from Pennsylvania * * * 
antil we could have a regular establishment on constitutional principles, and our 
lands in some way secured to us.""'^ 

This scheme was to bring this valley into far greater prominence 
than it has ever known except in the annals of those times. For since 
the erection of the county of Luzerne had defeated the project for that 
locality, the new state was to be erected farther north, combining 
lands in Pennsylvania with large unorganized ])ortions of Southern 
New York, possibly those which Franklin had already examined, and 
those in the Gore,-* which were leased directly from the Indians 
by Simon Spalding, Obadiah Gore and fifteen others. According 
to allusions in many letters of the period, Athens was the destined 
capital of this new state ; because of its proximity to the State line. 
If it were possible tO' procure the diary of Col. Franklin (written for 
C. L. Ward's contemplated history), which was seen by the late 
Henry C. Baird, doubtless all this mystery would be disclosed, even 
to the bestowal of the pretentious title of the Grecian city upon the 
settlement. (Mr. Baird said this diary was in the possession of Steuben 
Jenkins.) 

The new state project had been some time in mind, indeed it has 
been said it was a project of the early days of the Sus(|uchanna Com- 
pany (forgetting that those were colonial days). Far more likely it 
was the natural outgrowth of the oppression suffered at the hands of 
the Pennamites, increased by the evident fact that the Pennsylvania 
Legislature was controlled by the speculating land jobbers ; therefore 
Connecticut settlers could not obtain justice. 

The new state scheme can be better understood by perusal of the 
following- letters, orders and various communications from Vol. XV, 

~ It should be remembered that at this time the Articles of Confederation were still 
in effect, which compelled Congress to refrain from interfering in the domestic affairs of 
any State. 

-•'' Miner says, "Immediately on Col. Franklin's return to Wyoming \'alley, he called 
meetings at Kingston, Plymouth, Nanticoke and Hanover, explaining what had been done at 
Hartford, inviting adventurers and offering half share rights as bounties: being engaged many 
days in issuing certilicates." These efforts may well be called the beginning of the "Wild 
Yankee" movement, and must be thought of as the forerunner to the settlement of this valley. 

"■' See "Connecticut Gore" at close of this chapter. 



270 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Col. Records, Vols. X and XI, First Series. Pennsylvania Archives, and 
from a Mss. volume in the collections of the American Philosophical 
Society (founded by Benjamin Franklin). The latter is labelled: 

"Contents partly copied from State Records and partly from reports of 
Judge Gibson and Judge Thos. Cooper."^ 

A careful study of all these volumes and Mss. reveals that when 
Wyoming troubles subsided, Tioga Point became the storm centre of 
the hmd controz'crsy. 

It was no longer between state and state, but between the Con- 
necticut settlers and, as a rule, the P'ennsylvania land jobbers; a lamen- 
table fact, admitted even by the wise and just Timothy Pickering. 

In quoting from these Archives there may be some repetition, as 
it seems wise to present these extracts in full. They begin soon after 
the decree of Trenton, a report being sent, March, 1783, to John Dick- 
inson, as President of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania, saying: 

"That the conduct of the inhabitants resembled a conquered Nation very 
much, secret meetings being held. etc. ; also that Mr. Gore had returned with a 
favorable answer from the Nezv Yorli Assembly to a petition of Wyoming set- 
tlers for a 'grant of land near the head of the river Susquehannah.' Simon 
Spalding was reported as the truest of any seen yet." 

A little later John Jenkins informs the commissioners, "IVc do not mean to 
become abject slaz'es;' etc. However, there are a good many familiar names in 
the list of householders of Wyoming who do wish to support the laws of Penn- 
sylvania. Notice was given to Dickinson that a messenger had been secretly 
dispatched to Connecticut to obtain lists of original settlers, etc. Notice that the 
Assembly of Connecticut, in October, 1783, appointed Eliphalet Dyer and others 
agents for the State to pursue enquiries, etc. ; it having been reported that at 
Trenton evidence was concealed and suppressed. A month later a messenger was 
sent from Connecticut to the Pennsylvania Assembly, and to Congress concern- 
ing the rights of the "Susquehannah Settlers, who are recommended to the 
Commiseration rather than the Rigor of the State of Pennsylvania." 

In March, 1784, President Dickinson writes a vigorous letter to 
the Governor of Connecticut ; claiming that the charges of suppression 
of evidence, and of cruelty, are unfounded ; also- asserting it tO' be too 
plain what the consequences will be if Connecticut as a state makes 
common cause with the Body of Men who "are tempting bold and 
needy Adventurers from every Quarter to join them ;" and closes by 
hoping for a satisfactory adjustment. 

Just previous to this, Dickinson had written to the Pennsylvania 
delegates in Congress "The attempts of Connecticut are very extraor- 
dinary, and are to be opposed with the most persevering vigilance," 
asking them by all means to prevent any step toward a revision of the 
Trenton decree. To Governor Clinton he writes : 

"We flattered ourselves that so respectable a determination would have put 
an end to all contests. * * But with regret we find that the dispute is reviving 
in a variety of forms." 

He therefore appeals to Clinton and the State of New York to as- 
sist, as far as possible, in settlement of the controversy. 

There are various notices in 1784 concerning affairs at Wyoming, 
violations of peace, abuse of commissions, and similar acts. 

-"Attention was called to it by the courtesy of Mr. O. J. Harvey. 



FIRST GRANT OF OLD ULSTER 271 

February, 1785, a writer says: "The Wyoming dispute rests at 
present, and we hope it will for some time." Soon after this, how- 
ever. Waterman Baldwin was heard to say that, if they could not hold 
the lands at Wyoming by law, they would by force of arms ; and a 
little later a list is given of those who bore arms at Wyoming in 1784. 
About thirty of them were among the original proprietors of Athens ; 
and Swift and friends were heard to boast that they would be the death 
of every Pennamite. 

As these excerpts must be chronologically interwoven with the val- 
ley history, let us resume that ; for it was evidently at this juncture that 
it was decided to open more townships at the north. 

It is an oft repeated tale that the settlement of this entire valley 
was made by Sullivan's soldiers, who admired the fertile river plains 
cultivated by the Indians, and hastened to return. While doubtless 
these men were more willing to attempt the settlement, because of 
their knowledge of the region, they were well aware that the attempt 
was to be an organized defiance of Pennsylvania, and that fighting was 
likely to be in order. A number of the men who came with Sullivan 
had previously made pitches along the river, even as far north as 
old Sheshequin, but were driven back by fear of the Tories and Indians. 
Old Ulster had been applied for and granted in 1775 to Asahel Buck,-" 
Lockwood Smith-" and others. Its upper boundary was supposed to 
be the State Line, but after Maclay's survey, that was found to be 
farther north, leaving room for another township.-- The issue of 
lottery warrants being known, no time was to be lost, the territory 
must be occupied for the sake of the new state scheme. 

And now enters on the scene a new and incendiary spirit, Dr. 
Joseph Hamilton, of the City of Hudson, N. Y. — March -^4, 1780, we 

-" Asahel Buck was one of the family who afterward settled in Buckville or Chemung. 
He was killed in the Wyoming Massacre. 

"■^ Lockwood Smith seems to have been the only original proprietor of the first Ulster 
Grant, who returned to take up his original claim. He was a native of New England, an- 
cestry unknown. He removed from Connecticut to the town of Nine Partners, in Dutchess 
County, New York, and thence to the Wyoming \"alley, some years prior to the Revolution, 
walking all the way, his wife and their personal belongings on the horse beside him. He 
was one of the original proprietors of Old Ulster in 1775, and seems to have had residence 
on his claim, but returned to Wyoming and lived in Kingston for two years. Although it is 
well known that he was in active service in the Revolution, no record can be found. His 
brother Joseph's record has been. They are buried side by side in unmarked graves in the 
iNIilan Cemetery, which land was given by him. He told his children that he was one of 
those who conducted the refugees after the Wyoming massacre to places of safety in the east. 
He seems to have had three wives. Name of the first unknown; the second, Deborah Buck. 
About 1783, in company with the Buck and Piatt families, he came by way of Catskill and 
the Hudson across country to present Great Bend, whence they came in Indian canoes down 
the river. They finally reached the old Ulster claim, although the Bucks did not settle per- 
manently. Lockwood Smith's claim was about a mile south of Buck's Creek, and when pat 
ented in 1812 consisted of 391 acres, later known as "the Elms," or "Snell farm." They 
were lots 4 and 5 in old Ulster, "which claim was fully established." Lockwood had thirteen 
children, eight by Deborah Buck. After her death he married Mrs. Jonathan Piatt of Sack- 
ett's Mills (Candor), and had five niore. Their names, in probable order, are Enos, Nancy 
(Knapp), William (married Leah Currie), Asahel, Deborah (Buck), Phoebe (Phelps), Lock- 
wood, Silas, Piatt, Rachael, Polly, .\bigail, Zeruah. Many of this family went west. Abigail 
married her cousin, Henry Smith, and they were the parents of Hulon C. Smith, now of 
Athens, In his old age, feeble in mind and body, Lockwood Smith imagined ever that he 
heard drums and fifes, and was called to battle. He considered it a religious duty to hate 
an Englishman and a Tory. 

-* A complete history of LHster will be given in Chapter XVII. 



2r-3 OLD TIOGA POINT AXD KARLY ATHENS 

find him writing;- to Col. iM-anklin as follows (p. T.""r3, W^l. X. Ponna. 
Archives) : 

"Dear Sir. Tliis 1 send you witli Mr. T. Gilherl. aiul tliree young men willi 
him to settle in that Country. I wish * * you would direct them where to 
find my lands. * =<= I continually e.xert every Nerve in the Cause. I endeavor 
to rouze every Body and every thing t1- spare no cost that I can be at. There are 
a considerable number of men of al)i]ities in the Country acting briskly in your 
favour, * * but remember no consideration will act so strong in your favour 
as your absolute desperacy, this with a moderate" degree of Policy will make it 
utterly impossible you should ever be Conquered, in the )iu\uitiiiu' ci'cry Imple- 
ment of defense should be stored cither at Tioga or betwixt that and Lake 
Otsago, as also the Books of Records zvliich arc at JVi)idoni. * * You write 
you fear to lose your half share men, if a meeting dont provide for laying out, 
etc. Good Sir I see no need of a meeting, you have all the Power in your hands 
— locate your Towns for them on the Company's cost with the rights you have, — 
it would be well however for the sake of preserving good order that the Com- 
mittee for laying do joyn with you herein. * * But above all preserve good 
order and a proper subordination and harmony among yourselves, men thus 
Planted and desperate. The angels from Heaven unless Divinely Commissioned 
could not dispossess. * * My friends go on, go on, but for God sake preserve 
rule and good order among yourselves, but let no man be among you but who 
feels himself Interested let him be pleased w'ith his situation if possible, this is 
the only true policy. Thus Sir I have thrown out a few of my Fireside thoughts 
— they are sincere and what I am bold in, and will ever endeavor to support. 
Present my best compliments to your Supreme Committee etc. Pray God bless 
you all. Your friend and brother in Trilnilation Hope and earnest Expectation, 

"Jos. H.\MILTON." 

"Col John Franklin Motto Perseverance. 

"Supplement to the 24 of March. 

"Sir. Your Paper negotiations are Political in several views ; in the first 
place they Interest different men in your favor and thus serves to disarm, and 
secondly may procrastinate, however arguments will not do unless they are set 
home upon the Conscience b}' a view of a quick operating Phisic.^' This Phisic 
Doctor Smith in his Letter Informs you, keep by you, if so and you administer 
well, you will be all good Doctors. (Hint.) Burgoyne fell because he did not pre- 
serve a retreat to the Northward, you will observe that we have not as yet been 
disturbed on the strip of Land two miles wide on the North side of our Purchase.'" 
We have bought it of the natives, & Pennsylvania does not claim it. no man has 
even a pretence to trouble us there, and State Troops cannot be marched out of 
the State without breaking confederation, these appear to me to be considera- 
tions very momentuous in our present situation. Even Magazines and Warlike 
stores to defend against the Indians who it is said now threaten may lawfully 
be deposited there Cannon, etc. N. B. you may depend on a visit from the Head 
Doctor from the North (by the loth) of the next of the Petitions with his ap- 
paratus Glister Pipe and all. Capt. Strang is very buisy and will soon be there. 
Mr. Beach is much wanted in those parts, in short I should not know how to do 
without his assistance * * we want resolution here as well as there, and it will 
not do to Strike a man in the Streets in view of the Public without telling for 
what it is, for this we must constantly do in the Public Prints and every where 
else, otherwise w^e bring the resentment of the Public upon us. J. II." 

It is impossible to fully understand this hidden style. 

In this year, 1T<S(). the \\'yoming settlers were only nominally un- 
der Pennsylvania law. Col. Jenkins, Col. Franklin, Capt. Schott, 
Ebenezer Johnson and Dr. William Hooker Smith were chosen by the 
people (says ^liner) as "a Committee to regulate the police of the Set- 
tlement." Unquestionably Smith took advantage of his association with 

^ This physic is supposed to be powder and lead. 

^ Unquestionably the strip called the Gore, see end of chapter. 



PROPOSED ARREST OF SWIFT AND SATTERLEE 273 

these men and acted as a spy. Franklin intimates in one of his journals 
that they were determined to support their claims. 

The time was now ripe for the attempted establishment of Athens, 
the eighteenth township. 

Some consideration of events at Wyoming since the decree of 
Trenton here seems necessary, for while this settlement was made in 
connection with the New State project, there were certain Connecticut 
men more willing than others to leave Wyoming, who, from their firm 
adherence to the cause, had been associated with riotous acts, and 
were under the ban of Pennsylvania. In 1784 Col. Armstrong, Penn- 
sylvania's agent, or, as he has been justly called, "the tool of the Penn- 
sylvania land claimants," reported from Wyoming that the Yankees 
had made an attack on his quarters, which had been vigorously met 
and repulsed. 

Some years since the late Edward Herrick, Jr., found in the loft 
of the old capitol at Harrisburg a large handbill or Proclamation re- 
lating to this event, a copy of which is now in Tioga Point ^^luseum, 
in such fine print that it cannot be well reproduced. But as the early 
historians of Wyoming either slight this event, or give incorrect dates, 
some quotations direct will here be made. 

In a long preamble explaining the necessity for action, and men- 
tioning principally the unprovoked murder of Jacob Everett at Locust 
Hill by Swift's band''^ of Yankees, of whom Elisha Sattciiee zvas one; 
the President of the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth 
of Pennsylvania proclaims that they had appointed as commissioners, 
Boyd, Armstrong, Reed and Oakly, September 9, 17.S-I:, and who im- 
mediately repaired to Wyoming. 

"And Whereas, on the night of Sunday, the 2S day of last month, the set- 
tlers aforesaid attacked the houses in which sd. commissioners were lodged, firing 
several balls into the same, whereby the sd. commissioners were in great danger 
of being killed, * * * and in the next succeeding night the sd. settlers again 
attacked one of the sd. houses, and mortally wounded Capts. Samuel Read and 
Andrew Henderson, late officers of the Pennsylvania Line. * * * The public 
reward of Fifty pounds shall be pd. to any person or persons who shall apprehend 
and secure John Swift, Elisha Satterlee and others." 

The Wyoming historian Chapman tells of this attack (p, 153), 
although, according to the proclamation, his dates are incorrect. He 
gives the true reason for the attack of September 28 and 29, 1784, as 
does Franklin in his statement to the Council, to wit: that Armstrong 
had by an act of treachery deprived the Connecticut settlers of their 
arms, which they recovered on the night of the attack already men- 
tioned. Xo Wyoming history relates, as did Franklin and Satterlee in 
after years, that the men were arrested, taken to the Sunbury jail, and 
rescued the same night by soriie companions, who, with levers, raised 
the logs at one corner of the building while the fifteen prisoners 
crawled out and fled to the woods. Yet it is probably a true story, long 
ago written down by descendants of Franklin. 

^1 Swift's band had gone out at this time to resist or prevent the advance of the Penn- 
sylvania Commissioners. 




274 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

One could digress at length here to tell of various contemptible 
acts of Armstrong, which led even John Dickinson, the humane and 
just President of the Executive Council, to protest against his return 
to Wyoming. Armstrong was evidently the tool of the Pennsylvania 
land claimants, and his actions illustrated the old saying that "the 
whole controversy was a land-jobbers quarrel." "Swift's Band" com- 
prised many of the pioneer settlers in this region, and their pursuit 
by Pennsylvania justice would easily drive them away from Wyoming. 
Possibly some had already settled on the old Ulster grant, whose upper 
line was at present Pine Street or just below. 

Soon after Hamilton's incendiary letters, as testified by John 
Franklin in a lawsuit at Athens a few years later: 

"In April, 1786, General Ethan 
Allen paid us a visit at Wyoming 
and proposed to settle among us, 
and to bring on a number of his 

Green Mountain Boys, and assist ^/ ^A^^C^^^X/ 
us in supporting and defending our 

rights against the Pennsylvania claimants. A large number of Proprietor's 
Rights were given to General Allen to espouse our cause." 

Franklin also deposes : 

"In April, 1786, a number of persons interested in Susquehanna claims, 
among whom were Elisha Satterlee and Elisha Matthewson,"'" wished a new 
township laid out. A meeting was held and Col. Jenkins^^ and I proceeded to 
lay out a township, Elisha Satterlee along. I assisted in getting outlines fixed 
and left them [deposition illegible here] Commissioners of Susqua. Co. agreed 
on grant of Twp. I carried it to Connecticut to Windham to be recorded." 

These depositions plainly indicate that the settlement of Athens 
was decided upon in connection with Allen's coming. 

Let us pause here. Can you guess why this haste, and what it 
all meant? Pennsylvania, alarmed by the arrival of so many half- 
share men, or "Wild Yankees," had put on her thinking cap, with- 
draW'U the soldiers, and proposed to erect the disputed territory into a 
new county (Luzerne). There was not a moment to be lost; Franklin, 
if not calm, was at least clear-headed. The time had come for the 
Ne7ir State, and it was resolved to erect it at once, with the help of 
Ethan Allen, "and the notorious Daniel Shays of Massachusetts, who 
had come on with many of his deeply wronged followers." Allen, in 
his cocked hat and regimentals, was blustering around with some of 
his famous Green Mountain Boys in his wake. It is said he declared 
he had made one state and, "by the Eternal God and the Continental 
Congress" he would make another. Was ever such profanity? No 
wonder the scheme failed ! 

John Franklin and William Jenkins evidently made application 
to the commissioners at Wilkes-Barre, for on the back of a tattered 

'- Biographies of these men will be given in following chapter. 

'^ Col. Jenkins was for many years a prominent man in Wyoming (son of a patriot and 
surveyor). He was the recognized twin leader with Franklin. "He was quiet hut obstinate; 
said nothing, yielded nothing, alzvays resisted Pennsyhania." Having traversed the whole 
Susquehanna district during the Revolution, both as soldier and prisoner, he was very familiar 
with the topography of the country, and became the official surveyor of the Susquehanna 
Company, being styled "Superintendent of Surveys." 



GRANT AND HASTY SURVEY OF ATHENS TWP. 275 

and faded document (labelled by E. Herrick, Jr., "the Original Grant 
of Athens") is the following statement: 

"Agreable to the request of John Franklin Esq, and Wm Jenkins agents in 
behalf of the above mentioned proprietors for a grant of the above described 
township, confirming the same to them as a part of their granted or general rights 
in the purchase. The same is hereby granted to them, agreable to the rules and 
regulations of the Susqua. Co. By the name of Athens provided it does not 
interfere with any other regular grant; in confirmation whereof we have here- 
unto set our hands this 9th day of May A. D. 1786. 

"Zebulon Butler Com. for granting of Twps." 

Another partially illegible note indicates that this copy of grant 
remained in the hands of Wm. Jenkins some years. We do not believe 
it to be "the original" for' many reasons. Franklin continues thus: 

"Before I left them we agreed how to lay it out into lots ; viz, in three 
divisions. The first division was little town lots now the village of Athens — 
The second division were ten acre lots, on the point, on the island and above 
the town — The third division, some east of Susquehanna, some between two 
rivers, and some west of Chemung. After the surveys were made they were to 
draw for the lots by a lottery. / was not present at drawing." 

We assume the next step was the survey, and here are Col. 
Jenkins' field notes, or an attested copy of his amplified notes, made 
by Zephon Flower. While we do not know that Colonel Jenkins was 
an ungodly man, there may seem to have been such need of haste 
that he remembered the old saw, "The better the day, the better the 
deed ;" for he began the survey Sunday morning, and must have had 
a pretty busy day. The notes are headed thus: "Field Notes of the 
Town of Athens Taken Alay 7, 1786, etc. Began to take the Traverse 
of the Tioga River * "^ * " The amplified notes, as found on back of 
]\Iaj. Flower's copy of the original map, read thus: 

"Sunday morning May the 7th 1786. Began to take the course of Tioga 
Creek at the mouth and run N 53 W 41 Rods; N 43 W 21 (45 in Paine's copy) ; 
N 35 W 40 ; N 30 W 56 ; N 15 W 34 ; N 4 W 34 ; N 29 E 112 to where a small 
cove^ makes up to the shore; (on the west side in Herrick's copy) N 13 E 87 to 
Mr Gardiners house, Wyncoop house nearly opposite on the other side, course 
continued 14 rods to a ridge of land running south nearly to the main river, 
course continued 56 rods ; N 3 E 58 ; N 9 W 5S ; N 28 W 70 to a ridge of land 
running N 40 E to the main river at the upper end of the Town Plot ;^ N 38 W 
60; N 46 W 50; N 49 W 180; N 57 W 16 (60 in Jenkins' from Herrick) to the 
end of a mountain on the other side of the creek opposite John O'Neils house ; 
N 56 W 44; N 21 W 74; where mountain makes off from the creek; N 57 W 
20; N 35 W 20; N 31 W 140 to the upper end of an island 20 rods wide (Gen. 
Provost's plantation in Paine's copy) ; N 16 E 98 to a ridge of land near the 
fordway across the creek; N 21 E 44; N 15 W 82 to the mouth of a small 
creek; N 21 E 41; N 15 W 82 to the mouth of a small creek,^ an island in the 
bend of the creek, the lower end of a flat piece of land, buttonwood timber ;* 
N 57 W 22; S (N in Herrick's copy) 85 W 34 ; N 70 W 54 ; N 57 W 40 ; N 40 
W 22; N 15 W-43 (28 in Herrick's copy) to the north line of the Town. 

"Monday morning began to take the course of the great river from the 
point up, N 4 E 50 rods; N 24 E 18 to where a gut of water makes up into the 
land; N 31 E 40 ; N 44 E 2S to McClures house, continued the same course 154; 
N 39 E 21 ; N 36 E 30 to the lower end of the cove which makes up 8 rods wide; 
N 25 E 41; N 18 W 31; N 31 W 30; N 49 W 51 to the lower end of an island; 
N 70 W 42, the upper end of a flat ; N 50 W 54 ; N 25 W 68 ; N 12 W 16 ; N 10 
E 64 to the upper end of the island ; N 12 E 150 ; North 40 ; N 25 E 62 ; N 22 
E 20 to the mouth of a small creek, continued the same course 116; N 19 E 30; 



276 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 




"Where the Mountain Makes Off from the Creek" 

N 10 E 63 ; N 20 E 38 ; N 30 E 74 ; N 34 E 50 to the mouth of a creek' 6 rods 
wide ; N 74 E 60 ; N 57 E 48 rods to a creek where a cove makes up to the shore. 

"Distance from the Tioga River to the Susquehanna 3| miles and the course 
of the road through the town S 12 E; between the lots S 78 W. 

"The course of the road through the point S 25 W ISO tO' a gate. Con- 
tinued out the south line of the town ; made a bound on the west end of Lot 
No 1 a White Oak tree — 13 tallies 10 rods. 

"Measured south line of No 40 — 10 tallies 14 rods from the river to the 
road. 

"Run out the line between lots 13 & 14, 1 mile to a white oak tree marked. 
On the east side of the river lots continued one mile, tree on the out end. 

"The distance from the creek to the road on the S side of No 53 is 193. 

"Wednesday June 14th 1786. Continued out the north line of the town 
and made a bound on the bank of a creek a white oak tree; Thence running 
south 5 miles to a White oak tree marked. 

"Town plot. The first lot 42 rods long 4 rods wide 2nd & 3rd same width, 
the others 6 rods wide. Lots 50, 51, 52 & 53 are 4 rods wide. 

"Common in the middle of the town is 10 rods wide. 

"Road from the town S 12 E 195 rods to the road from the great river to 
the creek (Tioga River), S 78 W 220 from one river to the other. 

"The north line of lot No 29 is a poplar tree on the bank of the river." 

The above was copied from a field book, signed John Jenkins, by Z. Flower. 

Some other copies of these notes being foimd, they have been 
carefully compared and differences noted by Xathan F. Walker, who 
adds the following explanations : 

From the point up the Tioga River to tlie nortli line of the town. Jenkins' 
field notes, 1724 rods. Flower's field notes, 1889 rods. 

From the Point up the Susquehanna River to the north line of tlie town. 
Jenkins' field notes, 1488 rods. Flower's field notes, 1740 rods. 

From Point to the cove on Susquehanna River. Jenkins' notes, ,'!41 rods, 
and by Flower's notes, 350 rods. 



GRANT OF ATHENS TWP. RECORDED 277 

The Gardiner house mentioned in Jenkins' field notes in 1786 was about 
30 rods south of the north Hne of the Welles or Tioga Point farm, or about 
where MacAfee's gravel pit is. The Wyncoop house, on the west side was on 
the Thurston farm. The John O'Niel house was near the Francis Tyler or 
the M. J. Long house. 

The McClure house, mentioned by Mr. Jenkins in his field notes of the 
survey up the Susquehanna River, was located on the Point about opposite the 
bend in the river below the house of the late H. J. Baldwin on the old Northrup 
farm. 

The ridge of land running N. 40 E., mentioned in Jenkins' field notes, is the 
ridge that starts in at the lower end of Harris Street and crosses Main Street at 
the cemetery, and from there follows along the east side of Edward Street. 

^ Thurston's cove. ■* Gypsy Green. 

- Ridge at Presbyterian Church, 1907. ^ Cayuta or Shepard's. 

'■^ Dry Brook. 

It is curious that Jenkins makes no mention whatever of Snell's 
house or cabin. This would lead one to believe that he lived at his 
first camping" place for two or three years. Nor is there any other 
record of the settlement of Gardner, Wyncoop or O'Neil. 

Provost's Plantation must have been below Tozer's Bridge, pos- 
sibly a British military location. 

The survey and grant of Athens has always been carelessly given, 
but the following is an absolutely accurate copy, carefully corrected 
for this history by the kindness of Mr. Albert C. Bates, Secretary, 
Connecticut Historical Society, from the Susquehanna Company Rec- 
ord Books of Deeds, Liber C, page 98 : 

"Town of Athens. 

"Persuant to the Votes of the Susquehannah proprietors for Locating and 
laying out Towns within said purchase, we the Subscribers have located and 
layed out a Township of land for the proprietors, a list of whom is herewith 
Delivered to the Comtee. for Granting Townships ; Beginning as follows at a 
stake Marked, Standing on the North line of the Susquehannah purchase at 
one mile west of the Tioga Branch then East on said line Crossing both branches 
of the Susquehannah five miles to a pine tree Marked, thence south five Miles 
to a black oak Marked, thence West five Miles Crossing said Susquehannah 
river to a white oak tree Marked, thence North five Miles to the first Mentioned 
bounds. Said Town is Located & laid Out at the request of Prince Alden Jr. & 
Elisha Satterly and Others their Associates to the number of fifty proprietors. 

"John Franklin | ^ ^ -^ Proprietors." 

John Jenkins J * ^ 

"Agreable to the request of John Franklin Esqr. & Mr John Jenkins agent, 
in behalf of the above mentioned proprietors for a grant of the above described 
Township Confirming the same to them as a part of their General right in the 
purchase The same is hereby Granted to them agreable to- the rules and regula- 
tions of the Susquehannah Company by tlie naine of Athens Provided it does 
not Interfere with any former regular Grant In Confirmation whereof we have 
hereunto set our hands this 9th day of May A. D. 1786. 
"Zebulon Butler 1 

"Obadh. Gore \ Comtee. for Granting of townships. 

"Nathan Denison J 

"The above is a True Record of a Survey I received to Record May 22nd 
1786. ' Test, Same. Gray Clerk." 

By comparing this with the co])y in Craft's History, it will be 
seen that the latter is inaccurate in many small details. The most im- 
portant is the exchange of name "Prince Alden" for "Prince Bryant." 

There is no known existing copy of the grant of Athens as here 
gfiven. 



278 



OLD TIOGA POIXT AND EARLY ATHENS 



What a calm disregard for Pennsylvania, the decree of Trenton, 
the erection of the new county, and the schemes of the land jobbers 
is exhibited in the laying out of this township of Athens. What mat- 
tered these when this town was destined to be the capital of the new 
state? No wonder such a pretentious name was given. Unques- 
tionably the capital would have been the "City of the Plains." 

According to the custom of the Susquehanna Company, Athens 
was laid out in three divisions, each of 53 lots, 50 for the settlers and 
three for public use, school, church and minister generally. The first 
division was small town lots, comjjrising what was called the "village 
plot." The second division consisted of ten-acre lots ; below the town, 
on the flats, and all the lands between the rivers from burying ground 
hill to Mile Hill or the north line of old Ulster, also the island. The 
third division consisted of farms of 100 acres between the rivers above 
Mile Hill, also east and west of the rivers. When the State line was 
finally adjusted, there was a belt of land north of township as orig- 
inallv surveyed, also some outside third division, and these lands were 
allotted in farms of 100 to 300 acres, called the fourth division. The 
date of the allotment to original proprietors has never been found. 
Colonel Franklin (contrary to general statement) was not present 
according to his sworn deposition. The old settlers always said Ethan 
Allen was ; and while there is no corroborative evidence, it is possible 
the allotment took place at once, and that Allen tarried to superintend 
or approve, while Franklin hurried to Wilkes-Barre. The annexed 
map with the list of proprietors will make the divisions plain. The 
original of this map was made by the early surveyor, Zephon Flower,^' 

from John Jenkins' notes and sur- 
veys. A fac-siinilc copy has never 
before been made. It has been dis- 
covered that all later surveyors had 
added to the map according to their 
own ideas. Zephon Flower settled 
in the valley in 1788, although not 
an original proprietor. He evident- 
ly came first with the state line sur- 
veyors of 1786, which indicates that 
he was considered exact and care- 
ful. That he was not influenced by 
Connecticut sentiments is shown by 
the fact that he soon became sur- 
veyor for the Pennsylvania Claims. 
The back of this map had another 
list of proprietors, given in the 
next chapter. 

It has generally been said that 

the town plot had for its north line 

(rlU (ry^ "an old street" not named, running 

^ Secretary Bates reports one more entry on page 08, which we here copy, also, be- 
cause it is signed by father of an early Athens resident. "Received of Dr David Adams Six 
pounds Lawfll. Moiiey To Intitle him To half a Share with the Other Proprietors or Pur- 




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THE TOWN PLOT 279 

from river to river, just north of the old burying-ground and the lot 
north of the Presbyterian Church. But by careful examination of the 
old surveys it appears that, for reasons unknown, there was a jog at the 
north of plot and at the south. According to these the north part of the 
Presbyterian Church property was lot No. 1 ; lot No. 3 was the present 
property of Mrs. L. M. Park (1907) and the numbers ran down the 
west side of Main Street to 26, now occupied by Dana J. Macafee. 
There seems to have been a street from river to river 60 feet farther 
down. Number 27 was the north part of property of Mrs. F. J. 
Cheney, 28 the Sawyers property, and so on up to the north line. A 
tiny little town, surrounded by forests, for even as late as 1825 the 
pines extended to "burying ground hill." The Harrisburg papers 
announced that "Athens was surveyed, and the allotments made in the 
Fall." It will be remembered that, room having been found for another 
township, a second grant of Ulster was made September 12,1785. When 
Athens was allotted it was very soon discovered that Ulster overlapped 
the Point and interfered with the new township. Naturally, this was 
not agreeable to the newly-fledged Athenians, and the second altera- 
tion was made in July, 1786, entirely clear of Athens. But let us 
journey with the grant to Connecticut. 

Franklin, Strong and Allen hastened to the meeting of the Sus- 
quehanna Company held at Hartford May 17, 1786, and probably ex- 
tending over j\Iay 22, the date on which the Athens grant was re- 
corded. Doubtless it was fully approved and confirmed in this meet- 
ing, where much important action was taken, so cleverly worded that 
one can easily read between the lines. After throwing a sop to 
Cerberus by voting to establish and confirm Pennsylvania settlers now 
actually inhabiting lands claimed by the Company, it was also 

"Voted, that this Compy. Conscious of the Equity of their title to the lands 
bona fide purchased of the Natives, and Situate upon the waters of the River 
Susqua., will support and maintain their claims to the lands aforesaid, and ef- 
fectually justify and support their settlers therein. * =*= * Voted, that Col. 

chasers of the land on Susaquehannah River as Contained in a deed Thereof from the Six 
Nations of Indians to Sd. Company att Their Meeting held by adjournment att Hartford April 
12th 1769. Ebenr. Backus Com'tee Man Truly Recorded August 12th 1786 Test Sam'el 
Gray Clerk Sold by Dr David Adams to Dr Jedediah Ensworth See page 101." 

''^ Zephon Flower was born at Hartford, Connecticut, November 30, 1765, the son of 
Nathaniel Flower, supposed to be descended from Lamrock Flower of Rutlandshire, England, 
who emigrated to America about 1685, and settled at Hartford. Zephon enlisted in the Rev- 
olutionary army when only thirteen, under Capt. Maxwell of the Light Dragoons. He served 
until the close of the war and received an honorable discharge. He was in none of the prin- 
cipal battles, but was wonderfully brave, had many hairbreadth escapes, and told thrilling tales 
of capture and recapture, of crawling through a port hole of a fort just as the gunner was 
swinging the loaded cannon into place to fire. And how once the young sentinel even dared 
to halt Washington himself, because he was passing the guard without giving countersign. 
The General halted, and after the countersign and salute in response, he tossed the lad a silver 
half dollar, saying "Good boy, good soldier." In 1785 he married Mary Patrick of Hartford, 
and removed to Stillwater, New York. In 1787, according to the records of the Susquehanna 
Company, he purchased one share in the Susquehanna Company, probably at Kingston, where 
he is said to have lived in 1788. However, other records show that he was with the party 
surveying the State Line in 1786. In 1791 he settled in Sheshequin, where he was made a 
Major in the militia. Soon he was living east of Athens on several locations then in town, 
where he lived for about twenty years, and ended his life in the home of his son, who pur- 
chased the Col. Franklin property. Major Flower was a noted surveyor, and was appointed 
Deputy Surveyor of Bradford County by Surveyor General Cochran. He laid out many of 
the early roads and helped to locate many obscure claims. He had a most estimable wife, and 
they raised twelve children, nearly all of whom removed to the West. Heloisa is well re- 
membered by the older boys and girls, who knew her as "Aunt Louiza Flower," and who were 
always treated to nuts and apples from the capacious basket invariably carried on her arm, 
and now in the Museum. Major Flower was the grandfather of Zephon Flower Walker. 



280 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

John Franklin. Genl. Ethan Allen, Major John Jenkins and Col. Zebulon Butler 
be and they are hereby appointed a Committee with full power to locate town- 
ships & inquire into claims," etc. 

Col. Franklin was appointed clerk of this committee and duly 
sworn. He was now armed with new authority, doubtless that he 
might be more efficient in erecting the new state, which has been mis- 
takenly alluded to as tO' be called "Franklin." That was an utterly 
different venture, receiving its name from Benjamin Franklin. 

William H. Smith, the justice of the peace at Wyoming, at this 
period was evidently, as intimated, acting as a State agent or a land 
jobbers' spy. He is the writer of the next letter in Archives (p. 760, 
Vol. X), which seems to fit in right here: 

"To Corporal Montgomery, Sir. My conscience, my oath to the state binds 
me to inform, I wrote Esqr. Shaw informing of a Design of forming a new State, 
this is to include Wioming & the Genise and lands claimed by New York. The 
principal agts. live in New York and Connecticut. I am become aquainted with 
whole plan by letters I have intercepted. * * Colonel John Franklin and 
Captain Solomon Strong are principal actors. Strong lives in the State of New 
York, is now gone up to Wisock, where he pretends to have a large share in a 
town (he had, with Hogaboom, about one-third of original shares). Strong 
has told me and a number of others that he went twice to Vermount before he 
could prevale with General Allen to come to Wioming." 

After an obscure statement concerning Allen's presence, and the 
report that Allen and Franklin had gone to Connecticut to attend a 
meeting, he continues that when he and his associates 

"Get orders from authority we will Take and deliver at Sunburey the fol- 
lowing persons, Ethan Allen, John Franklin, Solomon Strong, James Fin, John 
Jenkins, Christopher Holbert. Their designs is if possible to persuade the people 
on the West Branch to joyn them. Franklin & Jenkins did engage James Fin, a 
Baptise Minister some time Back to make a visit to the West branch to preach 
about amongst the people there, and feale out their minds in regard to a New- 
State. If Allen, Franklin & Strong were removed the others would do but 
Little; * * they have some ammunition stored, and some provision in store. 
* * Allen and Franklin and Strong have used many arguments and strat- 
egeims to seduce the people and prejudice them against Pennsylvania. I have 
put up many advertisements urging the people to attend to their duty. Allen 
and Franklin and Strong made it their business to go and pul down my papers, 
and repeatedly threatened my life. * * * 

"Sirs, we the undersigners are with Esteem your most obedient huml>le 
Servts. "Wm. Hooker Smith 

"Samuei. Horner 

"May 14, 1785." "Abraham Westbrook." 

The next letter from the Archives is from Wm. Shaw to Penn- 
sylvania Executive Council, dated May 18, 1786. Sb.aw was evi- 
dently one of the secret agents of Pennsylvania, who at this time 
became alarmed and left Wyoming. He states : 

"The inhabitants (of Wyoming) in general appeared desirous of being 
Citizens, until unluckily on the 27 (April) Col. Ethan Allen came to Wyoming 
who alarmed them by telling them he despised their treating with Pennsylvania, 
that he had formed one new State, and with one hundred Green Mountain Boys 
and two hundred Riflemen he could make that a new State in defiance of Penn- 
sylvania. The Schemes of the Proprietors of the Susqua. Co. is discovered by 
the inclosed copy of a letter from Joseph Hamilton to John Franklin (the one 
given above) Which perhaps might be good policy to prevent by raising and 
sending some men there (Tioga Point), etc., etc. "Wm. Shaw." 



ARRIVAL OF COLONEL ETHAN ALLEN 281 

The President oi Court of Common Pleas of Northumberland 
County, Wm. Montgomery, to Council, May 20, says: 

"A meeting has been held of Justices, Sheriff, etc., who decided that no 
time, not a moment should be lost ; that there is the greatest and most eminent 
danger of a dismemberment of the state ; that the party under Ethan Allen, John 
Franklin & Solomon Strong increase daily. Their most limited pretensions ex- 
tend to the whole of the 42 Degree of Latitude. * * * No person in the 
state can hope ■ to continue a Pensylvanian without the most speedy, effectual 
and vigorous exertion of Government in suppressing this dangerous insurrection." 

The same day he writes to C. J. AIcKean once more, sending a 
copy of Hamilton's intercepted letter, saying : 

"We are informed of some of the active persons, the expected arrival of 
.Col. Ethan Allen since writing which Allen has arrived, talks freely of a New 
State, and he in conjunction with Franklin and Strong are gone about a week 
to meet the Susqua. Co. to consult what measures are next to be pursued. We 
find they have some ammunition and stores laid up. * * Can Pennsylvania 
submit to this ; she cannot ; Surely our yeomenry will not longer say it is a Land 
Jobing Quarrel. * * it is now become a serious Governmental concern," etc. 

May 20, 1786, Thomas Grant writes to Benjamin Franklin; re- 
ports making some arrests at Wyoming, especially John Paul Schott, 
who was evidently wholly in sympathy with half-share men. Grant 
also says : 

"It is now known publicly that their intentions are to form a new state. 
Ethan Allen with a great number of new adventurers are at the head of this 
business & since their arrival every idea of submission to the Laws of Penna. 
has vanished." — Archives, Vol. XL page 111. 

The next communication is from Benjamin Franklin, then Presi- 
dent of Council, and insinuates non-approval of the visit of sheriff 
to serve writs of ejectments. At the same time he writes a very con- 
servative letter to Montgomery, showing plainly that he either dis- 
credits the incendiary letters, or thinks it still a private quarrel. It 
is thus seen that the great Benjamin Franklin was most actively in- 
terested in early Athens. 

Let John Franklin tell what he did after the Hartford meeting, 
in a letter written from Armenia, N. Y., June 8, 1786 (see p. 3, Vol. 
XI, Penna. Archives) : 

"Dr Doctor (Hamilton). I left Hartford last week Wednesday, and am 
now on my journey to Wyoming. I expect you have received my letter. * * * 
Congress has accepted the Cessions from Connecticut, I expect that tO' be a 
Confirmation of our title. Nothing further done in assembly * * * thought best 
to rest quiet * * hold fast, etc. I have been to Windham, Esq Gray had no 
Blank Certificates. I send you ten full Shares, I take a receipt from Esq. Beach 
and expect he will take one from you, he will also send you 15 shares. Esq. 
Gray thinks best to issue no more Certificates at Present as 300 have already 
been delivered. Should it be necessary others may be Issued. It is best to take 
care how lands are disposed of. I find that Esq Gray has given out nearly 50 
half Shares to persons to repair to Wyoming and Continue three years, that no 
condition is mentioned in Certificate and that not more than 7 of those Persons 
are in that Country, which I conceive to be an argument that it's best to be 
careful. The 400 half shares are not all taken up — it's thought best to fill them — 
let those zvho arc disposed to become Adventurers have a recommendation to 
repair to Wyoming, to receive certificates from the Committee on the spot. I 
would wish to have every Plan put in execution to get on settlers." (Note 
here it is to be observed he incloses some sentences in quotation marks, which 



282 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

we must infer is blind writing again.) "I hope you will procure the Physick and 
Pills you talked of at Hartford, and send the same on. I can administer them 
if necessary, though I have not the Theory of Physick, I profess to know some- 
thing of Practice." * * * "John Franklin." 

We suppose the medicine was further ammunition for the Wild 
Yankees at Athens. It would be interesting to know just where these 
arms and provisions were stored. The following letter from the 
Archives is here very illuminating: 

. "June 27, 1786. 

"Sir, It Remains no Longer a Doubt with me that this Bandit}^ at Wioming 
is determined not to Subordinat to the Laws of this State. You will observe by 
the enclosed paper Sign'd Franklin hes assuming authority. * * * Franklin is 
lately arrived at Wioming from the State of Connecticut from the meeting of 
the Susquehanna Company. Ethan Allen is Expected Soon. Franklin assumes 
more authority and more positive. Dispises the Laws of this State with more 
Contempt than formerly ; to be particular in Regard to this Bandity, time will 
not admit. From many Circumstances I am now Convinced that the people will 
Declare a New State, or pretend the Laws and Regulations of the State of Con- 
necticut. * * Nip the Bud when young. I fear it has been neglected in this 
case. "John Van Campen." 

"To the Sec'y of Council." 

July 20, a meeting was held at Abel Yarrington's, Wyoming; 
evidently a secret meeting, ai> account of which is furnished by some 
spy, probably Smith again. He says : 

"In the first plase Franklin read the Doings of the meeting lately held at 
Hartford, etc. Obediah Gore had a number of votes done ready for the people 
to vote to in sd. meeting, which was that the peopel had good write to their 
Lands, etc. * * 20 or 30 half shear men voted. * * Franklin & Beach told 
the meeting in case they gave up their Indian Deed they would all be turned 
of amediately." * * (Pickering says "but 60 were present, settlers from Tioga 
downward.") "John Jenkins then swore in the Most Sacred Manner that in 
case the Peopel should appoint any other agent But what should be chosen by 
that meeting, he would send them to the Eternal Shades of Darkness, * * he 
would destroy both men women and children * * and take their effects." 

August 10, Wm. Hooker Smith is at it again in a most amusing 
letter to Yice-President Biddle. Smith claims that the above ineeting 
was deliberately held in his absence, and that while many withdrew 
on hearing purport of it ; that Franklin and Jenkins pushed on the 
business ; he also says : 

"The conduct of Capt Schoots is amasing to us, he appears of late to be 
on the side of Allen, Franklin, Jenkins & associates. Wrights Pretty Largly & 
is Paddling about with Franklin and Jenkins in the Land Jobing way. They 
chose at that meeting Franklin and Jenkins for agents. (There unquestionably 
zvas intimidation at this meeting.) The settlers have been deprived of their 
arms, the half share men are well armed. Franklin brags they can have from 
west Branch 1000 men, from Delaware 500, from Vermont 1000, such Reports 
intimidate * * the people were all in a Tumult. Franklin has had of late a re- 
quest of powder; we had three Cannon at Wioming, wdiich is Either secreted 
or sent to Tioga (Point)." * * * 

Accompanying this is a letter, saying: 

"Doctor Smith is obliged to fly. Frankhn and his party have knowledge 
of his informing the government of Hamilton's letters. Franklin and Jenkins 
have given out most shocking threatenings." 



ECHOES OF THE NEW STATE PROJECT 283 

Franklin and Jenkins attended assembly about this time and 
made a claim for the whole Indian purchase, as is recorded in fol- 
lowing exultant letter from Franklin (October 2, 1786) to Dr. J. 
Hamilton : 

"Sir. As you are fond of news I send enclosed a few lines for your perusal, 
the following Copies viz 1st Copy of Dr Smith's Dismission. * * I had the 
pleasure of stating our whole suffering to the Council. * * j jgfj- j-,q. Stone 
unturned * * waited also on Benjamin Franklin and told the whole story." 

Curiously enough, in this letter Franklin appears to repudiate 
the new state cabal. But tinquestionably he was now playing a clever 
game. He says the assembly did not confirm the Connecticut title, 
however, although they ignored the complaints of Smith and asso- 
ciates, informing Franklin they were not worthy of notice. At this 
time (September 25, 1786) the county of Luzerne had been erected, 
and Col, Timothy Pickering, the eminent Pennsylvanian, was ap- 
pointed to organize it, and at once removed to Wyoming, as already 
told. This act caused heated discussion ; Pennsylvania was still dis- 
trusted, Franklin and Jenkins still active, Athens and vicinity filling 
up with half -share settlers. 

November 7, 1786, Franklin writes again to Hamilton, telling of 
a meeting held by the settlers the previous day, saying, "That old 
Traitor Smith made his appearance." 

December 13, Gov. Clinton, of New York, writes to Benjamin 
Franklin that he was informed in summer previous that Ethan Allen 
had left the Susqtiehanna without being able to effect the object for 
which he went thither. Pickering writes that he has met Franklin, 
outwardly very amicably. Says half-share men were not all new- 
comers, but that many dissatisfied Wyoming settlers enlisted as half- 
share men, of course getting land free. This was the case with a 
number of the first settlers at Athens. 

Xow occurred what Miner calls "The last grand movement of 
the Susquehanna Company," having in view defiance of Pennsylvania 
and the erection of the new state. Pennsylvania had a right to regard 
this as treasonable. Franklin and his associates, by reason of the 
unendurable oppression of Wyoming settlers, believed their act justi- 
fiable. Once more a meeting was called of the Susqtiehanna Proprie- 
tors, who had been greatly "reinforced by men of genius, literature 
and politics." Pickering says the New York men, mostly from Hud- 
son, were usually called the "York lessees" (McKinstry, Hamilton, 
Benton and others). The proprietors convened in the court house 
at Hartford, Conn., December 27, 1786. The full proceedings are to 
be found in Vol. XVIII, 3d Series, Archives. A large commission 
was appointed from Connecticut, Vermont, New York and Pennsyl- 
vania to adjust all claims in the purchase, grant new townships, etc. 
Joel Barlow, afterward minister plenipotentiary to the Court of 
France, acted as secretary. 

On the very same day, in the Assembly of Pennsylvania, a supple- 
ment was passed to the act establishing Luzerne County ; and appoint- 
ing Timothy Pickering, John Franklin and Zebulon Butler to arrange 



284 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

for an election of Counsellor, etc., to be held February first. 1787. 
Naturally, Franklin was not in sympathy with this, and used his in- 
fluence in every way to prevent the election. However, it took place. 
Franklin absented himself ; yet there was great excitement. Who 
would not have liked to have seen Zebulon Butler on his war steed, 
riding up and down in the crowd, crying, "I draw my szvord in the 
defense of the lazv, let ez'ery loirer of peaee and good order support 
me!" Those were indeed stirring times. ^^ Franklin was chosen mem- 
ber of assembly. It was at this time Mrs Perkins says "Franklin 
spurned the nomination, and set about founding an Independent State 
Government." 

In March, 1787, the Confirming Law was passed, adding fuel to 
the flame. 

The following letter, probably hitherto unpublished, is from the 
autograph collection of Gilbert S. McClintock, of Wilkes-Barre, by 

™ The following address was evidently made soon after the election, on learning of the 
proposed Confirming Law, and well defines the Connecticut point of view: 

"Address of Captain John Jenkins at Forty Fort, in February, i/8^. 

"We will gladly accept any proposition that will bring peace, quiet us in our possessions 
and protect us in our titles. • This is all we ask now ; it is all we have asked from the begin- 
ning. Suppose we accept of the terms proposed, what guaranty have we that Pennsylvania 
will keep her plighted faith? She has forfeited her honor to us time and again. If we ac- 
cept the provisions of the proposed law, when she finds we are tied hand and foot, she will 
repeal it and leave us again without remedy or hope, except in ourselves. We have repeat- 
edly had assurance of the desire of Pennsylvania to have this controversy settled, but the 
measures proposed and the men sent here to effect such settlement have shown us that they 
will never be satisfied except with our expulsion from our lands, and our total ruin, which 
we will never agree or submit to. Our fathers have been imprisoned, robbed and whipped 
by the Pennsylvanians; our public papers have been taken wickedly from us; they have ])lun- 
dered our settlements, burnt our towns, taken the lives of our friends and brethren; driven 
our old men, women and children into the wilderness at the point of the bayonet, with cir- 
cumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally 
unworthy the lead of a civilized State or nation. We have petitioned in our most humble 
terms for a redress of our grievances, to be secured in our property, our lives, and our pos- 
sessions, and our petitions have been treated with insult and contempt, and been rejected. 
They still continue in their endless persecution with obstinate fury and uncontrollable op- 
pression. 

"And yet in the face of all these facts, all this perfidy, all these crimes, we are again 
called upon by their perpetrators to give up our titles, and all claims and rights under them, 
and rely upon the clemency of Pennsylvania for any future titles or rights to our lands. 
God forbid that we should be foolish enough to do anything of this kind. The blood of the 
martyrs who have fallen in defence of our rights would cry to us from the ground should 
we permit their widows and orphan children to be driven from their home and possessions 
out into the wide world to perish or become a public burden. 

"What new plan do they propose to us now? Nothing but to quiet us in our i)os- 
sessions for a short period until we give up our titles and they can devise and put into execu- 
tion some new plan for our expulsion. We have too often experienced the bad faith of Penn- 
sylvania to place confidence in any new measure of her Legislature, and if they shall enact a 
quieting law they will repeal it as soon as the Connecticut settlers submit and are completely 
saddled with the laws of the State. What security have we if we comply with their proposals 
and put ourselves in their power, that the State will not repeal the law and deal as treacher- 
ously with us as in the case of Armstrong? 

"The only safe course for the settlers to pursue is to stand by their titles and pos- 
sessions until Pennsylvania shall find it to be her interest to do them justice by acknowledging 
their rights and establishing them thro' proper legislation. Whenever she shall do this, there 
will be an end of the controversy. If it be the disposition of the General Assembly of Penn- 
sylvania to do us justice, as stated by Colonel Pickering, she can do it in that way, and thus 
end all further trouble and annoyance to either party. But the proposal is to bind us and 
leave Pennsylvania free, to have us surrender our titles and trust to Pennsylvania for another, 
and as the gentleman says, a better title. This we will never submit to. We have fought too 
long, and shed too much blood of our best inhabitants, and sacrificed too much in defence of 
our titles and possessions to tamely yield them up to Ihe threats or entreaties of Pennsylvania, 
and we will never do it. All we ask is justice, and that is in her hands to grant at any 
moment. If she will not grant us this she will have to put up with the consequences." — 
Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. X\'III, p. 066. 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TO LORD BUTLER 385 

whose courtesy it is reproduced. It shows that the great statesman 
was very confident that this law would adjust all difficulties: 

"In Council, Phila. April 4. 17S7. 
"Sir, With this you will receive a Number of printed Copies of an Act of 
Assembly lately passed, respecting the Settlers from Connecticut in your County. 
The Spirit of Condescension and Good-Will of the Legislature towards those 
Settlers manifested by this Act, in attending so readily to their Petitions, and in 
giving them so fair an Opportunity of establishing their Claims and quieting 
their Possessions for themselves and their Posterity, will we are persuaded have 
its proper Effect on the prudent and reasonable Majority, who can set a just 
Value on the Blessings of Peace and Good Government, and we hope therefore 
that the Endeavours of a few restless Individuals, if such should remain, who 
may expect to find their own private and separate Advantage in public Troubles. 
will not have any Effect in disturbing this Commencement of Harmony, which 
in its Completion will secure to the Inhabitants not only the Lands that have 
been in question, but the additional Advantage of our excellent Constitution, and 
the Protection of one of the principal States in the Union. You will observe 
the Directions of the Act in making it publick; and you may assure the People 
that the good Disposition of Council towards them is not inferior to that which 
has been manifested by the General Assembly. I am. Sir, 

Your humble Servant, 

"B. Franklin, Presdt." 
"To Lord Butler, Esquire, High Sheriff of the County of Luzerne.'' 

John Franklin advised non-conformity to this law, rather than 
open resistance. Now he had deserted his Wyoming home, and was 
building a house at Athens, near the river, on the lot next south of 
the Academy, rented or sold by Hollenback or Lockhart two years 
before. This choice of location seems a special defiance of Penn- 
sylvania. 

The land jobbers about this time tried to bribe Franklin. "oiTering 
a sum of money sufficient to make him and family independent for 
life if he would quit the country and not return." After two attempts 
he cautioned them never to repeat them. His journal for this period 
shows that he was busy, every day, persuading the settlers to avoid 
the commissioners and ignore the law. He traveled up and down the 
valley between Wyoming and Tioga Point, stopping at the house of 
every Connecticut settler. When his tall form was seen, the cry went 
forth in house and field, "Franklin is coming;" all work was laid aside, 
indoors and out, while once more he rehearsed their wrongs, persuaded 
them to resist the law, and fanned their fury into flame. 

The new state was now very near erection. A constitution had 
been drawn up by Oliver Wolcott.^' (Would that a copy of it could be 
found!) William Judd was to be Governor, and Franklin, Lietitenant- 
Governor. One who saw it says^® : "I well remember it commenced 
like the Declaration of Independence, by setting forth a series of 
wrongs, or a declaration of rights, justifying their deed ; and then 
came the organization, etc." Pickering himself says : "Had Wyo- 
ming, with its dependencies, been situated as near to the northern 

^^ Oliver Wolcott was afterwards Governor of Connecticut. Miner well says, "Such 
men did not move without high purpose and elevated aim." 

^ Miner says that in 1803 or '04 Gen. W^illiam Ross was in New Haven and was told 
of the new state project as an assured fact. Miner also questioned Capt. Richards. His reply 
was prompt and distinct as to remembrance: "Yes, perfectly familiar to me. Capt. Judd 
showed me the draft of the Constitution. It was drawn up by Oliver Wolcott." 



28G OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

hives (New England), it would at this day have constituted another 
Vermont." 

Here are extracts from a letter ( in collections of American Philo- 
sophical Society) relating to Athens, and scoring Obadiah Gore, who 
had grown weary of the contest and proposed to conform to the laws 
of Pennsylvania. This was written to Dr. Hamilton by Col. Franklin: 

"April 29, 1787. I fear you have put too much trust in Esq. Gore. You may 
depend that he will sacrifice the company's interest to secure his own. * * * 
I should have a greater esteem of him if he had laid aside muskrat traps, and 
assisted us in time of trouble. He is willing that Pennsylvania shall have the 
town of Athens, and cheat those of us who have been the salvation of this coun- 
try out of our lands. Ingratitude blacker than Hell ! Perhaps he may curse the 
day he was born before he will accomplish his designs in that respect." 

Among these Mss. is also a petition dated February 5, 1787, to 
Assembly of Pennsylvania, signed by 131 inhabitants of Luzerne, 
residents of upper tozvnships, of course, in connection with Confirming 
Law. The agitation over this law led to the proposition to assemble 
and talk over the matter. 

Accordingly, in May, 1787, a public meeting was called at old 
Forty Fort (see^Miner, p. 411, and Fisher, p. 309). Miner says, p. 
•Ill : "So great a gathering had not been known in the Valley for 
years." Col. Timothy Pickering appeared for Pennsylvania; Col. 
Franklin, supported by Simon Spalding and Elisha Satterlee, spoke 
for Connecticut. The trouble and distrust of the Connecticut people 
may be shown by the outburst of Stephen Gardiner in reply to a 
speech in which Pickering pledged his "own honor, dearer than life," 
that Pennsylvania was honest in her purpose. "Your lips speak fair," 
exclaimed Gardiner, a Connecticut man, "but O, that there was a 
window in that breast, that we might read your heart !" Franklin 
was the last speaker, so bitterly eloquent that Matthias Hollenback's 
suppressed passion gave way, and he aimed a blow at Franklin with the 
butt of his riding whip. A friendly hand intervened, but the meeting de- 
generated into a riot. All rushed to the woods close by, cut sticks, 
and turned on each other with savage blows. In spite of this commo- 
tion, a disorderly vote was taken to support the law. Franklin and 
the wild Yankees continued nevertheless to defeat the measure in 
every way. 

This is the time when Miner says Ethan Allen appeared in regi- 
mentals, etc. If so, it was his second coming, possibly to reconnoitre 
and concert further measures. 

"Allensburg on the Wyalusing was a grant to Gen. Ethan Allen of several 
thousand acres for his expected aid in 'the grand scheme of treason and rebel- 
lion,' as it was called by Pennsylvania, and of just resistance to unendurable op- 
pression, as regarded by Connecticut." 

May 10, 1787, Col. Franklin appeared before General Assembly 
at Hartford, and presented a memorial in behalf of the Susquehanna 
and Delaware inhabitants, with 80 signatures, setting forth that the 
Penns by their agents had by accident become possessed of the Indian 
deed, and other important evidences of the Connecticut title, and had 
purposely secreted them at the time of sitting of commissioners at 



PICKERING'S LETTERS TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 287 

Trenton. The Lower House took favorable action on this memorial, 
but the upper House refused to concur. Franklin's hopes were again 
blighted. 

That affairs increased in seriousness is evinced by a letter, w^hich 
seems to have been unpublished, found at Harrisburg (October, 1907). 
It was written by Pickering to Benjamin Franklin August 13, dated 
at "Wilkesburg." Extracts: 

"Peace of country depends on immediate execution of confirming law. * * =^ 
John Franklin and his adherents are very industrious to infuse suspicions into 
the minds of the settlers that the law will never be carried into execution ; * * * 
misled by Franklin's protestations and falsehoods, execution of laws is more 
difficult."' 

This being considered in council on September 1, a letter was 
sent to Pickering, enclosing a warrant to apprehend Franklin, but leav- 
ing it to his discretion to have it executed or sttppressed. Evidently 
the time was not ripe, or Pickering thought it wise not to assume the 
responsibility. 

You may say, we are wandering far from Athens, but this is the 
history of Athens. Lmquestionably. Tioga Point now was the high seat 
of treason ; and after this meeting jtist recorded extra efforts were 
made to push the settlement. Listen to this letter from one of three 
Hudson men. who were as ardent land jobbers as any in Pennsyl- 
vania, and who- at this time used John Franklin as their tool : 

"August 9, 1787. Sir. I have carefully perused yours dated the first, and 
think your policy good — with regard to letting the Towns on the Tioga. I think 
it best that it should be done immediately. You requested me to repair to the 
Tioga without loss of time. * * I am sensible that if I at present leave home 
for any considerable time, there will be no possibility of my throwing on many 
settlers this Fall, for which reason I shall not go on at present, but exert myself 
to the utmost to throw on settlers * * and fix a plan to fill the country in 
the spring — your policy will undoubtedly induce you to not suffer provisions to 
be carried from your settlement, but above all I most earnestly advise you to 
crush your enemies, & pursue them to the pit. & depend, I Will assist you so far 
as in my power. & shall expect that when I hear from you again, there will not 
be an Acan found in your Camp & trust you will not suffer the unhallowed feet 
of a Penimite to tread on the Land which the Lord hath given you. I am Sir 

"yr mo. obedient humble Servant 

"Caleb Benton." 

"N. B. Please to present my compliments to Major Jenkins & inform him 
I am determined that his God shall be my God." 

It was this same week that Pickering wrote to Benjamin Franklin. 
The Vice-President of Council replies : 

"We have been informed that some people at Hudson. N. Y. are determined 
to oppose the execution of the law * * you had better be on your guard." 

Soon a new phase of controvers}^ arose : the quarrel between the 
zvhole-share old settlers and the half-share nezv settlers. This was 
actively in operation at Wysox. which was held by Hudson people as 
"Strong and Hogaboom's town," to be settled only by half-share men; 
while many old settlers from below wished to locate there. Pickering 
thought this special quarrel was also on at Tioga, and possibly this 
might account for the varied lists of original proprietors of Athens 
to be given in a later chapter. It is noticeable that the name of 



2<S8 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Athens does not occur in any letter or records of Pennsylvania ; it 
was always Tioga or Tioga Poinr. Athens was the Connecticut name, 
therefore ignored. Would that the Point might be pictured as in 
1787, with the cannons, ammunition and large stores of provisions; 
but no scrap of paper has been found concerning this period. How 
carefully they covered up their tracks! There seems to be no Alat- 
thewson papers in existence, and Elisha Satterlee's house was twice 
burned. But there are plenty of the intercepted letters to tell the 
tale; three from Hamilton to Franklin, September 8 and 10, 1787, 
offering to- rush in settlers for any new township, deploring hesitancy, 
urging audacity, abusing Pennsylvanians, also saying: 

"But if you should in proper time afford a manly resistance * * my 
desire is that you should reserve a handsome seat on the Tioga point, for we 
think it policy in such case that either Dr. Benton or myself should remove to 
that place in the Spring to continue there." At the close of a fiery letter, antici- 
pating being called a coward for not going to the scene of action, he writes : 
"If you can contrive any way that I may do> justice * * I will be with you 
* * but then you must make a noise — I will not die such a tapering death." 
(Pages 184-5, Vol. XI.) 

The following is evidently again a blind letter, yet it is easy to 
read between the lines that a sudden uprising was planned, a (fuick and 
bloody conflict, and Pennsylvania beaten. Listen : 

"You say you cannot conceive from whence my fears arose. I will tell you 
sir how it is — leading characters here will believe that you never will be able 
to Klink up a Bubbery there, and until that is done they will not venture any 
further part of their property or character, so that you readily see your schemes 
are at an end. * * Moreover if I should tell them there was something about 
to be done which would be dangerous, our enemies may take the hint too soon." 
(His allusion to the practice of Physic very evidently means fighting.) "I think 
you harbor in your country a curious monster of two heads in one body * * =(= 
two setts of Commissioners granting the same lands, which you allozv. Gore 
said in his letter to me as soon as they meddled with the title of lands, he would 
find Indians enough to protect them. Where arc Gore's Indians? are they scat- 
tered away by his new settlers at Newtown?" 

September 5, 1787, Pickering wrote to Benjamin Franklin as 

follows : 

"Franklin & Jenkins were at Tioga last Monday; and on Tuesday were 
to sit with Beach and others to receive and examine the claims of the inhabitants 
in that quarter to the lands in their possession ; agreably to an advertisement 
posted up at Tioga by their order. A Col Mclnstee ( McKinstry) from Hudson, 
and one, Allen (Nathaniel) from Rhode Island are said to have met them there. 
I have a deposition declaring that one of their company confessed that their 
plan was to erect an independent state." 

The most amazing story of all is Samuel Gordon's of 

"The long visaged Scotchman who informed me their intention was not to 
ask the protection of any state, that they meant to govern themselves, and, if 
molested protect themselves against any or all of the States. If they found thcvi- 
selvcs unable to stand against the States, call for the assistance of the British; 
being an independent people they would have the right to request and receive 
the Protection of any Power." 

This Scotchman exihibited a writing, signed by McKinstry and 
Allen, signifying each settler should have a certain (|uantity <^f land 
gratis, etc. 



FRANKLIN'S DEFIANT ACTIVITY 289 

And so it seems Tories and Indians were tO' be called into use 
once more. x\ll this agitation clustering' around Tioga Point, of which 
we were thinking of saying (after the manner of former historians) it 
was peacefully settled by so and so, little dreaming of all these hidden 
schemes. 

Now Benjamin Franklin, in alarm, appeals to Governor Clinton 
of New York, informing him: 

"A number of disorderly People are collecting near the State Line, * * their 
numbers daily increasing ^731 z'agabonds from all quarters, and that they expect 
Reinforcements from Shays late Partisans, and purpose defending their pro- 
ceedings by force oi arms. Such a body of Banditti may be capable of mischief. 
* * * Some of whose leaders are said to be Inhabitants of New York * * best 
to have a conference." (Page 187, Vol. X.) 

Pickering says of John Franklin at this time that "he is possessed 
of some art, and of bravery to desperation." He had the desperate 
boldness to send orders in writing to his adherents (signed "Colonel 
Commandant). This was disclosed in the following letter, written a 
few days previous to Franklin's arrest, addressed to Col. Zebulon 
Butler at Wilkes-Barre: 

"Wyalusing Sept 29, 1787. 

"Sir, I think it prudent to inform you that Mr Franklin has sent circular 
letters to his associates up the river, urging them to equip themselves complete 
with arms, one pound of Powder & four pounds of lead, & repair to Wyoming, 
there to oppose the election next month. If you think you are not able to oppose 
force to force, I presume to think it would be best to outgeneral him by secret 
adjournments. They are determined to lay hands on all public papers in the 
commissioners hands, therefore think it would be best to secrete them. His 
friends are numerous, occasioned by the faithless conduct of some Pennsylvania 
gentlemen, formerly sent to treat with them, who violated every agreement they 
entered into, which will be made use of as arguments to keep the people's minds 
alienated from the Government of Pennsylvania. I am sir your obliged 

"Humble Servt. 

"Samuel Gordon."^" 

Matters had now reached a crisis ; the whole country was in con- 
fusion. The upper townships were filling up with the wild Yankees. 
It was estimated there were at least 10,000 in the valley from Wyoming 
to State Line, "ready to come out with their swords and defend it 
against the world." Another civil war seemed imminent. The State, 
as well as the land jobbers, was now thoroughly aroused. 

^^ The originals of these circular letters are still in existence in Harrisburg, and have 
been seen by author; one is addressed to Mr. Jehiel Franklin: 

"Wilkes-Barre, Sept. 25, 1787. 

"Sir. You are requested to give notice to the half share men and settlers at Waysocks 
and Towanda who expect to support their lands under the Susquehanna Company that they 
appear at Abel Yarrington's in Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday 9th Oct. next at 9 o'clock in the 
morning, compleat in arms and equip'd. John Franklin, by order of the Companies' Com- 
missioner. 

"N. B. You will direct such persons to give the warning as you think proper. 

"Later. Mr. Franklin, Sir, You are requested to notify all half share men that they 
meet at the house of James Lessley in Hanover on Monday 8 Oct at 9 in the morning com- 
pletely arm'd and ecjuip'd as that is the day the Pa. Loyalists intend to regulate their militia 
to subjugate us which we are determined to prevent. 

"John Franklin, Col. Com'd." 

Concerning Franklin's attitude, it is interesting to read his letter of the preceding year, 
to William Montgomery, to be found on page 656, Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, 
\'ol. XV'III. Many other papers of great value as regards the controversy are to be found in 
this same volume, which is well worth studying. 



290 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

The following excerpts from the minutes of the Supreme Execu- 
tive Council of 1787 show what was done : 

"Sept 22. Several papers containing intelligence of an armed banditti hav- 
ing assembled at Tioga, within this State, in a riotous manner, with an intention 
to resist the Government, were laid before the Council ; and On consideration 
The President was desired to write a letter to the Governor of the State of New 
York, inclosing the said papers, and requesting the concurrence of the Govern- 
ment of that State in concerting measures for effectually suppressing the riot- 
ers ; and also that our Delegates in Congress may be permitted to hold a con- 
ference with him for that purpose. A letter was written to the Delegates of this 
State in Congress upon the same subject." 

A few days later a draft of a proclamation was read and approved 
by council, offering $400 for the arrest of John Franklin ; $200 for 
John Jenkins, and $200 for Zeriah Beach and John McKinstry, or $100 
apiece for the latter ; and charging all Judges, Justices, Sheriffs and 
Constables to make diligent search and enquiry for these men. There 
is also recorded an apologetic letter to council from persons who in- 
dulged in a riot at time of Franklin's arrest, "supposing he was carried 
off' without the authority of any regular writ or warrant."" and express- 
ing regret for their misconduct. 

A warrant \vas now issued, as follows : 

"Instructions to Col Jno. Craig 1787 In Council 
"Sir, You are to take what number of militia you think necessary and pro- 
ceed with the greatest dispatch to Wilkesbarre in the County of Luzerne. When 
there if you think necessary consult Col. Pickering on the best method you can 
take to apprehend John Franklin, John Jenkins, Zerah Beach and John McKin- 
try. * * * If you take Franklin at Wilkesbarre do not proceed any further, or 
run no risque of losing him by endeavoring to apprehend the others. * * * 

A notice was also sent to Governor Clinton of New York in case they had 
escaped over the State Line. 

Manifestly, the only way out was to dispose of Franklin, the be- 
loved leader. Since he could not be bribed, he might be imprisoned. 
Therefore, October 2, 1787, he was arrested on the charge of high 
treason, carried to Philadelphia, and thrown into* jail, heavily ironed. 
It seemed an abominable proceeding, but he dealt with it lightly in 
after vears ; he says : "I resided nearlv 2 vears in Philadelphia from 
October, 1787." 

Thus ended the great project, and thus the high hopes concerning 
Athens fell, although we conclude from the following that affairs were 
still serious, and tliat the New State project lingered after the arrest 
of Franklin, for P)enjamin Franklin, then Secretary of the Common- 
wealth, sent the following letter to the Council then in session, Novem- 
ber, 1787: 

"Gentlemen. Since the last session, there has been a renewal of the disturb- 
ances at Wyoming, some restless spirits there having imagined a prospect of 
withdrawing the inhabitants of that part of the State, and some of tlie State of 
New York from their allegiance, and of forming them into a new State, to be 
carried into effect by an armed force in defiance of the laws of the two States. 
Having intelligence of this, we caused one of the principal conspirators to be 
apprehended, and secured in the gaol of this city — and another who resides in 
the state of New York, at our request has been taken up by the authorities of 



THE WILD YANKEE LEAGUE 291 

that Government/" The papers found on this occasion fully discovers the designs 
of these turbulent people, and some of their letters are herewith laid before you. 
* * * To protect the civil officers of our new Court of Luzerne * * we have or- 
dered a body of Militia to hold themselves in readiness to march hither. * * * 

"B. Franklin, 
"President Supreme Ex. Council." 

Probably it was at this time that the following was found, maybe 
one of the papers to which B. Franklin alUtded : 

(Supposed to be "Wild Yankee League.") 
"Combination of Settlers and PiwcJiasers of Susquehanna Company, i/8/. 

"Whereas, we the subscribers being proprietors, purchasers and Settlers of 
a tract of Land known by the name of Susquehanna purchase, and are in con- 
sequence of a Royal chartered right, together with that of an absolute purchase 
from the aboriginal proprietors (with our associates, to wit, the Susquehanna 
Company) in possession of the whole of the aforesaid purchase ; and whereas 
the settlers and their associates are & were joint tenants of the whole Territory 
of Country aforesaid, & the possession of the settlers is & ever hath been the 
possession of themselves and their associates agreeably to the observation of a 
celebrated Law writer, who saith that a possession of a part in the name of the 
whole is a possession compleatly for every part. And whereas the aforesaid 
Company of which we are a part, were the first in possession & occupancy after 
the aboriginals, & neither have been or can be legally dispossessed by any Tri- 
bunal short of a Federal Court instituted agreeably to- the articles of confedera- 
tion ; it therefore follows that no one State in the Union has a right to determine 
the title or right of possession to any of the lands in the aforesaid purchase 
until the institution and exercise of a Federal Court as above mentioned. There- 
fore we humbly, jointly, & severally pledge our honors & all our properties, real 
and personal, that we will use our utmost exertions for the protection and de- 
fence of each other in the possession of the lands aforesaid against all invaders, 
& also for the defence of all such as will join with us in this combination, & that 
we will unequivocally adhere to everything comprized in the foregoing declara- 
tion. We also hereby declare to the public that we will lay no claim to the 
lands under any other title but that of the Susquehanna Company in the before 
mer.tioned purchase. In testimony whereof we have hereunto voluntarily sub- 
scribed our names. 

"*John McKinstrey, *Zerah Beach. Benjamin Allen, *Thomas McClaier 
(McCluer), *Eldad Kellog. *Chester Bingham, *Stephen Fuller, *Lebbeus Ham- 
mond, *Benjamin Clark, Jeremiah Skeer, *Joseph Spalding, *Joseph Kenney, 
^Samuel Gore, Peter Dounou, *Waterman Baldwin, *John Spalding, *Joseph 
Marshall, *Avery Grove (Gore?), John Cole, *Simon Spalding, Abel Maringer, 
Thomas Spalding, ^Abraham Brokaw. *Samuel Southard, Othriel Campbell, 
Abraham Spalding, John Garey, Thomas Brown, Simon Shepard, Jas. Therin- 
lon. *Solom'n Bennett, *Joel Thomas, Joseph Thomas, Jos. F. Thompson, James 
Fanning, *John O'Neal, Jas. Dolson, Stephen Dolson. Jno. Moorecraft. John 
Kortwright, Jacob Collins, James Whitney, *Jacob Snel(f), Christian Kress, 
Nathan Herrington, Chornelius McDanul, Nicholas Depui, junr.. Peregrine Gard- 
ner, John McClure, *John Fuller, Samuel Bewellman, *Jon'n Harris, *Jon'n 
Harris, Jr., Martin Young, Walter Walrue, *Abm. Minur (Minier?), *Joseph 
Tyler, Alexr. Simpson. Jr., Jacob Kress, *Nathan Herrington, Jr., Moses Depui, 
Jacob Herrington, *Prince Bryant, John Simpson, John Simpson, Jr. 

There is no date to the foregoing, but it is recorded in the Letter Book 
immediately after the preceding letter, dated October 6, 1787. 

*" Pickering tells of this: "I have the pleasure to inform you that Dr. Hamilton has 
been taken with a budget of letters and papers, showing his own and Franklin's treasonable 
practices. Hamilton you perhaps know wrote three of the letters which were taken with 
Starkweather, and has been Franklin's principal correspondent in York State." The letters in 
Archives are all those that were intercepted. Jenkins, Beach and McKinstry escaped arrest. 
It has been generally represented by historians that Timothy Pickering arrested Franklin on 
his own responsibility; the foregoing orders prove this false, yet the order of arrest (according 
to letters in Harrisburg) was sent to him, instructing him to use his own judgment as to its 
enforcement. 



292 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

By this list it will be seen that a good many of the former settlers 
of Athens were concerned in this league, known as the "Wild Yankee 
League," a term, the origin of which is unknown, though one letter 
in the Archives alludes to the band as "Wild Boys." A star marks the 
name of every one connected with this vicinity ; errors in spelling 
render some names difficult to recognize. The second Harris is doubt- 
less John, Jr., as there were not two Jonathans. 

Simon Spalding was said to have opposed the league, but here 
is his name. Look in vain, however, for Franklin, Satterlee, Swift 
and Matthewson. Inexplicable omission ! 

Alexander Patterson called the Wild Yankees "Franklin's Ra- 
vengers." What the Press thought of these proceedings may be 
learned from the Independent Gazetteer of 1787, the second daily 
newspaper published in the country. (The following extracts were 
furnished by the late A. S. Hooker, of Troy, for the first numbers 
of the Athens Ncivs.) Mr. Hooker wrote: 

"First in the yellow pages of the little bound volume, appears an Act of 
Legislature March 28. 1787, for ascertaining and confirming to certain persons 
called Connecticut claimants the lands by them claimed in the county of Lu- 
zerne, consideration of the claims to take effect in May at the house of Col. Zeb- 
ulon Butler in Wilkesborough (Wilkes-Barre), Peter Muhlenburg and Timothy 
Pickering being Commissioners.'' 

The Gazetteer of September ;5, 1787, has the following: 
"We learn from Wyoming that a dangerous combination of villains com- 
posed of runaway debtors, criminals, adherents of Shays (who a short time ago 
raised a rebellion in Massachusetts, suppressed by the Government with blood- 
shed), etc.. is now actually forming on the Susquehanna. Tioga Point seems 
to be their general rendezvous. They extend some distance down as well as up 
the Tioga Branch (Chemung). They have had a gathering to council of their 
principal partisans, who oppose the introduction of law into that settlement. 
They carry everything with a high hand, in open defiance of all government ex- 
cept their own. Last week they were to try a man for his life, who refused to 
comply with their injunctions, but the issue is not yet known. Their avowed 
design is to institute a nciv state, and if they are not timely checked and re- 
strained, will soon become very troublesome and dangerous. They increase very 
fast, and their present numbers are by no means inconsiderable. Immediate and 
decisive measures ought to be taken against them it is to be lamented our govern- 
ment admits of no decision. It is for the want of energy in this respect that we 
see banditties rising up against law and good order in all parts of our country." 

Shades of Ethan Allen and John Franklin ! Does not this seem 
the very essence of "YcUozv JournaUsm?" And yet almost strictly 
true ! Descendants of Connecticut settlers, here you see your revered 
ancestors as Peinisylrania saw them. Further startling intelligence 
is contained in later issues of the same paper. (All these excerpts 
prove that there are chapters of Tioga Point history that cannot now 
be written.) If we might only go back a few hours to 1787! 

"Sept 12 We hear from Wilkesbury in the county of Luzerne that a court 
was held there last week in the most (traceable manner. Two bills, it is said, 
were found against John Franklin for riot and trespass, and for assault and 
battery. This incendiary we are told has retreated to Tioga (Point) where he 
is stimulating a body of vagrants to commit fresh acts of rebellion and treason 
against the government of Pennsylvania. From the happy effects that have fol- 
lowed the establishment of a new county at Wyoming, composing the minds 
of the people, and driving off insurgents and vagrants ; there is no doubt that 



ARREST OF COLONEL FRANKLIN 293 

the establishment of a new county that shall include Tioga Point, fixing the 
officers of the said county near the spots infested by this banditti, would imme- 
diately drive them from the confines of this State. Unless tliis be done, we must 
expect that our citizens will move westward, and leave us a wilderness within 
150 miles of our capital." .\ letter from Wyoming, dated September 6. says: "We 
have learnt nothing from the Convention at Tioga, except that the meeting was 
not so great as was intended. I have just heard, but how true I can not tell 
that they have dispatched two surveyors to lay out two towns (doubtless Ulster 
and Athens) on the waters of Tioga in this State. The appointment of a Lieu- 
tenant I flatter myself will have a good efifect." 

"Sept 20. By a gentleman just arrived from Tioga we learn that the in- 
surgents in that place were surprised and taken by a party of the new federal 
military, and that their leaders are on their way to Wyoming to be tried for 
their lives." 

While not absolutely accurate, this last notice no doubt alludes 
to the seizure of John Franklin, which is thus described in the 
Gasetteer for October 6, 1787 : 

"A few days since, Capts. Craig, Brady, Stephenson, Begs, Mr. Pim and 
Mr. Erb went to the county of Luzerne, and there by order of the Supreme Ex- 
ecutive Council, apprehended JoJin Franklin, and yesterday brought him to this 
city. This man has been very active in fomenting disturbances in the county. 
Great address and resolution was shown by the gentlemen employed in con- 
ducting this business; they were all officers in the Continental army, who dis- 
tinguished themselves by their bravery during the late war — it is to be hoped 
that they will receive sufficient compensation for their services. * * * A corre- 
spondent with pleasure informs the public that John Franklin of Luserne County 
a refractory member of our late Assembly" was taken a few days ago by a few 
of the old "Continental officers, and is now safely lodged with Captain Reynolds, 
where he is to remain without bail or maine prize, until he is impeached, with 
the infamous nineteen members who had the audacity to attempt the breaking 
up of the late House of Assembly, after wasting £l067 10s of the public's money, 
without finishing any part of the business the House has been sitting for." (No 
filibustering was allowed in those days, and to waste the public credit or cash 
b}' such methods was rightly characterized as a crime!) 

October i), 1787, David Redick, President Benjamin Franklin's 
messenger to Governor Clinton, reported that the latter was now con- 
vinced that Hamilton, Benton, McKinstry and Aughmenterry were 
wicked men ; also that Clinton rejoiced at the arrest of Franklin, and 
promised to secure the persons and papers of Hamilton and Benton. 

October 10. Colonel Denison was requested to "go immediately into his 
county of Luzerne, in order to inform himself — and furnish exact information 
to Council — if he judge proper to proceed as far as Tioga himself or send thither 
some suitable persons, tO' view the situation of the mal-contents there, and ob- 
tain what knowledge he can of their designs, numbers, force and probable 
means of support, if they mean to establish themselves within the boundaries of 
this state," etc. 

State funds being low, Benjamin Franklin himself furnished the 
astonishing sum of tzi'clve dollars to Colonel Denison for his expenses. 

At a meeting of the Council held October 30. it was reported 
"that the rioters lately assembled at Tioga still persist in their inten- 
tions to oppose the Government," and it was decided to make appli- 
cation to Congress for consent to raise a body of troops, not exceeding 
500 men ; for it was soon evident that Col. Franklin's absence was 

^' "When Luzerne County was organized twenty members of the Assembly bolted, much 
to the disgust of the Pennsylvania land speculators, and the too subservient officials of the 
State." The Gasetteer intimates that Franklin was one of the "twenty." 



294 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

little assistance in quelling disorders. Pickering's expressed apprehen- 
sions were doubtless allayed by the promise of the council "that a suffi- 
cient number of troops will be sent in good time, if necessary, to take 
part at Tioga." Increase of magistrates was also promised, October, 
1787. A few weeks later Obadiah Gore and Matthias Hollenback ad- 
dress the Council in a joint letter, informing them that they have been 
making inquiries and learn the insurgents are still determined to get 
on as many half -share men as possible, adding : 

"Now whether it would not be policy to send a Company Immediately to 
Tioga Inlisted for one year — and let tlie reasons be published why they are sent 
which will prevent in a Great measure people being prevailed on to commence 
halfsharemen. * * * Should the Troops continue there until about the first of 
June next, while people Generally Get settled for a season's work, it is highly 
probable they may be discharged. To continue troops here (Wyoming) does not 
secure allegiance of the Insurgents at Tioga (where they chiefly are, and going) 
but the Troops being there secures the whole." These requests for troops were 
not granted." (The original of this letter is still in existence, and has been seen 
by the author.) 

Even the loss of their leader did not subdue the Susquehanna 
Company. A brief meeting was held December 26, and an important 
one December 27, 1787. A large board of Commissioners was ap- 
pointed from those most interested in the new state scheme. Col. 
Franklin's name was included. Their duties were to acquaint them- 
selves with all proprietors ; inspect, survey and record their claims ; to 
arrange for holding court, to grant iicn' townships ; in fact, they were 
fully empowered to transact any business they deemed necessary. The 
Wolcotts and other prominent new state schemers were very active in 
both these meetings. 

Though there are no records for several years after this, some 
interest was kept alive, as shown in future meetings. 

While the allotment at Athens took place in 178(), no one seems 
to have gone on the ground for permanent settlement, though no 
reason has been found recorded. But in 1788 the migration began. 
In reporting to the Executive Council, Pickering wrote May 27, 1788 : 

"The half Sharemen are now taking possession of lands assigned by Frank- 
lin, particularly at Tioga. John Swift, Elisha Satterly, Wm. Slocum, and Elisha 
Matthewson, are among them. These four persons I am just informed have 
taken possession of the lands they claim there, turning off by force the former 
occupants. Whether the latter had any right to their possessions I know not, 
but Force is the mode generally adopted in that part of the country to gain 
possession of lands." 

What a shattering of Connecticut ideals. Satterlee and Matthew- 
son securing their lands by force ! 

At this time it was reported from **Wilksbarre" that more than 
1,000 people had gone through that settlement to Niagara (ostensibly) 
in two weeks. These were more half-share men. 

■■-As to the new state project Pickering wrote in November, 1787, to his brother: "The 
troubles originated with a few villains of some ability, hut chiefly of desperate fortunes, taking 
advantage of the disaffection of a number of Connecticut settlers. * * * The principal con- 
spirators live in the States of Connecticut and New York. * * * The conduct of the State 
(Pennsylvania) has consisted of a series of impolitic measures, sometimes lenient, sometimes 
severe, and, through abuse of power by those appointed to execute the orders of the State, 
sometimes cruel and oppressive. * * * Two parties, the one inside, the other outside of the 
State; the one open and bold, the other concealed and cuiniing, combined to jirevent the pass- 
age of a confirming law, and were now doing their utmost to have it repealed.'" — Upham. 



ABDUCTION OF THIOTHY PICKERING 395 

Every effort to obtain the release of Col. Franklin having proven 
unsuccessful, in June, 1788, the desperate measure was adopted of 
seizing Timothy Pickering, to be held as a hostage. While this was 
a Wyoming incident, the Archives tell of great activity at "Tioga." 
The commissioners reported that the seizure had been made by "half- 
share men or Wild Boys," and that they were hurrying Pickering 
through the woods toward Tioga Point. His captors were young men 
and boys said to be acting under instructions of their "great men at 
Tioga," Jenkins and IMcKinstry. It was reported that the latter was 
"ready with a troop of 500 men to sweep all before him, even as far 
as Wyoming." Pickering, proving imperturbable and unyielding, was 
soon released. He at once reported that the York Lessees had a plan 
to execute, and that McKinstry and Livingston probably encouraged 
his captors. Congress was again urged to send troops to Tioga, and 
appeals were made to New York and New Jersey to help cjuell the 
disorders. The people at Tioga Point were reported as mostly under 
arms, ostensibly in pursuit of the rioters w^ho abducted Pickering. 
Poor fellows ; far from being rioters themselves, his abductors w-ere 
victims of a plot of a few old heads, or great men, and in many in- 
stances had been forced to assist in the escapade. 

Jenkins, Swift and the York lessees were now reported at Cana- 
desaga Lake, expecting to hold a treaty with some Indians. 

In the investigations that followed Pickering's seizure, jMrs. 
Thomas Wigton, of JMashoppen, related that when her husband ap- 
pealed to Col. Jenkins, inquiring if this seizure would not be a bad 
affair and lead to fighting, he replied: "I siccor zi'c must tight in 
order to have peace." Just previous to his abduction, in May, Pick- 
ering had reported to the Council that multitudes of old settlers had 
become half-share men, and said : 

"At this moment great numbers are in actual possession from Tunkhannock 
to Tioga — I therefore continue of the opinion. That in order to establish the 
peace of the county of Luzerne, it is necessary to fix a military post at Tioga, 
— this appears to be sound policy as well as necessity. * * * I beg leave to add 
another reason for fixing a post at Tioga. There are great numbers of orderly- 
people who would come and settle in the country." While Congress agreed to 
send troops to Tioga, if necessary, the danger seems to have been averted. 

Thus ended the first epoch of the history of the Connecticut 
settlers at Tioga Point. "A bold scheme, which, if successful, threat- 
ened to disrupt the young confederacy of states." Wliich turned the 
attention of practically the whole country on the little peninsula of 
Tioga Point, and required the wise counsels and quick action of the 
great statesman, Benjamin Franklin, to avoid a calamity. This scheme 
has been alluded to slightingly as merely "talk of Wild Yankees." But 
the State records speak for themselves, and indeed tell the whole story ; 
no yellow' journalism, after all. Wottld that a modern reporter had 
been present to tell a truthful tale of the daily occurrences at that 
period. Doubtless Athens was to be the capital, because it commanded 
the two rivers, by whicli flight to New York state could be expedited, 
as in Indian times. 



20G OLD TIOCxA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Thus was Tioga Point, in turn, the rendezvous of the Indian, the 
Tory and the Wild Yankee. 

And now, while poor Franklin is languishing in prison, we will 
retrace our steps, and consider the evident or open history of the settle- 
ment. Though it is certainly a pity not to discover the hiding place 
of the cannon, ammunition* and stored provisions ; doubtless some- 
where in the pine woods on the plains. 

The Connecticut Gore. 

In studying the history of Tioga Point, frequent allusions were 
found to the "Connecticut Gore," with no enlightening explanation. 
Many letters bearing on the matter have come to light among the Paine 
and Hollenback papers ; yet it was incomprehensible until we found in 
the New York State Regents' Boundary Commission Report a chapter 
called "the Connecticut Gore," from which are taken the following 
explanatory extracts. These make, with the letters, a complete and 
interesting chain of neglected history : 

"Very few of the dwellers along the Parallel Boundary, in the State of New- 
York, are aware that the title to a narrow strip along that Line was involved in 
the controversy between Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and that Connecticut, 
after having abandoned the controversy with Pennsylvania, undertook to renew 
it with New York. 

"The south line of the territory conveyed by the charter of Massachusetts 
was found to be along tlie parallel of latitude 40° 2'. two and three-tenths miles 
north of the forty-second parallel, the north line of Pennsylvania. B}- the Char- 
ter of Connecticut, granted in 1662. the territory conveyed was bounded "on 
the north by the line of the Masschusetts Colony running from East to West, 
that is to say. from the said Narrogansett Bay on the East, to the South Sea. on 
the West part. 

"Connecticut confined herself in her contest for the actual possession of 
the lands covered by her Charter, west of the Province of New York, to that 
portion of them which were contained within the limits of the territory granted 
to William Penn. The Indian Deed to the Susquehanna Company conveyed 
'to the forty-second or beginning of the forty-third degree of North Latitude.' 
Connecticut had her hands full with a contest with New York over the line east 
of the Hudson, and evidently did not care to complicate it by setting up claims 
for lands which might possibly be claimed by New York in the other direction. 

"The controversy went on in Pennsylvania, and was ended, so far as the 
State of Connecticut was concerned. The latter state had ceded her western 
lands, beyond the Western Reserve, to the United States, and by her acceptance 
of the Decree of the Trenton Commission she abandoned her claim to lands 
within the territory of Pennsylvania. 

"Considering the Delaware River as the western limit of the Province of 
New York, as it was evidently construed by King Charles in his grant to Penn. 
and as admitted by Gov. Tryon in his report of 1774, there still remained to 
Connecticut the nominal title to a strip of land two minutes of latitude in width, 
extending from the Delaware River to Lake Erie, to which she had never laid 
claim, either by actual pre-emption by her agents, or by convej-ance to other 
parties. * * * 

"In 1794-5 the State of Connecticut was building a State House at Hart- 
ford. In those early days it seems to have been as much of an elephant on the 
hands of the Commonwealth as the new Capitol at Albany is held to l>e by 
some of the present generation. Andrew Ward and Jeremiah Halsey were the 
contractors. And in payment for materials furnished and services rendered. 
Connecticut hit upon the happy expedient of laying claim to this almost forgot- 
ten strip of land, and conveying it to Ward and Halsey. 



THE COXXECTICUT GORE 297 

"Under an Act of the Assembly of Connecticut, passed the second Tuesday 
in May, 1795, Governor Samuel Huntington executed a deed dated 25th July, 
1795, in which he, for the Commonwealth, quit-claimed to Andrew Ward and 
Jeremiah Halse}', "said land situated and lying within the original Charter limits 
of this State, on the north of, and adjoining upon the north line of Pennsyl- 
vania, and south of the original charter line of the Commonwealth of Massa- 
chusetts as before expressed.' The consideration of the deed was forty thousand 
dollars, 

"The Colony of New York had assumed jurisdiction over the lands in 
question * * * more than twenty years before * * * had entered upon the en- 
tire area of the strip or "Gore," and with a few inconsiderable exceptions in the 
southeastern part of Broome County, had conveyed it away, and settlers were in 
possession at various points. (Page 431.) 

That this latter statement is not exactly true may be proven by 
letters and other data in the author's possession. 

Mrs. Perkins, in "Early Times" (p, 62, second edition), says: 

"Among the papers of John Shepard was a statement of the boundaries of 
a lease dated March 1787, from the Chiefs of the Senecas and Cayuga's to Ben- 
jamin Birdsall, Simon Spalding, John Shepard, Matthias Hollenback, Obadiah 
Gore, Elijah Buck, and many others, beginning at the Narrows five miles above 
Newtown, on the Tioga; thence east to Awaga (Owego) creek; thence down the 
Awaga to the Susquehanna river ; thence down said river until it strikes the Penn- 
sylvania line; then on said line until it strikes the. 79th mile stone (just west of 
Seeley Creek) ; from thence a northerly course to the place of beginning." 

It has been impossible to find this paper at present. Doubtless 
the same lease is alluded to in "Annals of Binghamton" (pp. 12!)-133). 
which says : 

"A little previous to 1788 Judge Gore and Gen. Spalding from Tioga Point 
rented the land lying between the Pennsylvania line on the south, the pre-emp- 
tion line on the west, the two lakes on the north, and the Chemung Narrows on 
the east, for ninety-nine years." 

Ainong the Hollenback papers is an original document, dated ]\[ay. 
1787, signed by Joseph Smith, John Lambert and Harris Jones, of 
Albany County, New York, who 

"By these presents constitute and appoint our Trusty friends Lawrence 
Tremper (of New York State) and Mathias Holenbeck and John Sheppard (of 
Penna.) to be our lawful attorneys to transact all matters relative to a lease of 
land obtained from the Necessary chieffs of the Sinnaca Nation of Indians to 
Benj. Birdsall, L. Tremper, Simon Spalding, Mathew Holenbeck and others 
bearing date the 5th of March 1787 on the waters of Tioga and Elsewhere," etc., 

indicating that the company originally contained these men and other 
New Yorkers. Among the Paine papers are various copies of letters 
to and from Jeremiah Halsey, giving further enlightenment. Ward 
and Halsey had organized a company called the "Connecticut Land 
Company," for the purpose of taking up the land in the Gore, and 
they soon heard of the Indian lease. In reference to letters from Gore 
and Spalding, Colonel Halsey wrote that the Proprietors of the Gore, 
"who are a very strong concern," relied on him to prevent pending 
suits, etc. ; further respecting the Lease from the Natives, Halsey 
enclosed a copy of a suggested transfer, which he wished executed 
by each of the Lessees and forwarded tO' him. the transfer to be on 
the back of the lease : 

"As to expenses will do justice and provided the Proprietors of the Gore 
gain anything under Count, title by the transfer, I will pay what is generous, 
even if it amount to the whole purchase money given to the Natives." 



298 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

The suggested transfer was as follows : 

"To all people to whom these Presents shall come Greeting; Know ye that 
we the undersigned for the consideration of $.i()()0, to us in hard paid by Jere- 
miah Halsey of Preston in the County of New London and State of Connecticut, 
do therefore hereby convey and assign the within written Lease to him the sd 
Jeremh Halsey & his Heirs & Assigns forever, together with all our right title," 
etc., etc. 

The stiggested receipt was as follows : 

"Hartford June 4. 1796 — Reed of Simon Spalding, Obad Gore, Lawrence 
Tremper, Mathias Holenback & John Shepard an Indian Lease bearing date the 
5 March 1787, of a tract of land on the waters of the Susqua & Tioga Rivers, 
from Littlebeard, Bigtree and others of the Seneca and Cayuga nations, which 
said lease I promise to account for agreeable to our agreement, which I received 
by the hand of John Franklin Esq. Reed &c Jerh Halsey." 

There were also letters sent by Franklin, from Clement Paine 
and others in the interests of those who had already settled in the 
Gore, anxious to make some satisfactory arrangements with the new 
owners, all "wishing fervently that Halsey might be successful in a 
cause which appears so just." The letters of Obadiah Gore and Mat- 
thias Hollenback, written two years later, show that the proprietors 
of the Indian Lease were rfot fairly treated by Halsey. As Gore put it : 

"The receipt does not make you sufficiently accountable to us. You can by 
this time determine if it will be serviceable in your Tryal — if so — we expect to 
be made good for it about ilGOO, N. Y. Currency — should you consider the lease 
of no use we will take it again." 

The receipt gave no encouragement O'f compensation, and Gore 
thought the matter should be adjusted before Halsey's impending 
trial (probably by New York State). It was decided that Matthias 
Hollenback should go on in person, and a sorry chase he had. Halsey 
was found, but he claimed the lease was at Hartford or New Haven, 
or any other place he thought of. Mr. Hollenback was led from place 
to place on false promises. He was shown the lease, but not allowed 
to keep it, and learned that Col. Halsey was a mass of deceit, and had 
even intercepted letters concerning the Gore. Feeling that he was 
trifled with, Mr. Hollenback gave up in despair and returned home in 
May, 1799. Two months later Obadiah Gore again took a hand ; in- 
terviewed Col. Halsey and, as he says, 

"Got an additional receipt which reduces the matter to a certainty as to 
three thousand dollars." 

Meanwhile the claimants under. Ward and Halsey undertook to 
gain possession, and the matter was brought to the attention of the 
newly-elected Governor Jay of New York, who at once laid it before 
the Legislature, to which Halsey also sent a "representation." New 
York was up in arms ; in less than a month the Legislature passed 

"An Act to prevent Intrusions on lands within the Jurisdiction of this 
State under i)retense of Title from the State of Connecticut." 

Some suits of ejectment were brought in the United States Circuit 
Court for District of Connecticut for the Connecticut Chuniants. The 
New York Legislature instructed the Governor to direct the Attorney 
General, with such counsel as might be required, to defend these suits, 



FAILURE OF WARD AND HALSEY'S CLAIM 399 

and appropriated $5,000 toward expenses. Legislation by Congress 
was recommended by the Attorney General, to permit trials in places 
where non-interested juries might be secured. Accordingly, an act 
was introduced, but failed to pass. The case was taken to the Supreme 
Court of the L^nited States ; but before a decision was reached, the 
Connecticut Legislature made a move for an amicable adjustment, 
having already offered to release juridical rights over the territory 
when the proprietors of the Gore should have adjusted all disputes. 
The Supreme Court soon rendered a decision, declaring that the states 
were not parties, and that the Circuit Court had jurisdiction, closing 
thus : 

"How far a suit may with effect be instituted in this Court to decide the 
right of jurisdiction between two States abstractedly from the right of soil, it 
is not necessary to determine. The question is a great one, but not before us." 

When next the cases were called in the District Court at Hart- 
ford, the plea of jurisdiction was sustained on the ground that Con- 
necticut had renounced all claims to lands laying westward of the east 
line oi New York. The cases were thrown out of court, with costs 
upon the claimants. As is expressed in an appeal printed in 1829, "here 
the hopes of the Gore Company terminated," and the projects of gain 
under the grant to Ward and Halsey vanished in a moment. No 
further efforts were made to obtain possession, the claimants content- 
ing themselves with presenting their claims to the State of Connecti- 
cut, and printed appeals to the public. The Gore Company lost many 
thousands of dollars, and its short story was ended. If the proprietors 
of the old Indian lease received their $3,000 from Halsey, as agreed, 
they surely fared better than company or claimants ; but there is no 
record that they did. There is a memorandum by M. Hollenback : 
"See Obadiah Gore what he did with Halsey's note of $3,000." 
Their title seems to' have held to at least a part of the land for 
which they had taken a patent from the State of Nezif York in i/p6, 
apparently after they heard of Ward and Halsey's claim. Lot 143 
was the Sing-Sing tract and is still in the possession of heirs of Mat- 
thias Hollenback. 



CHAPTER XV 

1786-1798 

THE PIONEERS 

The Original Proprietors of Athens — The Beginnings of the Settle- 
ment — Excitement Over Indian Murders — First Suit in Local 
Controversy— Erivin's Claim — Many Nezvcomers — franklin Re- 
leased — Renezved Activity of Susquehanna Company-^—Second 
Nezv State Scheme — Agitation Over the Intrusion Laze — Condi- 
tions of Trade — General Tozvn History to i^gS 



"Through the deep wilderness where scarce the sun 
Can cast his darts along the winding path, 
The Pioneer is treading. In his grasp 
Is his keen axe, that wondrous instrument 
That, like the talisman, transforms 
Deserts to fields and cities. He has left 
The home in which his early years were past, 
And, led hy hope, and full of restless strength, 
Has plunged within the forest, there to plant 
His destiny." 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS OF 

Divisions 

1st 2nd 3rd 

John Hurlbut 1 43 22 ^ 

Elisha Mathewson 2 30 43 

Ethan Allen 3 24 21 

Joel Thomas 4 48 14 

Oliver Bigelow 5 22 18 

Richard Halstead 6 32 39 

Reuben Cook 7 5 26 

Public Lot 8 51 8 

John O'Neil 9 31 25 

Prince Alden 10 23 36 

Thomas McClure 11 44 11 

Phineas Stephens 12 28 40 

Uriah Stephens 13 21 44 

Matthias Hollenback 14 13 3 

Solomon Bennett 15 6 38 

Richard Halstead 16 39 1 

William Slocum 17 49 30 

William Jackaway 18 29 20 

Waterman Baldwin 19 50 49 

Christopher Hurlbut 20 11 17 

William Hyde 21 40 6 

Asahel Buck's Heirs 22 19 41 

Public Lot 23 53 10 

William Jones 24 42 33 

Nathan Denison 25 2 2 

Thomas Baldwin 26 25 19 

Eldad Kellogg 27 33 45 

300 



CERTIFIED ATHENS, 1786. 

Divisions 

1st 2nd 3rd 

-Benjamin Gardner 28 12 47 

William Jenkins 29 9 34 

Eleazer Slocum 30 16 13 

Nathan Carey 31 36 16 

Richard Halstead 32 16 32 

Benjamin Allen 33 10 5 

John Franklin 34 17 23 

Ishmael Bennett 35 20 29 

Elisha Harding 36 37 7 

Elisha Satterlee 37 8 42 

Benjamin Smith 38 26 28 

Abraham Miller 39 34 31 

John Franklin 40 1 4 

John Jenkins 41 27 37 

Ira Stephens 42 4 53 

John Hageman 43 47 12 

Abraham Nesbit 44 41 35 

Mason F. Alden 45 3 51 

Jonathan Burwell 46 7 52 

Nathaniel Cook 47 38 27 

Thomas McClure 48 45 15 

Richard Halstead 49 15 48 

Gideon Church 50 18 46 

Public Lot 51 52 9 

John Swift 52 35 24 

Thomas Handy 53 14 50 



COXFLICTIXG LISTS OF PROPRIETORS 301 

The original proprietors ; who were they, and whence ; and how 
many became permanent settlers at Tioga Point? As Athens w^as a 
certified town, it would seem these questions could be easily answered. 
It was, therefore, a surprise when research revealed four or five lists 
of "original proprietors" zvhich arc not alike. There is one in a little 
home-made book, labelled "Field Notes," long supposed to be John 
Jenkins' original notes ; till a friendly surveyor mildly suggested that 
field notes were generally made with pencil, and we are sure there 
were no fountain pens then in vogue. Another list on the back of 
Zephon Flowers' map is labelled "copied from Jenkins." Another, 
furnished for Craft's history by Edward Herrick, Jr., source unknown. 
In Mr. Craft's note books are two more, labelled, respectively, "Paine's 
List" and "Jenkins' List." Doubtless the original notes of Col. Jenkins 
are still in existence, but as is well known, the Jenkins papers are in- 
accessible. Having no response to our inquiry in that quarter, the de- 
cision was made to give Flower's list, as follows : 

1st Division. 

1 — John Hurlbut (Flower, Paine and Jenkius) — Zera Beach (Craft). 
6 — Richard Halstead (Flower) — Blank Lot (Paine and Jenkins) — Justus Gay- 
lord (Craft). 
7 — Reuben Cook (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — John P. Schotts (Craft). 

16 — No 16 but two 34's (Flower and Paine)— Last 34, Duane & Patrick (Flower). 
Daniel McDowell's name crossed out and Duane & Patrick written in 
different ink (Paine). No 16 and one 34 (Jenkins). No 16 Zera Beach 
(Craft). The first 34 on Flower and Paine notes is John Franklin, which 
is correct. 

-28 — Benj. Gardner (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — John McKinstrj' (Craft). 

39 — Abraham Miller (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — Duane & Patrick (Craft). 

47 — Nathaniel Cook (Flower, Paine and Jenkins )^Zera Beach (Craft). 

49 — Richard Halstead (Flower) — Blank Lots (Paine and Jenkins) — Zera Beach 
(Craft). 

5.3 — Thomas Handy (Flower, Paine and Jenkins)- — John Shepard (Craft). 

2nd Division. 

5 — Reuben Cook (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — John P. Schotts (Craft). 

12 — Benj. Gardner (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — John McKinstry (Craft). 

14 — Thomas Handy (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — John Shepard (Craft). 

15 — Richard Halstead (Flower) — Blank Lot (Paine and Jenkins) — John Frank- 
lin (Craft). 

24 — Ethan Allen (Flower. Paine and Jenkins) — No No. 24, but has two No. 35's, 
Ethan .\llen and John Swift (Craft). 

32 — Richard Halstead (Flower. Paine and Jenkins) — Justus Gaylord (Craft). 

34 — Abraham Miller (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — Duane & Patrick (Craft). 

38 — Nathaniel Cook (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — Zera Beach (Craft). 

39 — Richard Halstead (Flower) — Zera Beach (Craft)— Daniel McDowell crossed 
out and Duane & Patrick written under in different ink (Paine) — Daniel 
McDowell (Jenkins). 

43 — -John Hurlbut (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — Zera Beach (Craft). 

3rd Division. 

1- — Daniel McDowell (Flower's map) — Duane & Patrick (Flower's notes or list) 
— Daniel McDowell's name crossed out and Duane & Patrick written in 
different ink (Paine) — Daniel McDowell (Jenkins) — Zera Beach 
(Craft). 
22 — John Hurlbut (Flower. Paine and Jenkins) — Zera Beach (Craft). 
26 — Reuben Cook (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — John P. Schotts (Craft). 



302 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

27 — Nathaniel Cook (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — Zera Beach (Craft). 

31 — Abraham Miller ( Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — Duane & Patrick (Craft). 

37 — John Jenkins sold to Jonathan Harris (Flower). 

39 — Justns Gaylord (Flower's map) — Richard Halstead (Flower's list) — Blank 
Lot (Paine and Jenkins) — Justus Gaylord (Craft). 

47 — Benjamin Gardner (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — John McKinstry (Craft) 
— McKinstry bought of Gardner. 

48 — Richard Halstead (Flower's notes) — John Franklin (Flower's map) — Blank 
Lot (Paine and Jenkins) — John Franklin (Craft). This lot is Frank- 
lin's lot on the east side of the river. 

50 — Thomas Handy (Flower, Paine and Jenkins) — John Shepard (Craft). 

The various lists have been carefully compared by N. F. Walker/ 
noting the differences which at first seemed very puzzling. But with 
a full comprehension of the New State scheme, it is discerned that 
Col. Jenkins' first list was of those to whom original allotments were 
made ; and that l^efore the actual settlement, in 1788, transfers were 
made to "York Lessees," to more active Connecticut men, or to the 
actual settlers who had already made pitches. Notable transfers were 
to the men appointed Commissioners of the Susquehanna Coinpany in 
December, 1786, doubtless toi give them, a controlling interest in the 
new state. However, cilery one named on all these lists had to do 
with the early settlement, and may be enrolled w^ith the Makers of 
Athens. Let us give some attention first to those whose names have 
not been mentioned in previous local histories. 

First, John Paul Schotts, Captain, Major, Member of Assembly 
and of Supreme Council of Pennsylvania. The name, often misspelled, 
is Schott, and the knowledge of him is derived from Miner's history 
of Wyoming, where Schott long resided. He was a Prussian, an 
officer in the army of Frederick the Great, where he served with merit. 
Like many young foreign soldiers, he was attracted to America during 
the Revolutionary War, and in 1775, on offering his ser\'ices to Con- 
tinental Congress, that body, on most respectful recommendations, im- 
mediately proft'ered him a captain's commission. He commanded a 
company of riflemen in the Sullivan Expedition, and as his corps 
traveled by land, was well acquainted with this valley. He became 
a citizen of Wyoming, and that he was esteemed is shown by various 
appointments. In 1780 he married a daughter of Wyoming, Miss 
Naomi Sill, "the occasion being one of great joy and festivity in the 
garrison and among the whole people." His sympathies were evidently 
with the Connecticut settlers, as evinced not only by being made a Com- 
missioner, but by the representations of "that old traitor," W. Hooker 
Smith, who claimed that when Schott and his troop were sent in 
search of Pickering and his abductors, Schott purposely lagged, and 
held back his men to give the Yankee band a chance to get well in 
advance. Smith was not eminently truthful, and }'et Schott may have 
been playing a double part. In the previous year, October, 1787, he 

1 Nathaniel F. W^alker has made the maps of .\thens and Tioga Point for this volume, 
the first facsimiles ever published, additions and inaccuracies having been observed in previous 
ones. Mr. Walker is a direct descendant of Col. John Franklin; grandnephevv of the first 
resident surveyor, Zephon Flower, and son of the late Z. F. Walker, a life-long resident sur- 
veyor. It is easily seen that he has unusual material at hand, having all the original surveys 
and notes except Jenkins; also diaries and notes of Franklin. He has been an invaluable as- 
sistant in the preparation of this history, his gratuitous work being a memorial to his ancestors. 



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SOME PROMINENT EARLY HOLDERS 303 

was elected to fill the seat in the Pennsylvania Assembly that Franklin 
had declined on his election in February, 1787. Major Schott was 
thus not only the first representative to Assembly from Luzerne County, 
but was a member of the council which refused bail to Col. Franklin 
after his arrest. Possibly his appointment as Susquehanna Company 
Commissioner was not known, and he was 'twixt two fires. He was 
"one of a committee to regulate the police of the settlement." In 
1804 he removed to Philadelphia, and was long Inspector in the Cus- 
tom House. Possibly Dr. Christian Schott, later of Elmira. was a 
descendant. Whether he took any active part at Athens is unknown. 
His lot was No. 7, now (1907) the property of Mrs. C. W. Canfield, 
originally allotted to Reuben Cook (for whom Walker claims residence 
and who removed to Painted Post in 1790). 

Zerah Beach was long a resident of Wyoming and very active in 
the Susquehanna Company. He is credited on the list with nine shares, 
the same as Franklin's, evidently a controlling interest. That he was 
most active in the new state project is shown from various letters 
already given, and by his being included in writ issued to Craig for 
the arrest of Franklin and associates. Lot No. 1 was transferred to 
him, though Z. F. Walker said it was always claimed by Elisha Mat- 
thewson. While Beach had not actual residence, he was evidently one 
of the leaders of the Wild Yankee movement, and the township of 
Burlington, later the seat of the league, was granted almost entirely 
to him and Dr. Jos. Hamilton, writer of the incendiary letters. It is 
strange that Hamilton and Benton are on none of these lists of Athens 
proprietors. 

John McKinstry 
is now an unfamiliar 
name. He was doubt- 
less one of the so-call- 
ed "York Lessees." a 
resident of Hudson, 
N. Y., also of Livingston Manor. As shown in previous chapter, he was 
the acknowledged leader of the Yankee forces in the Tioga Point re- 
gion. Records in Archives prove (if not actual residence, which was 
probable) that he made Athens his headquarters for an extended period, 
especially during the imprisonment of Franklin ; for while his name 
was included in the warrants, he was not arrested. There is also 
recorded testimony that he was here in October, 1793, and probably 
at the Susquehanna Company meeting in 1795, as he was then ap- 
pointed on a committee. He himself records- that the lots held by him 
were originally allotted to Benjamin Gardner, although his name ap- 
pears on Jenkins' own list. Doubtless Gardner was the squatter men- 
tioned in "Field Notes." McKinstry 's lot in the town plot was next 
to the last on the east side of Main Street, now occupied by house of 
Miss Sawyer (1907). McKinstry was doubtless popular for his 
bravery. He was first a captain, and afterward a colonel during the 
Revolution. Toward the close of the Canadian campaign of 1776 he 

- Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, \"ol. XX'III. 




304 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

commanded a company at the battle of the Cedars. In spite of the 
repulse of the Americans he fought with such bravery and spirit that 
he attracted the attention of the noted Indian chief Joseph Brant, who 
was fighting- with the P>ritish. Brant rescued him from the hands of 
the savages, and the story is a most interesting one ; the Indians being 
appeased by the purchase of "an ox, which they roasted and ate in- 
stead of the gallant prisoner." (A full account of this episode is in 
Stone's "Life of Brant," pp. 155- 1.5 (5.) Brant and McKinstry were 
friends through life thereafter. 

Nathan Denison (well known in the history of Wyoming as the 
colonel in command of the Fort during the massacre) was another 
original proprietor ; his town lot being No. 25, now occupied by the 
residence of P. J. Stone (190T). Denison transferred his lots, or a 
part of them, to Col. Franklin in 1780. (We cannot understand his in- 
terest, as he was avowedly on the Pennsylvania side.) 

With Gen. Ethan Allen's story all are well acquainted, and it has 
already been noted that he drew lot No. 3, now the residence of Mrs. 
L. AI. Park, corner Alain and Harris Streets. The autograph already 
shown was among papers of Allen's friend and lieutenant, Samuel 
Bartlett from Sunderland, Vermont (which was Allen's home), who 
settled at Sheshequin ; an ancestor oi L. T. Hoyt, who presented the 
paper to Museum. Allen's signature has not been found on any paper 
relating to Athens. 

Observe on the list most of the names found in the proclamation 
mentioned in the last chapter : John Swift, Ishmael Bennett, Water- 
man Baldwin, Justus Gay lord, Elisha Harding, Richard Halstead. 
Phineas Stephens, Abraham Nesbitt, William Jenkins, all members of 
the Wild Yankee League, or, as they were called, "Tioga Boys." Note 
specially that Prince Bryant is not on the list ; while he wa^ a pioneer 
and built the first grist mill on Ca\T.ita Creek in 1787 (later John 
Shepard's), it was not he, but Prince Alden, Jr., whose name heads 
the list of applicants for grant of Athens. There are also names of 
those imprisoned during the Wyoming struggle : Jonathan Burwell ; 
and William Slocum, Franklin's devoted friend, tO' whom he called 
SO' loudly for help when arrested. Although these men were all so 
anxious to leave Wyoming, not many were actual settlers at Athens ; 
perhaps permanent settlement depended on erection of new state. 
John Swift, however, was here a number of years. He and Elisha 
Satterlee were long the acknowledged leaders oi the half-share men, 
called "Swift's Band" or "Swift's and Satterlee's Band." Swift was 
an active soldier and a noted hunter, evidence of which may be found 
in Miner, p. 351) ; and there are many other stories of his bold deeds 
that the boys may find in the various Wyoming histories and in the 
old Athens Scribe, as written by Sidney Hayden. He was probably 
one of the Connecticut sentries, for he built his house on the Point 
near ])resent Stone Plouse ; the best vantage ground of Diahoga, and 



NON-PERM ANEXT PROPRIETORS 305 

close to good fishing- grounds. He removed from Athens to Pahnyra.' 
It seems quite Hkely that Swift's and Jenkins' purchase there was 
from Matthewson, as Matthewson afterwards owned the Point prop- 
erty on which Swift settled. He was not only active in the Revolu- 
tion, but in the war of 1813, when he was killed in battle, after attain- 
ing the rank of brigadier-general. Doubtless he deemed it prudent to 
remove from Pennsylvania, but he continued through life the intimate 
friend oi the Satterlees. 

Thomas AlaCluer (as he spells it) deserves special mention. 
Jenkins, in his notes, reports him as living in 1T8G on the east side of the 
Susquehanna, about opposite the bend in the river, now located as just 
below the house of the late H. J. Baldwin. This settlement (made, 
no doubt, as a sentry of Connecticut) seems to have been overlooked 
by Herrick and Craft, though they report him as a resident later.* 

Waterman Baldwin was born at Norwich, Conn., and was one of 
the first settlers at Wyoming ; he was a brother of Sergeant Thomas 
Baldwin, another original proprietor, who was an early settler at Sheshe- 
quin, and later above Chemung, whose descendants are still in this 
vicinity. Waterman served in Washington's army when a mere boy, 
and when 19 years old enlisted in Durkee's Company at Wyoming; 
later he was a captain in Col. Proctor's regiment, still in service in 1791, 
when he accompanied Proctor over their old route on his mission to 
the Indians, and later was made an Indian agent. Thomas was a scout 
along the river under Col. Franklin, a sergeant in Sullivan's army, and 
was wounded at Newtown. 

Joel Thomas was another original proprietor, who^ early trans- 
ferred his property to Abner Murray ; his lots, both on the island 
and west of town, being contiguous to those of MaCluer. He moved 
over the line, living at Chemung and Newtown, and in 1795 was the 
first settler at Van Etten. 

Christopher Hurlbut, a resident of Wyoming, was a surveyor. 
He made a settlement near Miller and Moore, but Franklin tells that 
at the drawing of lots he relinquished original pitch and shared with 
the others. He was evidently another of the sentries. Never brought 
his family ; returned in a few years, and in 1797 removed into New 
York State ; he was grandfather of the late Governor Hoyt. His 
diary makes no mention of this venture. MaCluer, O'Neal and Gardi- 

^ In the winter of 1788-'89 John Swift and Col. John Jenkins purchased Township XII, 
R. 2, now Palmyra (New York), and commenced the survey of it into farm lots in March. 
Jenkins being a practical surveyor built a camp * * about two miles below * * Palmyra. His 
assistants were his nephew, Alpheus Harris, Solomon Earl, P>aker and Daniel Ran- 
som. "There they were attacked by Indians and Baker killed, and Earl wounded. The In- 
dians were pursued and captured on the Chemung River, and tomahawked at Newtown." — 
(See Harvey's "History of Wilkes-Barre," for a fuller account.) 

■* McCkire was a Scotch-Irishman, a resident of Wyoming from 1774. As Sergeant in 
Captain Simon Spalding's company, he was active all through Sullivan's campaign, and willing 
to locate in this fertile valley. In 17S8 he took out the first license as taverner at Tioga Point, 
which was received in March, 178!>. Though it is not known where he kept open house, it is 
safe to assume he was on the lookout for the river traffic. He was a resident until 1794 
when he removed to Elmira, and later to Catherinestown. In the allotment of Athens he was 
the original proprietor of the lower end of the island (which had five divisions), also of a 
part of property now known as the Murray farm west of town, and of lot No. 11 in village 
jilot, now (1007) the propertv of Charles Kellogg, Tr. Some one of these lots he sold in 
1791 to Lemuel Gaylord of Plymouth, who married Sylvia, oldest daughter of Noah Murray. 



300 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



ner also relinquished their original claims to share with others. It 
seems strange that Miller, Moore and Snell did not do likewise. 

Oliver Bigeiow was the original proprietor of Snell's location, 
No. 18, in third division. Nothing is known about Bigeiow, other 
than the fact obtained from Archives that he sold No. IS to Abraham 
Minier, and the fourth division lot adjoining it on the north to Noah 
Murray (transfer to the Snells will appear later). 

Nathaniel Allen was later a settler at Burlington, one of the 
fiercest Connecticut people. Matthias Hollenback was permitted (it 
is not known on what terms) to retain the property he originally pur- 
chased, 14, 15 and 16. 

Solomon Bennett was a temporary resident, drawing lots 15, G, 38. 
In 1789 he sold No. (i to Andreas Budd. Budd sold to Elisha Mat- 
thewson, giving one of the earliest deeds still in existence, here noted, 
because it was later one of the contested Matthewson lots on the east 
side of Point farm, not far below the White Gate. Richard Halstead, 
Nathan Carey and Elisha Harding were also temporary residents. 
Harding was one of Franklin's close friends and warmest admirers, 
saying of him, "John Franklin was as brave a man as ever carried a 
gun." Many of these men, weary of strife, moved into Steuben 
County and Genesee \^alley. New York.'' Prince Alden was living in 
Owego in 1795 ; although his name heads the list of applicants, it is 
not known that he ever lived in Athens. 

We have reserved for the last the three original proprietors whose 
descendants are still among us, and who were among the foremost 
Makers of Athens, the three mentioned by Franklin in sworn deposi- 
^..^^^ ^ tion as coming to Tioga Point in 

1788, while he was in prison : Ste- 
^^/^ V^^^^-^<;^^^^ phens, Satterlee and Matthewson." 
LV% c/ z*-^-/ 'j^j^g approximate date may be de- 

cided from the letter of Pick- 
ering to council, May 27, 1788, 
mentioning among the half- 
share men "John Swift. Wil- 
liam Slocum. Elisha 
Satterlee and Elisha 
^r^^^':^^^ Matthewson"as bav- 
ins: not onlv taken 



C^-U^n^t^ cJa.y^^'fey^^^^eX^ 




^ "Among the soldiers of Sullivan was Uriah Stei)hens, Jr., a Pennsylvanian. Mr. 
Stephens belonged to a numerous family of New England descent, which had settled at an 
early day in the Wyoming region; and they, with other families which afterwards joined them 
in the settlement of the l^pper Canisteo, suffered in the attack of the Indians and Tories 
on that ill-fated district in 1778. The Stephens, after several removals from W^ysox, Queen 
Esther's Flats, and other localities, were living, in the fourth or fifth year after the close of 
the Revolutionary War, at Newtown. 

"The explorers decided to purchase the two townships on the river, which included the 
open flats. Eight other men joined in the purchase: Col. Arthur Erwin, Joel Thomas, Uriah 
Stephens, (father of Uriah Stephens, Jr.) John Stephens, his son, William W^inecoop, James 
Hadley, Elisha lirown and Christian Kress. 

"In the summer of 1789, a company of men were sent to the flats, who cut and stacked 
a sufficient quantity of wild grass to winter the cattle that were to be driven on. In the 
autumn of the same year, Uriah Steiihens. the elder, and Richard Crosby, with portions of 
their families, started from Newtown to begin the proposed settlement." 

" This was written before finding Jenkins' amended list with Jonathan Harris and John 
Shepard, which explanation is also an apology. 



DEPOSITION OF GARRET SMITH 307 

possession of the lands they claim, but turning out those already in pos- 
session ! It is evident that this movement of the half-share men was to 
provide McKinstry with troops previous to Pickering's seizure, a few 
days later. Among the Mss. in Philadelphia was found a sworn deposi- 
tion of Garret Smith that Gideon Dudley came to him, saying he had a 
great secret to reveal at the request of ]\Iaj. Jenkins, Col. McKinstry 
and John Hyde. It was to capture Timothy Pickering and keep him 
in the woods until the release of John Franklin. On being asked who 
was to conduct this cause, he said Col. McKinstry was coming with 
500 men to subdue the settlement (of Wyoming). They were "to take 
Possession of Job's Mil! and Dr. Smith's place, the darned rascal, and 
toinahazvk Hollenback, Damn him." This looks as though Hollenback 
may have assisted to explode the new state scheme, and surely proves 
a well defined plan in the settlement of Athens. There were other 
depositions, notably that of Benedict Satterlee, who was urged to quit 
his school and assist in Pickering's abduction, as ti^'o-tJurds of the 
settlement zcere zi'ith them; and that Satterlee would not be able to 
live there longer (Wyoming) unless he joined them. His informant, 
Budd, mentioned that a bond had been sent to Philadelphia to bail 
Col. Franklin, but that, according to the directions from the Chief 
Justice, he was not bailed, though the bond z\.'as kept; hence the pro- 
posed abduction. (Ephraim Tyler, who lived at Meshoppen, and pur- 
chased the provisions, was related to Joseph and Francis of Athens.) 
But to return to the settlement. John Swift has already been 
noted. William Slocum lived for a number of years on No. 4, fourth 
division, above the Tozer farm, east of the Susquehanna. Elisha Mat- 
thewson" moved into Franklin's house, first lot south of old Academy, 
which was in process of building when Franklin was imprisoned. 

' James Matthewson of Gloucester, Providence, Rhode Island, mentioned by Farmer as 
among the earliest settlers, was probably the first American progenitor of the family. Gene- 
alogical Dictionary of Rhode Island gives wife's name as Hannah Field. Their eighth child, 
Daniel, born 1683, died 1750, was married four times and had fourteen children. Win- 
chester was the seventh child of Sarah Inman, first wife. Date of Winchester's birth not 
found, but next oldest brother was born July, 1719. Winchester was married to Mercy Her- 
endeen by Justice Richard Steen, 18 April, 1742; residence, Gloucester. Had thirteen children. 
Susanna, born 1742; Mary, born 1743; Tabitha, born 1747; Rao (generally given Nero), born 
1748; Amey, born 1749; Sylvanus, born 1751; Hannah, born 1753; Mercy, born 1755; Elisha, 
born 1756; Constant, born 1758; Rosanna, born 1760; Sarah, born 1762, married Abraham 
Dutcher; Sabra, born 1767. Winchester inherited from his father interests in his property 
of mills, etc. That the Matthewson family were early interested in the Susquehanna Com- 
pany is shown in the records: "Thomas Matthewson of Scituate, R. I., to Israel Matthewson 
of Johnston, R. I., right April, 1774." Doubtless these were of Daniel's family. The West- 
moreland records, under date Rlay, 1774, say: "Prince Bryant of Providence, R. I., to Win- 
chester Matthewson, V2 right; also Thos. McCluer to Ezekiel Pierce, and he to Winchester 
Matthewson, all of Westmoreland lot No. 31 of Kingston, 19 Oct., 1774." The Archives 
(\'ol. XX'III, p. 605) show that Winchester was possessed of about 4i)0 acres of land in Wyo- 
ming \'alley, and that he and his son, Elisha, were original proprietors of Bedford. Craft 
says that he exchanged valuable property in Rhode Island for Connecticut rights, and died 
before the massacre. His son Constant was killed at Fort ^Mifflin, November, 1777, and Nero 
(or Rao) at Mud Fort. Elisha enlisted in Captain Ransom's Second Westmoreland Inde- 
pendent Company, furnished his own accoutrements and served throughout the war. Soon 
after his settlement at Athens he was elected Major of militia, and was always known as 
Major Matthewson. He also filled several township offices with credit. While he was called 
"the silent man," it was well known that he was as firm in his Connecticut convictions as his 
associates, Franklin and Satterlee; yet his name is not found on record as are theirs. He 
married in 1791, Elizabeth, born 1760, sister of Elisha Satterlee, and had seven children: 
Constant, born 1792; Elias, born 1796; Cynthia, Fanny, Clarissa, Lydia and Elizabeth. The 
silhouette of Elizabeth is the only family portrait, e.xcept the mother's. While unable to trace 
connection, doubtless Guy and Oliver ^iatthewson, who lived in the valley before 1800, were 
of same family. Records are easily found in Rhode Island genealogies. Elisha Matthewson 
died in 1805. His wife died 1851, at the advanced age of 91 years. 



308 OLD TTOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Elisha Satterly® (as it is generally given in old records) is supposed 
to have made a temporary settlement in village, perhaps by disposses- 
sion, as Pickering says ; but his first location is not known at present. 
He at once began to build a house on lot No. 4"^, third division, part 
of his original allotment, although his lot in first division, No. 37, was 
near his friend Alatthewson, being part of lot now owned by heirs of 
E. H. Perkins (1907). No. 42 is east oi Susquehanna River and 
above the bridge, generally known to-day as the Kirby property, lately 
occupied by L. T. Hoyt. The original Satterlee house stood northeast of 
present house, in the bend of present road, and burned in 1805. A larger 
house was then built, which was also destroyed by fire one Sunday in 
185(), while the family were all at church. The present fine old colonial 
house was built about 1847 by the son of Elisha, Sr., J. Franklin Satter- 
lee, and should be knoivn as the Satterlee Homestead. We neglected to 
say that Elisha Matthewson purchased Franklin's house and lot, which 
remained in the family nearly a himdred years and knew three suc- 
cessive Alatthewson houses. Unfortunately there are no pictures. 
Ira Stephens-' first located on No. 4, second division, not far below 

» Elisha Satterlee, born May 12, 1760; married January 11, 1787; died August 25, 
1826, was the son of Benedict Satterly of Groton, Connecticut, who was son of Benedict, son 
of William of Groton, who was son of Benedict (son of Rev. William Satterly of Exeter, 
England, \'icar of St. Ides'), who was the .American progenitor, having emigrated to New 
London, Connecticut, about 1680. Some records may be found at Plainfield, and probably 
at Groton. Benedict, 3rd, with his family (ten or eleven children), was one of the original 
settlers at Kingston, near Wyoming; he is supposed to have been killed in some of the Yankee- 
Pennamite contests prior to the massacre; there is, however, no family record. Elisha early 
espoused the Connecticut cause, and as through life both he and his sister showed almost un- 
warrantable bitterness, it has been conjectured that it was first inspired by their father's death, 
though no doubt increased by their suffering at the time of the massacre, as already told. 
It is said Benedict, .3rd, was a jirivate in the Wyoming militia prior to his death. Elisha was 
also in active service, though Colonel is only a militia title, as with Franklin. He had five 
half-brothers and sisters; two own brothers and two sisters who grew to maturity, and are 
on the family record. But there was another, Benedict, 4th, by name, who is not mentioned 
on the family record, yet is well known to be a brother. His half-brothers Samuel and Xathaii- 
iel were residents here or in this vicinity. Elias, Daniel and Benedict 4th were also resi- 
dents, and it is supposed came with him. Elias became a physician, and lived and died in 
Elmira, highly respected. Elisha and Cynthia Stephens had been married a year and a-half 
when they came to Athens. Their only son, John Franklin, generally known as Franklin Sat- 
terlee, was born at Kingston; their two daughters, born at .'\thens, married Robert and Harry 
S. Spalding of Sheshequin. Franklin Satterlee was twice married, and had by each wife 
five children, most of whom married in this vicinity and helped to people the valley. Those 
still in this locality are C. H. Satterlee and Mrs. G. M. Angier, children of Elisha, 2nd, son 
of Franklin Satterlee and Julia Prentice; Orrin D. Kinney, son of Anna, daughter of J. F. 
and Julia; Mrs. C. C. West, daughter of Mrs. .\ngier, and two children; Mrs. F. E. Lyford 
of Waverly, and her children; she is daughter of Sarah, daughter of J. Franklin Satterlee 
and Elizabeth Marshall (second wife). Space forbids elaborate genealogy. 

In the Connecticut controversy Elisha Satterlee was next in prominence to Col. Frank- 
lin, as is evinced by numerous allusions in Pennsylvania .\rchives. \'ol. X, 178.3 to 1788, In 
1784 it is said, after the fight at Locust Hill, he was very boastful, and he and others swore 
they were "determined to clear the ground of Pennsylvanians;" that, of course, was at Wyo- 
ming. At Tioga Point the only thought was to resist the Pennsylvanians, ignore their laws, 
and hold the claim by any means. Elisha Satterlee was a very large man. so stout, indeed, 
that he had a special chair; no portrait of any sort is in existence, and if there were, it could 
hardly portray the character of the man, and the ardent zeal with which he fought for the 
cause. Judging from the mild and genial dispositions of all his descendants, they have in- 
herited none of their ancestor's fiery temperament, which is laughingly remembered to this 
day in the saying of the time: "The snow never laid long on Elisha Satterlee's grave." The 
fire burned itself out in the Connecticut cause. As long as there was any vigor left to the 
two men, however, it was "Franklin and Satterlee," or "Satterlee and Franklin." 

Elisha Satterlee, like Franklin, was ever ready to tell the story of the Connecticut 
settlers; and it is related that on one occasion either he or Franklin recounted his services, 
achievements, sufferings and wrongs in such glowing language that he fired the imagination 
of the youthful poet, who sat up in a cold room till the "we sma' hours," writing a poem 
(and catching a violent cold). 

" Ira Stephens is said to be the son of Jedediah Stephens and Mary of Canaan, 

Connecticut, wliere he was born July 24, 1760, and married in 1784 to Sybil, the daughter 
of Samuel Ransom, also of Canaan. (There are probably family records to be found in 
Canaan.) Jedediah was an earlv settler at Plymouth, in Wyoming X'alley, and doubtless 
brought his family with him. Uriah and Phineas, early settlers at .\thens, were probably 
brothers of Ira, although they may have been sons of Uriah, Sr., one of the first Susque- 



STEPHENS— MATTHEWSON—SATTERLEE 



309 



Everett Buchanan's cottage (1907). Within a year or two, anxious 
to escape the controversy, he built a house on his third division lot, 
now on Tyler farm, just over the line of old Ulster. Soon he found 
he was not yet outside the bounds, and moving farther north, he pur- 
chased a lot not far south of Spanish Hill, of Nathan Cook, and in 
1800 built a house, which, though altered, still stands, now occupied 
by Mrs. H. C. Clapp. But he was not yet over the State line, so he 
essayed another move and contracted for land at Angelica, N. Y., where 
he was cruelly murdered, another victim of the controversy. Uriah 
and Phineas Stephens drew the two lots now just north of Museum- 
Library, one of which later, after several changes, became again family 
property, being occupied by Chester Stephens and family for seventy- 
five years. Uriah Stephens was an orig- 
inal proprietor of Old Ulster in 1775, and 
returned there prior to 1785 ; building on 
Queen Esther's flats the cabin that shel- 
tered so many later pioneers, and which 
he occupied for six years until enforce- 
ment of Pennsylvania claim. It seems 
from Chester Stephens' writing in our 
possession that this was Uriah, Sr.," son 
of Jedediah and father of Ira, 1st. (For 
Chester Stephens see Note 9.) These 
three pioneer families were closely re- 
lated, as Mrs. Satterlee was the sister of 
Ira Stephens, and Mrs. Matthewson was 
the sister of Elisha Satterlee. There are 
no portraits of the men or of Mrs. Ste- 
phens, but it is a pleasure to present those 
of Cynthia Stephens and Elizabeth Satterlee, or, as she signed herself, 
Betsy Alatthewson, who f^ 

was long actively concerned tx^" 
in the history of Athens. 

hanna Company proprietors. Jedediah came to Athens with his son, and was among the first 
to die in the new settlement in 1790, aged 87 years, and is buried in the old town burying- 
ground. Chester Stephens recorded that Jedediah ivas grandfather of Ira. Ira Stephens 
served seven years in the Continental line; was one of Washington's aides, and his descendant 
and namesake is to-day the proud possessor of a fine field glass presented by Washington when 
the war was over. 

Evidently there was some special grudge against Ira as a Connecticut settler, as shown 
by his frequent removals, attempting to get beyond the Connecticut claim, and culminating in 
his death by the hand of a cowardly assassin. This occurred September 30, 180.3, at Angelica, 
where he had made a purchase of land. His youngest child was born after his death. When 
she was only four months old, the last payment on the New York lands was due. The brave 
widow went on horseback, with the baby in her arms, to Angelica, driving with the help of 
her bound boy, a herd of young cattle to complete the purchase. The 400 acres of land was 
deeded to the baby Cynthia, and she held it until grown up. Ira Stephens' last home, near 
Spanish Hill, is still standing, having been partially inherited by his daughter Harriet, and 
partially purchased by her husband, Elias Matthewson. Ira's oldest son, Chester, lived in 
Athens until his death in 1878, a respected and reputable citizen. In 1817 he purchased for 
$1200 the lot now north of Museum-Library, then considered the most valuable in the town 
plot. He occupied it during his life. He was a very active Mason, and was made an 
honorary member of Lodge No. 70, his portrait showing his regalia. Chester Stephens was 
one of the last survivors of the pioneers, and his reminiscences were valuable. He has no 
descendants in the valley to-day. although his gifted daughters Clara and Caroline are well 
remembered. Ira Stephens' name has been carried through four generations, and his de- 
scendants live in Towanda and Sayre. 

1" L^riah Stephens, Sr., was one of the early members of the Susquehanna Company, 
and was appointed to obtain new shareholders from Litchfield County. On his list was the 
name of the father of Col. Franklin, John Franklin of Canaan, Connecticut. 




Chester Stephens 





310 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 




The Archives are full of 
the deeds or misdeeds of 
John Franklin and Elisha 
"Satterlee. While Elisha 
Matthewson's name is not 
often found, these three 
men seem to have been 
bound together in sustain- 
ing Connecticut rights in 
the very spirit of Frank- 
lin's oath. They resisted 
Pennsylvania unto death, 
and even then their bitter- 
ness long pervaded the 
thoughts and actions of 
their families. In the local 
controversy three names 
stand out in letters of fire, 
FRANKLIN, SATTER- 
LEE. AIATTHEWSON. 
And curiously enough, 
there are now on Tioga 
Point ( out of all those to 
whom original allotment 
was made ) descendants 
only of the "Wild Yankee" leaders, Franklin, Satterlee, Matthewson 
and Stephens, and with two of these the names, by marriage, are lost 
to sight. But not so the Connecticut spirit. Seek to-day these descend- 
ants, and they are ready still to rehearse the wrongs of their 
ancestors, the stories all wrapped in family tales and traditions of a 
hundred years. For their sake, in the cause of truth and justice, we 
have striven to unravel the web, and show by records the truth of the 
whole matter. And for their sake some of the most delicious bits of 
ancient history (found recorded) are rejected. After carefully study- 
ing the history of those turbulent times, the bitterness and violent pas- 
sion displayed are seen to be the natural result of the long years of 
contention, where both parties were undoubtedly right, and undoubt- 
edly zcrong. Not having been born with the Chinese veneration for 
ancestors supposed to be their due, to us it is interesting to know their 
faults, and amusing to know their follies. We would even enjoy claim- 
ing the "Witch of Endor" as our own, but, since it is not best to divulge 
all discoveries, we here bury all those delicious bits of tradition in the 
ashes of the past, regretfully yet respectfully. 

In one of Dr. Craft's note books is a still different list of pro- 
prietors, labelled "Jenkins' List," which should be Jenkins' No. 2, on 
which are two names that never have been given with the original 



Mrs. Elisha Satterlee" 



"These portraits are in the possession of Mrs. Helen Satterlee Good of Lock Haven; 
and Mrs. Lee of Binghamton, daughter of Elizabeth Matthewson (Washburn). 



OTHER EARLY PROPRIETORS 



311 



proprietors, yet very well 
known to all as pioneers of 
the valley. They are John 
Shepard and Jonathan Har- 
ris.^- John Shepard's his- 
tory is fully given in "Early 
Times," written hy his 
daughter, according to 
which he was married in 
1790 and settled at Mill- 
town ; but previous to that, 
when he was Hollenback's 
clerk, he was a village resi- 
dent. The lot assigned to 
him is No. 53,. next below 
old burying-ground. This 
was originally allotted to 
Thomas Hendy, who, with 
his brother, John Hendy 
(pioneer settler of Elmira), 
lived at Tioga Point prior 
to 1/88, and Thomas had 
a log house on this lot, 
now northern part of 
Clovercroft. Jonathan Har- 
ris, by this list, has the lots originally assigned to John Jenkins, his 
brother-in-law, the one in village plot being now the property of 
Walter Page, just north of Academy Square. John Shepard and 
Jonathan Harris had a tavern license together in 1789. As Guy 
Maxwell at that time was Hollenback's agent, it may be Shepard and 
Harris built the store on Page lot, generally assigned to- James Irwin. 
Jonathan Harris, Sr., was one of the original Suscjuehanna Company 
in Connecticut, his name being found on that list, as well as on that 
of the "Wild Yankee League." While even their older descendants 
never were known to place these men among the original proprietors, 
it is an established fact that they and their children and grandchildren 
have been among the most active in developing the interests of this 
region. 

There are, of course, many proprietors of whom nothing can to- 
day be learned, and an examination of records of early deeds show that 
there was an amazing exchange of title of some lots ; often five or six 




Mrs. Elisha Matthewson" 



1- Jonathan Harris was the son of Jonathan Harris, Sr., and Rachel Otis of Scituate, 
jMass. ; and grandson of Lieut. James Harris of New London, Ct., who was son of James 
Harris and Sarah Dennison, residents of Boston, previous to 1690. Bethiah, wife of Col. 
John Jenkins, was a sister of Jonathan, Jr. While it is not known that Jonathan, Sr., set- 
tled at W'yoming, his name and his son's are both on the "W^ild Yankee" league. Jonathan, Jr., 
was father of Alpheus and grandfather of N. C. Harris, now living in Athens. The early 
liistory of the family is an interesting one, to be found in the Harris genealogy in many li- 
braries. Jonathan Harris married Lodemia, sister of Julius Tozer, Sr. The Harris genealogy 
does not mention the family as at Wyoming, which seems to be an error; although they may 
have come as half-share men, sent by the York lessees, since it is related that Jonathan came 
to Athens in 1789 from Goshen, Orange County, N. Y. Jonathan, Jr., was born at Colchester, 
Ct., Gth June, 1739; moved to Goshen after 1761. 



312 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

men having owned certain lots in less than that number of years. This 
shifting population, of course, was largely due to the uncertainty of 
title, and the ups and downs of the Susquehanna Company. A gen- 
eration ago no doubt much more of interest could have been gleaned 
concerning them. To one studying genealogy the hint might be given to 
refer to Harvey's forthcoming '"History of Wilkes-Barre," or to the 
publications of the Wyoming Historical Society. 

Aside from all this undercurrent of New Stateism. the annals of 
the settlement for the first few years are somewhat meagre. It is cur- 
ious that Lockhart did not press his claim, no records whatever being 
found between 1785 and 1797. 

Except for the "Wild Yankee" movement, the little settlement in 
a fresh wilderness must have seemed very quiet after the various hor- 
rors connected with Wyoming. Little is really known of the move- 
ments or actions of these pioiieers ; there are many problems, and while 
it has been asked "Why be concerned with problems when there are 
plenty of deeds done to record?" it is desirable to have an exhaustive 
narrative ; and often only diligent research can dispel the mists of fool- 
ish or inaccurate family traditions. 

Doubtless the greatest excitement in early Athens was the murder 
of the Indian chief Ka-nau-kawis, called by the whites Capt. Cornelius, 
who- lived in a bark cabin on the lot now occupied (1907) by Vine 
Crandall. It is probable that this was the murder witnessed by John 
Shepard in Hollenback's store. The following account best tells the 
story : 

Extract from the Cumberland Gazette, published at Portland, Maine, Sept. 
6. 1787. 

"Baltimore May 21. 

"Extract of a letter from Chemung, dated July 6, 1787. 

" 'Cornelius Sturgeon, the great Onondago Chief, was murdered last month 
at Tyoga Point, by one of his own tribe and a towns man. It appears to have 
been a premeditated piece of work, and had its rise from two causes : First, he 
was an absolute despot in liis tribe and imposed an implicit compliance with his 
orders, he was punctually obeyed through fear, not love. Secondly, he began to 
adopt the dress and customs of the United States, and introduced them into his 
family — this gave great umbrage. And as he was a man of some literature, he 
had some idea of the great value of letters, and the evening on which he was 
killed, in conversation with Capt. Spalding, he informed him that he intended 
to send his son to some of the American colleges for education. — The friends 
of the murderer purchased his life for a sum of money not exceeding ,375 L. — 
A poor recompense for the life of a great man, and too much for that of a 
tyrant.' " 

About this time (there seems to be no record of exact date) there 
was a great excitement over another murder, called the Collins murder, 
but really committed by Collins, a man who lived, across the Chemung, 
about where the tannery settlement is. A number of so-called civilized 
Indians lived along the Chemung- narrows, probably Saponies, Tute- 
loes, Moiiseys or Delawares. At any rate one of them made his living 
by chopping wood for the settlers. Collins is supposed tO' have been 
a hunter and trapper from New Jersey, living here temporarily to ob- 
tain furs and skins. He was very fond of liquor, and on this occasion 
had been too long at Hollenback's store, where the bowls of toddy had 



FIRST SUIT IN LOCAL LAND CONTRO\^ERSY 313 

made him crazy drunk. On his return home he said to his wife: "I'm 
going to kill that Indian," who was chopping wood quietly outside. 
And in spite of her entreaties he seized his gun and shot him dead. 
"In less than three days 150 Indians ready for revenge were on the 
ground." They demanded that Collins be given up to them, and were 
with difficulty pacified with a generous present of whisky, provisions 
and deerskins. Mrs. Perkins tells a somewhat different story (see 
"Early Times," page 75). but as there is no radical disagreement, it 
seemed worth while to give this version. 

The body of this Indian is said to have been buried in the back 
part of the old cemetery. (In this connection we would say that there 
were, according to the different reports, various councils with Indians 
at Tioga Point of which there are no certified records.) Unquestion- 
ably some sort of a council of whites must have been necessary to 
settle this matter. It is possible that the already mentioned murder of 
Capt. Cornelius occurred at this gathering, when the Indians were all 
in excited mood. Mrs. Perkins relates that they were still very un- 
settled, often returning to Tioga Point and creating disturbances and 
alarm, though many were friendly. 

What was probably the first suit in the local land controversy that 
was tried in this locality was in 1789. It must have been intensely ex- 
citing and interesting, and apparently scored a triumph for Connecti- 
cut, as the Pennsylvanian plaintiff soon after moved over the line. It 
is best told in Joseph Kinney's account of it : 

"In 1789 the Penna. title operated much in this country, enforced against 
Connecticut people, Miller (WilHam) brought a claim against Matthewson, 
Satterlee and others," — I think a forcible entry. It was tried before Esq. Car- 
penter, who came up from Kingston to Tioga Point to hold the trial, the parties 
with consent of magistrate, referred the whole dispute, & entered into arbitra- 
tion bonds. — Esq. Carpenter, Samuel Swift & Myself were the arbitrators. — I 
heard all the dispute. Miller claimed a possession in order to get a Pciuisyl- 
Z'oiiia title. — Matthewson met him on the right of possession. An award was 
made out in writing, and given to Esq. Carpenter. JVe zcere not to take the 
Connecticut title into consideration at all. Matthewson laid no claim before us 
on the Connecticut right, that being excluded. Hurlbut's possession was set up 
in opposition to Miller's." 

In after years it was claimed this award was never paid. Kinney 
said Hurlbut did not live on the land after Miller came ; that he never 
moved his family up. but returned to Wilkes-Barre after a brief res- 
idence. 

The handful of settlers had another source of contention. The 
uncertainty as to the actual State Line rendered possible the claims 
of certain squatters who insisted they were in New York. While 
Lockhart or his representatives do not seem to have been on the ground. 
Colonel Erwin,^* who had drawn a number of the Pennsylvania war- 

13 It will be remembered this was for land east of the Susquehanna, now lying south 
of road from bridge where Miller settled in 1784. 

"Arthur H. Erwin was a native of Crumlin, County of Antrim, Ireland. In 1768, with 
wife and five children, he sailed for America. His wife died on tlie voyage, and later he 
rnarried again. He made a settlement in Bucks County, Pa., eventually opposite Frenchtown, 
N. J. According to the published writings of his descendants, Chas. H. Erwin of Painted 
Post, and Arthur Erwin Cooper of Cooper's Plains, the town was named for him Erwina. 
Possessing abundant means, he became one of the keenest land buyers in the country, and 



314 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



rants, was. Ho made a choice of lands between the rivers above the 
IncHan Arrow, also west of the Chemung, in ITcSo, and soon after he 
added lands in New York State. Possessed of ample means, and hav- 
ing a large family (ten children) he was evidently resolved to provide 
them wifh a goodly heritage. Unquestionably he went over the line 
seeking to avoid the Connecticut controversy. Erwin made a settle- 
ment at Tioga Point in 17SS, and brought as his agent, and probable 

purchaser, his old friend 
Daniel McDuffee,^'' who 
followed him from Ireland, 
and had been living near 
him in Bucks County. They 
were at once and contin- 
ually harassed by both 
squatters and Connecticut 
claimants, and Erwin began 
to consider buying land in 
the Phelps and Gorham 
purchase. 

The story of his later 
purchase is as follows : In 
1789 he started for Canan- 
daigua with a drove of cat- 
tle, presumably from his 
Tioga Point settlement. 
Stopping at Painted Post 
to rest his drove, he hired 
an Indian familiar with the 
locality to take him up the 
mountain north of Painted 
Post. Here he had a view 
of the triple valleys of the Chemung, Conhocton and Tioga, with which 
he was so impressed that he came down and ascended the mountain on 

was proprietor of a large tract along the Delaware. He served during the Revolution in the 
patriot army, and for his valor was made Colonel of a Bucks County Regiment, and is still 
known as "Colonel Erwin." He was cruelly murdered at Tioga Point, June 0, 1791. 

1^ The McDuffee Family. Daniel McDuffee was born 18th February, 1752, in the north 
of Ireland, of Scotch parents, who had been driven from Scotland for religious reasons. He 
married, in Ireland, Dorothy Ladley, and three children were born there, one of whom, Anna, 
born in Belfast in 1782, was later the wife of Francis Tyler. The family came to America 
proijably in 17S(>, and settled in Bucks County, where the fourth child, Daniel, was born. It 
is told by the descendants that Erwin and McDuffee were such firm friends that it was agreed 
between them that McDuiifee should have as much land as he wanted at cost price, as he had 
less to invest than Erwin; but that at the time of Erwin's assassination no choice had been 
made, although the McDuffees had been there two or three years, and had built a timber 
house ai)out on location of I-'rank Ilerrick house (near the Chemung River). Daniel Mc- 
Duffee had resolved to take up land at Painted Post, but after Col. Erwin's murder his sons, 
on account of the evident feeling against their family, urged him to remain at Athens and 
buy the Erwin lands there, offering even better terms than their father had. Naturally, he 
embraced their offer. Nine children were born at Athens; Hugh, Samuel, Joseph, Ferdinand, 
John, Charles, Rebecca and Dorothy. 

Daniel McDuffee was a noted weaver, and there is to-day in Tioga Point Museum a 
coat of silk and linen material woven by him, and worn by Ferdinand, who was a great beau 
and dandy. His skill was inherited by at least one daughter, Dorothy, for there is also in 
the Museum a ladies' sun hat of finest straw, plaited by Miss Dolly from straw grown on her 
father's farm. It will be seen that this family settled here apparently just as early as the 
Connecticut people, and we think no other family of a pioneer lives to-day on the land orig- 
inally possessed. The next generation of McDuffees were engaged in staging and mail bus- 
iness with the Saltmarshes and Tylers, for many years, mostly in the Southern States. 





/:l<^^^ 




MURDER OF COL. ARTHUR ERWIN 315 

the other side, thus commanding a wide prospect. He then quickly re- 
turned to the log hut of the surveyors of Phelps and Gorham ; and di- 
recting his drovers to follow, hurried under the Indian's guidance to 
Canandaigua. Though late in the afternoon, he went at once to the 
office of Phelps and Gorham, made an offer for the tract (later known 
as town of Erwin), asking them to take in payment his cattle at their 
own price, and promising the rest to be paid in gold. The bargain was 
closed in the morning. His historian says: "Within twenty-four hours 
after the deed was signed. Judge Eleazar Lindley arrived with an 
offer for the same land." The reason for Col. Erwin's haste was no 
doubt because he knew that Col. Lindsley was on his way to make this 
very purchase. They were probable acquaintances, for both were from 
New Jersey, and both had served in the army. 

Lindsley was with Sullivan's army, and, like many others, had 
observed the fair land, and resolved to possess it. Unquestionably, 
Erwin told a good story on his return, as the very next year, 1T90, 
three of the original proprietors of Athens^*' joined with him in the 
purchase called "Old Canistear Castle," now known as the towns of 
Hornellsville and Canisteo ; which statement is corroborrated by deeds 
and records showing that these men made transfers of their Athens 
property this year. This not only proves that the pioneer settlers at 
Tioga Point were uneasy about their Connecticut titles, but that they 
were in friendly relations with Erwin, and that his assassin may have 
been one of the so-called New York squatters. And yet it must be 
admitted that Col. Erwin had troubles as a Pennsylvania claimant. 
We have taken pains to study out this matter for various reasons. Er- 
win has been called a surveyor (which he was not), many of whom 
suffered at the hands of the "Wild Yankees." He has also been con- 
founded with James Irwin, who had no- connection with him. The 
]\IcDuffees were living here as early as 1T8S ; whether in the home, 
built on almost the same spot as the Curran Herrick house, still stand- 
ing, northwest of town ; or in a log house owned by Col. Erwin (which, 
according to the daughter of Matthias Hollenback, and Major A. Snell, 
stood oil the zvest side of the Chemung River, about twenty feet from 
the present road below the old McDuffee house now owned by Els- 
bree family) we will not assert. Nor is it important tO' decide whether 
it was in the day or evening, through door or window, that he was 
shot. In 1791 he brought two of his sons. Samuel and Francis, up the 
river to settle on the Phelps and Gorham tract, and superintend his 
business interests there. ' His biographer says : 

"On his return he stopped at the house of Daniel McDuffee one of his ten- 
ants near Tioga Point, and as he sat in the evening listening to Mr. McDuffee's 
flute a shot was heard, he suddenly arose, and staggering towards the open door 
said "I am shot," and then fell. He lived but a few hours.'" Suspicion immediately 
attached to an ejected squatter by the name of Thomas, who the same night 
stole a horse (or, as was strongly suspected at the time, he had been supplied 
with one) and was never after heard from. Judge Avery in his address before 

^^ Solomon Bennett, Joel Thomas and Uriah Stephens. 

" Our oldest inhabitant, Miss Polly Lowe, aged 9.3, tells the story that Erwin was listen- 
ing to Mr. McDuffee's flute; that Mrs. ^McDuffee sat in the doorway sewing; dropped her 
thimble, and as she stooped to pick it up the shot went over her head. 



3ir. OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

the Pioneer Association at Athens in 1854 in alluding to this sad 1)ut dastardly 
murder said "About that time there was seme difficulty regarding the State Line, 
or of the Pennsylvania and Connecticut charterists ; the squatters claiming that 
these lands were within the State of New York or came within the Connecticut 
chart, threatened to shoot the first person who should purchase or settle on 
them, they claiming title by occupation. Col. Erwin was the first and only vic- 
tim, and the prompt investigation of this murder either frightened them away or 
forced the cowardly villains into lawful obedience.' The late Judge Avery was 
of more than ordinary legal attainments, and though his statements were en- 
tirely new to us, we are not inclined to contradict them." 

It mu.st be acknowledged that Avery was somewhat in error. 
While there may have been prompt investigation nothing came of it, 
the assassin escaped. It seems strange that Judge Avery, with his abil- 
ity and love of research, did not follow up this matter, as it is now- 
impossible to do ; perhaps jtist as impossible then. There can be added 
to these chronicles what would seem to throw some light on this matter ; 
a letter from Col. Erwin himself, which lay for many years unnoticed 
at Harrisburg, but now to be found in Pennsylvania Archives, Third 
Series, \^ol. XVIII, page 614, addressed to Governor Mifflin : 

Sir: April 5, 1701. 

Perhaps it may appear somewhat extraordinary to carry a Complaint be- 
fore the Chief Magistrate of the State, where the Laws of the land have pointed 
out the more regular Mode of pursuing the Means of Redress but as this, Sir, 
is an extraordinary case, it may probably be a sufficient excuse for the irregular 
Mode of proceeding in it. You are not now to learn the troubles and embarras- 
ments which the Connecticut claimants to Lands in the County of Luzerne have 
for a series of years past from Time to Time involved Pennsylvania. It will not 
be necessary, I conceive, to enter into any investigation of that Business. The ex- 
isting laws, were they carried into effect, would be sufficient to answer every 
purpose. My present application to you, however, relates to myself only. When 
the Land Office was opened in the year 1785, and the choice thereof determined 
by Lott, I became an adventurer for about Five Thousand acres in Luzerne 
County, adjoining the New York line, and without the Limits of any of those 
Townships comprehended in the late confirming or quieting Ivaw, since repealed. 
These Lands, which lay upon the Tioga above the Point. I immediately patented, 
settled, cleared and improved, not doubting but the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- 
vania, under the solemn Faith of which I had purchased and paid for them, 
would protect me in the possession and enjoyment of my Property. I have been 
almost the only man whO' has, in that Country, asserted the Claims under the 
Government of Pennsylvania to the Lands in Luzerne, by which I have not only 
subjected myself to Insult and abuse, but on more occasions than one been in 
eminent Danger of my Life, not from Threats merely, but by actual assault, and 
that of the most agrivated nature. 

When in August, 1789, I was in that country cultivating my own ground I 
was obliged to have Recourse to the legal steps to recover some Rent due to 
me from a person who occupied a part of my Land there under verbal Lease, 
and when the property distrained was in the Hands of the Officer, the Tenant 
with several others came and forceably resqued it, not satisfied with this outrage, 
they attacked me and one of them with the Handle of a pitch-fork broke one 
of my arms and beat me in such a manner that I very narrowly escaped with 
my life. I then took the usual steps to have him prosecuted for a Breach of the 
peace, but, altho' every necessary proof was made of the Fact, in that country 
he escaped unpunished. In the course of the last Summer a number of persons 
who call themselves Halfshare men, a Description of people, who I believe from 
principle and Habit, are not likely ever to be good or useful citizens of this or 
any other Country, came within my enclosed grounds at a Time that I was 
absent, cut a quantity of Hay. and to the Laborours who I had there employed, 
used many Threats against my Person. After I had hauled in the Hay which 



ERWIN'S PETITION TO THE GOVERNOR 317 

my people had made, together with what they had cut on my hind, they came 
and forceably took it away, still using Threats ; soon after they took from my 
Laborours a quantity of Indian Corn in the same manner, which circumstances 
the Depositions of Daniel McDuffee, Sarah Redford and Dolly McDuffee make 
appear. It is true the Effects which have been violently and unlawfully taken 
from me are of no great value or magnitude, but if the persons who have thus 
flagrantly broke in upon my property escape with Impunity, the property of no 
Pennsylvanian will be safe from their Depredations. I have not taken any legal 
steps to obtain Redress, well knowing the fate of my process in the County of 
Luzerne, where a Pennsylvanian is a party ; of this indeed I have had sufficient ex- 
perience. I trust, however, that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will do 
me ample Justice and no longer suffer her laws to be trampled on, her Dignity 
debased, and her citizens injured and abused by a set of people who have ever 
discovered a Disposition obnoxious to the Laws and Government of this State. 
I have, therefore, made my application to you, as the supreme Magistrate of the 
State, and from your prompt Decision and public spirit, I hope such measures 
will be taken as to secure me in the Enjoyment of my property in the Country, 
as well as to protect me from the Danger which from the constant Threats of 
those people I conceive my life to be in while among them. 

With every sentiment of Respect, I have the Honor to be. Sir, 
Your most obedient 

And very humble Servant, 

Arthur Erwin. 

Apparently this was but a few weeks before his death, which was 
a sad ending to an active and useful career. Had he lived, with the 
great tracts he held in and about Tioga Point, he would have been a 
notable factor in the town-making. According to Matthias Hollen- 
back, his body was conveyed in a boat down the river and carried over 
Wilkes-Barre Mountain to Erwina for burial. 

The consternation that this assassination cast over the little com- 
munity at Tioga Point can hardly be imagined. Col. Franklin and 
other prominent Connecticut men were supposed to be in collusion with 
the murderer. Franklin's diary merely records, "I was working for 
Satterlee and Matthewson the day that Col. Erwin was killed in that 
year." Matthias Hollenback always suspected a man named Harris, 
possibly Samuel Harris, who had squatted on land at Painted Post in 
Erwin's purchase. (After writing above sketch further information 
was received from Mr. Cooper, with annexed newspaper notices, which 
we have no reason to think have been reprinted since original pub- 
lication.) 

Under date of June 20, 1791, Claypoole's Adi'crfiscr, Philadelphia, 
published the following proclamation : 

"By Thomas MiMiu, Governor of the Commonzvealth of Pennsylvania. 

"Whereas, information has been given to me under oath, that about an 
hour after night on Thursday, the ninth day of this instant, June, Arthur 
Erwin, late of the county of Bucks, in this Commonwealth, esquire, while 
peaceably sitting with sundry other persons, in the house of Daniel McDuffie, 
in the county of Luzerne, received a wound with a bullet, which was discharged 
from a gun into said house by some person unknown, and of which wound the 
said Arthur Erwin then and there instantly died. And Whereas, there is great 
reason to presume that the said wound was wilfully and maliciously given with 
the intent to kill the said Arthur Erwin as aforesaid; and the justice, energy 
and dignity of the Government require that the most effectual measures be 
pursued for discovering, securing and punishing the perpetrator of so heinous a 
murder, his aiders and abettors. Therefore, I have thought it proper and 
necessary to issue this Proclamation, hereby offering a reward of Two Hundred 



318 OLD TIOCxA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Dollars to any person or persons who shall discover, apprehend and secure the 
perpetrator of the said murder, his aiders or abettors, to be paid upon the con- 
viction of them or any of them. And besides the reward aforesaid, I do further 
offer and promise to any one of the persons who may have been concerned in 
contriving and committing the said murder, (the actual and immediate perpe- 
trator thereof excepted) a full and free pardon for the same, upon condition 
that he shall and does disclose the name or names of his accomplice or accom- 
plices, so that such accomplice or accomplices may be apprehended, tried and 
convicted. And all Judges, Justices, Sheriffs, Coroners, Constables, and other 
officers of this Commonwealth, according to the duties of their respective sta- 
tions, are hereby required and enjoined to employ all lawful means for discov- 
ering, appreliending and securing, trying and bringing to justice, as well the 
perpetrator of said murder, as all other persons aiding and assisting therein. 

"Given under my Hand and the Great Seal of the State, at Philadelphia, 
the 20th day of June, A. D. 1791, and of the Commonwealth the Fifteenth. 

THOMAS MIFFLIN. 
'"By the Governor : 

"A. J. Dallas, Sec'y of the Commonwealth." 
In addition to the above reward, we the subscribers, promise and engage 
to pay Five Hundred Dollars to the person or persons, who shall discover, ap- 
prehend and secure the assassin who, on the night of the 9th inst., murdered 
Arthur Erwin, Esquire, of Bucks County, at Tioga Point, in the County of 
Luzerne, on conviction of the perpetrator and his execution for the same. 

(Signed) John Mulhallon, 
Samuel Erwin, 
Joseph Erwin, 
Wm. Erwin, 
Hugh Erwin. 

Subsequently, in the news column of the Advertiser (July G) ap- 
peared the following : 

" 'A man is committed to the Easton jail on suspicion of being the murderer 
of Arthur Erwin, Esquire, as mentioned in the Governor's Proclamation. Very 
strong presumptive evidence has been brought against him, nearly sufficient to 
show that he was the perpetrator of the desperate act.' — Nevertheless, it does 
not appear that any person was ever convicted, or perhaps even brought to 
trial for Mr. Erwin's murder: a cloud of myster}^ faintly illumined by the un- 
certain glimmer of conjecture, has, and in all probability will ever, envelop the 
motive as well as the mover in this early deed of darkness. Though evading 
human justice, not less sure the retribution of that unerring and higher tribunal 
to which he has doubtless long since passed away." 

That there was a trial, however, is proven by the following, the 
only record found, although diligent search of court records has been 
made. In the petition of Alexander Patterson, Commander of Penn- 
sylvania troops at Wyoming in 17()9. addressed to Pennsylvania Leg- 
islature, is found this extract in a harangue against Yankee intruders 
generally, and Col. Franklin especially : 

"Nor because it is l)elieved he controlled the verdict which acquitted Joel 
Thomas of the barbarous murder of Col. Arthur Ei'win, a gentleman of large 
property and much respected." 

This leads one to infer that there hkis a trial, though no record 
has been found. Probably it was Joel Thomas who was arrested and 
confined in Easton jail. Yet he was later a well known and apparently 
respected citizen of the southern tier. 

Among the Erwin papers is a cjuit claim deed drawn up in 1815, 
and labelled "Release to the Heirs of Arthur Erwin by Those who 



PIONEERS TYLER AND SPALDIXG 319 

claim under Connecticut." John Shepard's is the only signature; al- 
though there is another deed for certain tracts which has several signa- 
tures. An examination of the warrant map in last chapter shows how 
extensive were the Erwin lands. It is certainly an interesting fact that 
Col. Erwin was the only one to take up his lands in person, and that 
the McDuffees, his first tenants or purchasers, are on some of the lands 
to-day. 

While his name was not on list of original proprietors, without 
doubt Joseph Tyler was one of the earliest settlers, coming from 
Orange County, New York. At a very early date he had lot No. 24 
in village plot (now Hulon C. Smith's), and possibly he had all of 
William Jones' allotment, which would include the upper part of pres- 
ent Tyler farm. Joseph Tyler w^as a victim of the land controversy, 
receiving a blow on the head from an unknown assailant, which im- 
paired his reason ; his property was sold for taxes and his family had 
no visible means of support. He had, however, an industrious son as 
he grew up, Francis Tyler,^" who was born October 1, 1787, at Mid- 
dletown, New York, and came to be one of the wealthiest and most 
respected citizens of Athens. The farm, which he purchased with the 
results of his industry in 1818, is still held in part by his heirs, the rest 
having been divided up into building lots and sold. It seems probable 
that this family was a connection of Ephraim Tyler, one of the first 
forty settlers in Wyoming Valley. Francis Tyler was a lumberman as 
well as a farmer, and also' engaged for a time in the mail and coach 
business in the South with the McDufifees. 

Another who> should be classed with the pioneers is Joseph Spald- 
ing,^^ a relative of Simon Spalding. As all of his family papers were 
burned with the home, it is difficult to construct a full narrative of this 
family. It is not known that they ever lived at Wyoming, but Joseph 
Spalding was one of the original proprietors of the final grant of Ulster, 
July 21, 1786; family tradition says he came two years earlier to She- 
shequin. In 1791, or earher, he purchased lots Nos. 10, 11, 12 and 13, 
second division of Athens, west of Chemung River. On lot No. 10 
he erected a log house, which stood until recent years on the hillside 

^^ Francis Tyler, married 25th November, 1810, Anna, daughter of Daniel McDuffee, 
and had six children who grew to maturity. Mary A., m. Alonzo Long of Troy; Eliza, m. 
Curran Herrick; F. Armstrong, m. Cynthia Spalding (daughter of Robert Spalding); Jane, 
m. M. Pomeroy of Troy. The descendants of these are well known in Athens and vicinity. 
Hugh and Charles Tyler died unmarried; Hugh was a brilliant lawyer and statesman. Since 
writing narrative we have learned that Joseph Tyler was said to be the son of Ephraim, the 
early Wyoming settler, an assertion borne out by the fact that he had a son Ephraim; he 
had also Caleb. Sally and Archibald, all of whom seem to have come to the valley with Joseph, 
and were afterwards scattered. Joseph's wife was Jane Armstrong. 

1" Joseph Spalding was born June 7, 1735, at Plainfield, Ct., a descendant in the fifth 
generation from Edward Spalding, who settled at Braintrim, Mass., in 16:33. His first wife 
was Eunice Shepard, daughter of Capt. Simon Shejiard, probably of New London. They had 
six children, Welthia, m. Benedict Satterlee; John, Howard, Jared, Rachel, m. Daniel Snell; 

Sarah, m. Hamlin. Joseph married again, .\nna, widow of .Abraham Snell, and they 

had two children, Simon, who married a daughter of Abner Murray, and lived and died at 
Milltown, and Celestia, who married Isaac Morley, 3rd, many of whose descendants are still 
among us. 

John Spalding was born October 22, 1773; he married, in 1800, Elizabeth, daughter of 
Dr. Amos Prentice. He had ten children: George, Owen, Amos, William, Julia Ann, Joseph, 
John, Jr., Edward, Harriet, Jesse. Most of his sons settled in the W'est. Julia Ann m. Rev. 
Curtis Thurston, and lived and died on her father's homestead, still owned by her son. Jesse 
Spalding was the well known lumberman of Chicago, to whom Athens is indebted for its 
Museum-Library. Joseph Spalding d. 1832. John Spalding, 2nd, d. 1852. 



320 



OLD TIOGA POINT AXD EARLY ATHENS 




^^:::^ ^jA.,^o<^ct^ 



just below Morley's Crossing. 
A picture of this house is in the 
Museum. Lot No. 13 was, in 
October, 1794^ deeded to his 
son, John Spalding, and is still 
owned and occupied by John's 
grandson, Joseph S. Thurston. 
John Spalding was an active 
citizen of Athens, holding many 
local public offices ; he was the 
first sheriff of Lycoming County, 
and the second sheriff of Brad- 
ford County, appointed Decem- 
ber 9, 1815. While he had a 
large family, the only son who 
lived and died in the valley was 
Owen, the well-known citizen 
and benefactor of Waverly. 

9 John Spalding, 2nd, al- 
ways signed his name 
'" as given to distinguish 
from John of Shc^he- 
quin. Joseph Spalding 
sold lots Nos. 11 and 12 
to Isaac Morley, Sr., and the property is still in the Morley family. 

Joseph Spalding served in the Revolution, and used to say he had 
been Captain by sea and by land. Very little is on record of Joseph 
Spalding, except that he was one of the original proprietors of the 
old Academy. 

There was still another Spalding in Athens Township : William 
Witter, descendant from same ancestor as Simon and Joseph ; settling 
at Sheshequin, he married his cousin, Rebecca, daughter of Simon, and 
moved to the farm east of town (now occupied by the Colemans), oc- 
cupied later by his son Robert, many of whose descendants now live 
in Bradford County. 

The settlers are filling in rapidly now, it is difficult to keep track 
of them. The summer of 1790 an unusually large party of colonists 
for New York State arrived, headed by Erwin's friend and rival, in 
the Phelps & Gorham tract, Lieut. Col. Eleazer Lindley, of Col. Oliver 
Spencer's 5th Regiment, New Jersey, who was in the Sullivan expedi- 
tion. He had made a purchase next to that of Erwin, called Lindley- 
ton'n, now in Steuben County. He brought with him a colony of sixty, 
including his own large family and several sons-in-law.-" The arrival 
of this party made a great stir at Tioga Point, the more so because 

""From Bath Centennial, published 1893: "Col. Eleazer Lindley, a native of New Jer- 
sey, and an active officer of the 'Jersey Blues' during the Revolutionary War, rode through 
the Genesee country previous to the year 1790, to find a tract of land where he might estab- 
lish himself, and gather his children around him. In the spring of 1790, Col. Lindley started 
from Morristown, New Jersey, with a colony of about forty persons, who, with their goods, 
were transported in wagons to the Susi|uelianna. At Wilkesbarre the families and baggage 
were transferred to seven-ton boats and poled up the river, according to the practise of emi- 
grants; while the horses and cattle, of which there were thirty or forty, were driven along 




a<^ 



EBENEZER BACKUS— THE LIXDSLEYS 321 

one of Lindley's soii-in-Iaws was taken sick here, and had to be left 
behind. A most fortunate illness for Tioga Point, for it gave the set- 
tlement its first regular physician, Doctor Stephen Hopkins. More- 
over, it made a link between the towns, and brought later one or more 
wives to other pioneers. Ebenezer Backus was one of the sons-in-law, 

and may have come with this 
party, but it is quite likely he 
active in the Susquehanna 
fore. His father, of same 
name, belonged to Windham, 
Connecticut, and was very 
active in the Susquehanna 
Company. In 1769 he was given the disposal of twenty rights in 
northern Pennsylvania, with the proviso that he was to have one right 
as a recompense for his services and expenses. These rights were sold 
at il2 apiece. He was appointed one of the Committee who came on 
with the first settlers at Wyoming. In 1771 he supplied some assist- 
ance to the ejected settlers, for which he was to be recompensed. Little 
is known about either Ebenezer, though later the younger was actively 
connected with Athens. 

Col. Lindley had a number of slaves, and one or more was given 
to each married daughter. Old Cato, long the faithful servant of 
Francis Tyler, was the son of one of these ; also Black Nellie and Aunt 
Betsey, well remembered by the older people, who, though freed in 
time by law, continued to live in Athens. In 1896 there died near 
Rome, New York, a colored man over 100 years old, who called him- 
self .''Edward Hopkins," and told of Tioga Point families. Doubtless 
he or his kin had belonged tO' Mrs. Ebenezer Backus or her sister. 

Air. Backus' active connection with Tioga Point at a later date 
is to be found in a subsequent chapter. 

Let us now return to our friend Col. Franklin, who lay in prison 
for many weary months ; suffered every indignity ; was seriously ill ; 
and it is generally represented was ever after broken in health and 
spirits. There are some new lights on Franklin. We will not relate 
his harrowing experiences, but correct some errors, etc. He was 
brought before the Supreme Court, sitting at "Wilkesborough, Nov. 
8, 1788, indited on a charge of High Treason, in endeavoring to sub- 
vert the government, and to erect a new and independent state in the 
room and stead thereof," one charge stating that "a paper subscribed 
by him had been posted, inviting the people to throw off allegiance to 
the State of Pennsylvania and to erect themselves into an Independent 
State." The trial was postponed, and he was remanded to jail, this 
time at Easton. Here Miner states that he zvas soon released on bail, 
and that Christinas of i/88 found him at liberty. But Franklin him- 
self says, in a sworn deposition, given in a suit at Athens, "/ resided 

the trails, or rude roads, on the bank. On the 7th day of June, 1790, the colony reached the 
place of destination. (See note end of Chapter.) 

"Two sons of Col. Lindley, Samuel and Eleazer, and four sons-in-law. Dr. Mulford, 
Ebenezer Backus, Capt. John Seely and Dr. Hopkins, started with the colony from New 
Jersey. Dr. Hopkins remained at Tioga Point to practise his profession." 



322 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

nearly two years in Philadeljihia from Oct. 1787. * * * In Sept. 1789 
I came home from Philadelphia to this place" (Athens). Here use is 
made of Franklin's papers found in Edward Herrick, Jr.'s collection. 
The following- letter is conclusive proof that Miner was in error 
when he stated that Franklin was released in Decemher, 1788 : 

Sir, Philadelphia. May iSth. lySo. 

Yours of this day I received with the account of James Elliott. I return 
the sd acct enclosed, have examined its contents, and certified the same to be 
true according to the best of my knowledge — I cannot recollect every particular, 
I kept no Acct but believe that I had the several articles mentioned. I was taken 
sick the 21 day of July -S8 as near as I can recollect, and believe that was the 
day, but I cannot be so particular about the time of my recovery. Mr John 
Clendcnnen attended me about eight days — after that Simon Gore was my nurse 

As to the wines charged b}' Mr Elliott, they were used by me by the 

Direction of my Physician for the recovery of my health, the other liquors from 
the time I was taken ill until near the close of September were mostly used by 
my nurse and others who attended me in time of my illness. I have had my 
subsistence from Mr Elliott such as Victuals, drink, washing and mending during 
my Imprisonment in this place, but I cannot recollect all the particulars such as 
Spirits, Tobacco, &c at so many different times, but believe I had what is charged. 

I am Sir your most Obt 

J. Nicholson Esq. Servant 

Compt Genl. John Franklin. 

In addition to the original of this letter, there is in Tioga Point 
Museum, the bill herein alluded to, and many others for board, also the 
original receipt from Colonel John Craig of 300 pounds "pd. hiiii as a 
reward for apprehending and securing John Franklin under order from 
Council, 6 Oct. 178'/." On the back is written the following : 

"On presenting this order to Mr Rittenhouse, Treasurer, he informed me 
that at present he could not pay it. But on meeting John Lukens Surveyr Genl 
he said that he would advance the a.mt. to enable me to make a dividend forth- 
with to the Gentlemen who had rendered such essential Service to the State. 
And paid me three hundred pounds accordingly "John Craig." 

Other receipts show that Franklin was "removed from Easton to 
Wyoming gaol October 30, 1788" ; returned to Easton, November 17th ; 
from Easton to Wyoming and return, December, 1788; from Easton 
to Philadelphia, January 8, 1789 ; from Philadelphia to Easton, May 
24, 1789. This would indicate a second trial at Wilkes-Barre in De- 
cember, 1788, and gives no account of interval from May to Septeml>er, 
at which latter time Franklin deposes he was discharged. 

There is a document, not recorded in history, which is with a dif- 
ferent collection of Franklin papers, probably unseen since his death 
until now.-^ It is labelled in Franklin's own hand, under date of 1792, 
"Absolution from Govr. Mifflin." It is here reproduced: 

21 There is .nnother Franklin Mss. in Tioga Point Museum, Craft collection, copied^ by 
Mr. Craft from papers of Steuben Jenkins, being an extensive account of the title of the Sus- 
quehanna Company, in connection with the case of Richard Fenn, Lessee of .Archibald Stewart 
vs. William Slocum. This manuscript seen by the historian Miner closes thus: "We continued 
firm and united in our resolutions until the County of Luzerne was established, and the con- 
firming law took place which put a stop to new settlements being made under tlie authority 
of the Susnuchanna Company. * * * i will remark a large number on the West Branch 
of Susquehanna had proposed to join us, and extend the claim of the company into that part 
of the county. A committee was appointed in 1786, and sent to Wyoming for that purpose." 
Here Franklin ignores all the later activity at Athens, probably as not bearing on this case. 
It is of interest to-day that Archibald Stewart was the grandfather of our townsman, C. S. 
Maurice. He had an extensive Pennsylvania claim east of the Susquehanna River, ending 
near Tunkhannock, and the famous suit of Van Horn vs. Dorrance, "the only one brought 
to trial," was concerning some of Archibald Stewart's original purchase. 



PARDON OF COLONEL FRANKLIN 



333 




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324 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



Franklin has not recorded where he spent the winter oi 1789 and 
1T90, and curiously enough he makes no mention of his children. 
Doubtless, he was at Wyoming courting. His deposition aforesaid 
states that he found Matthewson living in his house, and "Satterlee 
living over where he lived later and building where he now lives." 
(This shows that Satterlee must have lived in some temporary house 
across the river.) Records show that in December, 1789, Franklin 
purchased some lots from Nathan Denison. It is not known what his 
arrangement was with Matthewson for the town lot ; Matthewson con- 
tinued to reside there, and in 1793 Franklin sold to Andreas Budd, and 
he to Matthewson the same year. Franklin's deposition proves that 
when the town was allotted Dennison evidently intended to settle here, 
taking great pains in selecting lots. He must have contemplated asso- 
ciation with the capital. 

It is easy to fancy that 

when Franklin was re- 
leased and came to "Tio- 
ga," as he writes it, there 
was great rejoicing, and a 
"gathering of the clans" 
at the biggest house in the 
community. His old com- 
rades Swift, Satterlee, 
Stephens, Slocum and Mat- 
thewson must have been 
first to welcome him. And 
then all the loyal Con- 
necticut people from Ul- 
ster and Sheshequin ; the 
Spaldings, Kinneys, Smiths, 
perhaps the Gores, the 
Shepards, and the Har- 
rises, and perhaps the 
new Justice of the Court 
of Quarter Sessions, Noah 
^Murray.-- Oh, it was a 
goodly company ! No doubt 
after the joyful welcome 
was over, the assembled 
guests held an indigna- 
tion meeting over Frank- 
lin's prison experiences ; 

r J ^ ^°»^'' .^I"'"»'ay' t'le ancestor of the family still living in the valley, was born at Guil- 
u ' h^'' ■"" ■^■^' ■^'^*^- ^^ ^^* "^^ ®°" °^ Jehial Murrav (and Mary Way), son of Tona- 
'u "t? r.'^^j*-^"^ '"^""^ Bradley), the first American progenitor, supposed to have come "from 
the Highlands of Scotland, a farmer and shipbuilder. Noah was one of nine sons whose 
descendants are scattered across the continent; but not of the same family that settled in New 
York City, or of the Southern family; though doubtless the Scotch ancestors were the same. 
His youth was spent at Kent, Ct. On the first call for troops he enlisted in April, 177.5. and 
again May 6, 1777. After active service in the Revolutionary War (of which there is full 
record at Washington) he became a Baptist preacher. Some time later, armed by the courage 
of his own convictions, he began preaching the doctrine of Universalism. at about the same 
time that this new creed was introduced into America bv John Murrav, with whom Noah has 
often been confounded; (there is no known tie of blood between them"). Noah seems to have 




^\Ql4.c^u/yy^ 



FRANKLIN'S DIARY . 325 

and in the light of after events, FrankHn may have at once forgotten 
his pledge of allegiance to Pennsylvania, and made suggestions for 
continuing the struggle, perhaps even formulated plans for future re- 
sistance. Yet there is no word of this in his journal of the period. 

For it has been our good fortune to discover in the old Indian 
basket a daily dairy begun at his permanent home-coming, and in his 
old home has recently been found a continuation of it, faded, time- 
worn, almost indecipherable, yet of considerable interest, at least in 
Athens history. Many entries are of no interest, and will be omitted : 

COL. JOHN FRANKLIN'S DIARY. 

Monday, April 26, 1790. I left Wilkes-barre at 2 o'clock P. M. on my way to 

take up my residence. I stayed at Major Jenkins. 
27. This is a cold morning. I traveled this day to Osterhute. Stayed all night. 
2S. Took breakfast at Stepn. Jenkins. This is a cold day, squalls of snow, rain 

and hale. I stayed all night at Wigton's. (Meshoppen.) 

29. I crossed over to Mr. Parks. Gave up his note and took a note against 

Prince Alden, and one against Joseph Beach. I traveled this day to 
Hancock's, Wyalusing. 

30. To Fits Geralds. I took a fawn from a Wolfe. Supposed the Wolfe to be 

a Dog untill it was too late to kill him. 

Sat. May 1. Went to Cap't Franklin^^ in the morning, where I stayed untill 

Tuesday 10 o'clock. I then went to Cap't Satterlee's at Tioga. 
3. Crossed to Mathewson's. Cap't Satterlee sat off with his Company to at- 
tend the Review at Wyalusing. 

May 4. I have been sowing wheat for Mathewson and Satterlee. I stayed at 
Mathewson's. 
5. I was ploughing for a garden the largest part of the day. 
G. A rainy night. Cap't Allen from Kingston is at Mathewson's this morning. 

Sun. 9. I went with Ira Stephens to^ the Sugar Works, boiling sap for vinegar. 
Returned to Ira's about 10 o'clock at night. Jedh. Stephens, Jr. and 
Wm. Baker sat off this day with their families for Lancaster. 

10. I was ploughing for Mathewson. 

12. I had a Bushel and about 4 qts of Hemp Seed of Col. Spalding. And 2 
bushel of Potatoes of Cap't Joseph Spalding. The remaining part of 
this week I was to work at mv fence. 

been fond of moving about; records are found in many Connecticut towns, especially in Kent, 
Litchfield County. He married Mary Stowe of Middletown, whose direct ancestry we cannot 
trace, although she was one of the well known Stowes of New England. When they moved 
to the Wyoming Valley in 1787 they had seven children: Sylvia, Lucy, Abner, Mary, Irene, 
Elizabeth and Noah, Jr. His residence at .Shawnee was very brief, not more than a year. 
W[hen, for convenience in administering justice, Luzerne County was divided into three dis- 
tricts, Noah Murray was commissioned Justice in the first or upper district 23rd November, 
1788, and removed at once to Tioga Point to be near the seat of disorders; he was further com- 
missioned Justice of Peace 1789. When he first came up the river he took possession, as many 
others, of the LTriah Stephens cabin on Queen Esther's Flats. However, he soon purchased, west 
of Athens, lot No. 14, the land still owned by his descendants, and built a commodious log 
house in the primitive pioneer fashion. As was the custom, the numerous children occupied 
the loft; which was reached not by a stairway, but by pegs driven alternately in the two walls 
forming a corner. Xoah Murray did not forget his new doctrines, and preached whenever 
possible in various places. He is called the founder of LTniversalism in Bradford County, and 
the monument over his grave was erected by the devotees of that creed. He must have been 
an impassioned speaker, for even grandchildren of some of his first converts say of him with 
amazing enthusiasm: "Noah Murray! he was the first preacher of all, and after you had 
heard him you never wanted to hear another." His reasoning was so convincing that he 
converted those who planned to convert him, even ministers of other creeds. He was present 
at many L'^niversalist conventions in New England, and in 1807 accepted a call to the Lombard 
Street Church of Philadelphia; this charge he retained only a year, feeling too old to lead a 
city church in such stormy times of faith. On his return he made his home in Murraysfield 
(now Springfield), which was a Connecticut township, granted to him in 179.5. He and his 
son Abner purchased the present Murray farm from the original Susquehanna proprietors. 
Abner having lot No. 15. Noah sold his portion of lot No. 14 to .\bner in 1807. It was soon 
found that there were two Pennsylvania claims overlapping here, and the papers are still in 
existence, showing that .\bner paid for the property three times. Noah Murray died at. Mur- 
raysfield May 16, 1811. Abner lived and died on the homestead. 

"^ This was doubtless Roswell Franklin at Wysox. Fitzgerald's was at Standing Stone. 



326 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Sun. 16. Went to the Sap Works with Satterlee and I. Stephens. Stayed all 

night. 
May 17, 1790. I was cleaning flax seed at Ira Stephens', had about 30 qts. 

Stayed all night. 

18. Spliting rails a part of the day. I had my ground harrowed for flax. 

19. Sowed my flax in the forenoon. Was at work at water fence in the after- 

noon. * * * 
20 * * * * 

Sun. 23. I went to Newtown, Cap't Baldwin's. 
24. Returned as far as Ira Stephens'. Had of Cap't Baldwin a bushel of wheat, 

1/2 B. of Salt, and Half Bushel of beans. Of old Mr. Baldwin, 1 1/2 B. 

of wheat. 
2Q * * * Thunder storms this day. Heavy thunder struck a tree near 

Kellogg's. 
29th. * * * J -^yj^g ploughing and sowing oats on the Point. 
Sun. 30. I was down to Swift's with a canoe. Had a view of fishing but failed. 
May 31, 1790. This morning I began to plough for corn on my lot the east 

side of the river. 
Sun. 6. * * * 

7. * * * I was cutting timber to make fence between me and McAIhoe. 

Wrote a few lines in the evening to send to Mrs. Bidlack, with a letter 
wrote the 29th of May. 

8. This day I went to Cap't Franklin's in a canoe with Stephens and Hoyt. 

* * * Bought a barrel of shad for my self and for Mathewson. 112 
lbs. in barrel. B. Satterlee is gone to Wyoming. I sent my letters by him. 

10. I was ploughing on the point for Hemp. 

Sun. 13. I went to Ira Stephens'. Satterlee and Mathewson and their wives 
were there. 

14. I sowed my Hemp. * * * Had 3 bushel of seed of Mr. Murray. 

15. This dav a boat with 440 B. of corn gat fast on the riffle. I helped to get 

it oE. 
June 18, 1790. I was planting my corn over. It has been destroyed by worms. 

22. Planting corn where it has been destroyed. This day Grand Jury found 

a Bill against Daniel McDufi^ee and John Doran upon the complaint of 
Wm. Slocum, forceable entry and detainer. 

23. * * * Went to the deer lick in the evening with Satterlee. This is a 

cold night. 

24. Attended Court at Maxfield. McDufifee and Doran are proved guilty of 

forceable entry and detainer. 
25th of June, 1790. This is a wet day. Wm. Slocum is put into possession of 
his lot by the sherifif. I was present as a witness. 

9g * * * 

The month of Jul}' begins with dry, hot weather. I neglected at the time 
to make a memorandum. 
Sun. 4. Messrs. Mathewson. Satterlee and Ira Stephens sat off for the Lakes. 

9. I have ploughed Cap't Satterlee's corn. * * * 

10. I went to Col. Spaldings' and got some Hemp Seed which I planted where 
the worms had destroyed the first. 

Sunday 11. Went to meeting at Col. Spalding's with Mr. Satterlee and others. 
Mr. Murray preached. (Noah.) 

19. Satterlee, Mathewson and Ira Stephens returned from the Lakes. ( Prob- 
ably Palmyra.) 

26 * * * J sgnt a letter to Mrs. Bidlack and 2 bushel of corn by Sam'l Starks. 

17. I ploughed and sowed a little buckwheat, where my oats was destroyed, 
and in the afternoon I spent a few hours burning lirush for turnips. 

Sun. 18. Mr. Murray preached at Maxfield. I attended meeting. He preached 
from John 1-29, "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the Sins of 
the World." * * * 



FRAXKLIX'S DIARY 327 

July 21, 1790. * * * 

22. I went to New town in company with Messrs. Murray, Swift. Satterlee, 

Stephens, and Mrs. Satterlee and Mrs. Mathewson. Major Tubbs Ba- 

talion met at Baldwin's for Military exercise, &c. 
24, * * * I was attending a court at Mr. Murray's. Rudolph Fox, Plntf, 

and Williams. Deft. Fox received 13 shillings Debt and near 3£ 

cost. 
Sunday, August 1, 1790. Cap't Swift is at Satterlee's on his way to Wyoming. 

I wrote by him to Catlin and Mrs. Bidlack. 
2. Cutting Grass. * * * 
August 9, 1790. This day I was shocking hay in the forenoon. * * * 
10. I went to a deer lick this evening with Satterlee. * * * 
16. I was pulling flax. 
Th. I was spreading my flax to rot. 

20. Began to cut my wheat on the Point. * * * 

21. * * * J ^j^g taking up and binding my wheat on the Point. Alpheus 

Harris cradled about 1 1/4 acres. Mr. Moss cut 93 rods of ground with 
a sickle. I put my wheat in shocks in the field, about 750 sheaves. 
Sunday August 22, 1790. This is a pleasant day. Messrs. Mathewson and Sat- 
terlee and their wives went to Sheshequin, &c, * * * j went to Ira 
Stephens this day. Got shirt that Mrs Stephens made for me. * * * 
Went to the deer lick. 

This journal shows first of all that the imprisonment did not ser- 
iously affect Col. Fronkliii's healtJi : it seems that he came up from 
Wilkes-Barre on foot. And he not only goes about his own business, 
but is helping" his neighbors at their farm work. At this time he seems 
to have resolved to settle on the farm where he lived, died, and was 
buried. He was a resident in Athens for more than half of his long 
life ; Athens may therefore proudly claim him for her own. 

We wish we knew where the Sugar Works had been started ; it 
surely is an old idea to boil sap for vinegar. Eklad Kellogg was living 
next him, where he had settled in 1784 or '85. Ira Stephens was evi- 
dently living on his second location, near the present Tyler farm. 
John Swift had made his home on lot No. 35, second division (now 
near Stone House), since Franklin went in a canoe. Robert McAlhoe 
was established on Patterson's location. June 22nd, court is in ses- 
sion. Alaxfield probably should be ]\Iaxwell. Here is another title 
suit : William Slocum, Connecticut claimant, against Daniel McDufifee 
and John Doran, Pennsylvania settlers, forcible entry and detainer. 
Grand jury found true bill for Slocum; triumph for Connecticut! 
"Wm. Slocum is put into possession of his lot by the sheriff." . And 
yet to-day, it is AIcDuffee land, for it was evidently No. 30 in the third 
division. Take note that Noah Murray is preaching, alternately in 
Athens and Sheshequin. July 24th Murray holds court at his own 
home ; the log house must have been crowded ! This suit is between 
Rudolph Fox, the first Towanda settler and one Williams for debt, not 
possessory rights. 

Franklin seems to have taken a great deal of pains with his flax, 
getting ready for his new wife's spinning wheel, doubtless. 

Oct. 12, 1790. Annual election. I attended at Col'o Spalding's. Gen. Mifflin 
had 30 votes for Gov'r. Arthur St. Clare 11. Wm. Montgomery and 
Charles Smith 20 each for Senator. Obad. Gore 20 and R. Welles 10 for 
Rep't. &c. John Hagerman had 20 for Commissioner. 



328 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Wed. in. Rainy. The River Rises. I was this evening at Marshall's with Col. 

Hooper. 
Oct. 19. Battalion Day. I kept my bed. 
21. Crossed The River to my hemp. 

Fri. & Sat. At my hemp. The moon eclipsed Sat. night. * * 
Oct. 26. A rainy night, last night. Squalls of snow this morning. The ground 

covered and timber loaded. Squalls continue all Day. * * * 
27. Cloudy morning. At the close of the month I was threshing and cleaning 

my hemp seed. Cloudy, wet weather. * * * 
Nov'b'r, 1790. About the 9th of the month*. I cut my grass, second crop. * * * 
9th. This day McAlhoe began to lay up his house. I am picking corn. 
14 Nov'b'r, 1790. I stayed at Bakers' last night, the Indians I hear are arriving 

at the point to attend the treaty. I crossed the River. I find my hay 

is not taken care of. this is a wet Day. 
15. I was at work taking care of potatoes, pulling turnips, &c. this night the 

Indians had a dance at the Council House at the point. 

17. I was carting pumpkins, taking care of potatoes, pulling and cutting turnips. 

* * * 

18. Sat off for Wyoming. Left Matthewson's in the afternoon in a canoe. Pas- 

sengers, Mrs. Yarrington. Mrs. Kinney, and Messrs. Brockway, Asa 
Stephens, and Wm. Bidlack. Made several stops. Reached Joseph Earl's 
about 3 in the morning. 

19th Nov', 1790. I left Joseph Earl's about 7 in the morning, took breakfast at 
Mr. Bidlack's, stayed at Samuel Daily's. Sold the canoe at 3 Doll's to 
pay a debt for Isaac Moss. ^ * * Reached Wilkesbarre about 4 
o'clock in the afternoon. 

20th. Was about Wilkesbarre. 

21. Went to Nanticoke. Stayed at Mrs. Hurlbut's. 

22. Went to Major Alden's, returned to Wilkes Barre. 

24. * * * Went to Capt. Bidlack's and to Mrs. Rogers, returned to Wilkes- 
barre. 

25th. This day I was about the town of Wilkesbarre and at evening followed 
the example of good old Jacob. I took me a wife and may the Lord 
send Jacob's blessing. 

2Cth. Went to Nanticoke in the afternoon and to Newport and stayed at 
Alden's. 

Nov'b'r 29, 1790. This morning * * * the snow about 4 inches deep * * * 
In the afternoon * * * went to Mr. Bidlack's, agreed with him for 
passage to Tioga in his boat. Returned to Wilkesbarre in the evening. 

28th. * * * I went to Mr. Sam'l Allen's to see Daniel Ross and returned to 
Wilkesbarre. Major Jenkins comes this evening. I spent the evening 
at Yarrington's, with Col'o Spalding, Major Jenkins, Miller, Welles, 
Cobb, &c. 

Many daily entries have been omitted, relating only tO' farm work ; 
they show that Franklin was a very vigorous man, not in the least 
broken by his imprisonment, of which he always spoke lightly as "re- 
siding in Philadelphia," etc. 

The middle of these diaries is missing. We wish Franklin had 
written an account of the treaty, but no doubt his wedding day was 
too near ; nor was he desirous of meeting his old foe Pickering. How 
frankly simple the annotmcement of his marriage. Evidently he had 
a stag party on the 28th at Yarrington's, near where he was arrested. 
No doubt it was a jubilee. He mentions many names unknown as 



HOLLENBACK'S STORE AND COMPETITORS 329 

among the pioneers. Poling up the river in late November must have 
been a rather chilly wedding journey. He gives no account of a home 
prepared for the new wife and their two families of children ; it must 
have been the little log house built by Patterson, for his frame house 
was not erected until 1799.-* 

Hollenback's store was the first, and for some time the only store 
on the Point. The settlers along the river were further furnished with 
goods by an enterprising youth, Jacob Lowman, who finally made a set- 
tlement near Wellsburg, still called Lowmansville. He might be called 
a river hawker and peddler. Of German parentage, and blessed with a 
spirit of enterprise worthy of his ancestors, Jacob, when only nineteen, 
in 1788, embarked in a trading enterprise, and invested his entire for- 
tune in a stock of goods which he loaded into a Durham boat (capacity 
twenty tons), and with three comrades or helpers started from Middle- 
town to Tioga Point, a two weeks' journey, as it proved. Arriving here, 
what a sensation it must have created! The vicinity of our present 
Museum-Library seems to have been for years the starting and stop- 
ping point of all boating parties. Therefore, in spite of its proximity 
to the only store in the settlement, it may be well imagined that it was 
there .on the river bank that traffic was begun. Lowman's stock of pro- 
visions, tobacco, clothes, muskets, ammunition, chains, axes, hardware : 
and, in fact, every sort of supply of the times, was speedly exchanged 
for grain, flax, hemp and peltries at better rates than offered at the 
store. Little or no money was seen. After his stock was exhausted, 
the boat was reloaded with the exchanges ; and, though on this return 
voyage it was capsized and the cargo lost, the young trader was un- 
daunted. He soon had another supply of goods ready, and started 
again on the up voyage. This traffic he pursued for four years, and his 
gains were large, he going each year a little farther into the wilderness. 
In 1792 he settled permanently in the valley, although he still pursued 
the river trade, and invested his large profits in land. 

It is impos- 
sible to decide 
when David 
)j2^^'''''^ Alexander' 
and Samuel 

Hepburn, the next merchants, came to Tioga Point. Alexander is said 
to have come at an early day as clerk for Matthias Hollenback, but the 

^^ The following record appears to have been copied from John Franklin's Bible, "John 
Franklin b Sept 26, 1749; married Feb 2 Wed. 1774 Lydia Doolittle b Aug 13 1751 and on 
Wednesday the 9th left Canaan and removed to Plymouth on Susqh. River. Billa Franklin 
b. Nov 3, 1774; Amos Franklin b June 4 1776; Keziah Franklin b April 11 1778. Wyoming 
cut off by Savages and tories July 3, 1778 — Lydia the wife of John Franklin died of small pox 
at Windsor, Bucks county Nov 17, 1778 about sunset. Amos Franklin died at Cayuga Village 
11 Oct. 1804. John Franklin (My father) died at Canaan Aug 20 1800, Aged 84." "Col. Frank- 
lin's second wife had four children by her first husband, Capt. James Bidlack; to wit, Sally, 
Stephen, Hetty and James. All married, the daughters moving away, although Hetty is sup- 
posed to have been the mother of the first wife of Henry Welles. The sons married here, and 
there are numerous descendants in the valley. Mrs. Franklin, 2nd, was Abigail Fuller, daugh- 
ter of Stephen Fuller, who lived and died at Sheshequin. The only descendants of Col. 
Franklin now in this vicinity are the children of the late Mrs. Z. F. Walker. 

-^ David Alexander, son of Hugh, son of John, son of Thomas, was of Scotch ancestry, 
Thomas being a leading man in his Scotch home "from 1710 and upward." John, born near 
Glasgow, emigrated thence to Ireland about 1725, and emigrated to America with the multi- 
tude of Ulstermen in 1736, and eventually settled near Chambersburg, Pa. He was married in 




330 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

examination of the Hollenback papers show that is untrue. John Alex- 
ander was clerk at a later period, 1797, but he undoubtedly was one of 
the Wilkes- r.arre family. There are few records of Samuel Hepburn, 
except the transfers of land ; and there is no mention of David Alexan- 
der in certified records until 1790, when Hepburn sold to him most of 
his property at the Point. Hepburn came from Milton, Pa., and re- 
turned there eventually. It is a matter of family record, however, that 
Alexander found a wife at Tioga Point, and that the date of their mar- 
riage was 1788. Also that the oldest child, Hugh Alexander, was born 
at Tioga Point in 1789. But no record or hint is found of him before 
1790. Nor was he the clerk of the Athens Academical Association, 
that was Guy Maxwell. 

Unquestionably David Alexander, "Yeoman." as he is named in 
deeds, was one of the most enterprising and successful business men of 
"Old Tioga Point," as eventually he became the most extensive land 
owner, except John Shepard. We assume that he had some resources 
of his own, and that at first he was associated with Hepburn, as in- 
dicated in a quit claim deed given February 2, 1795, for a consideration 
of ioO, by Hepburn to Alexander. This deed is very interesting be- 
cause it enumerates, locates and describes the various properties : 

"1 The Island opposite the present dwelling of Hepburn. 2 Ten acre lot 
near point of Tioga conveyed to Hepburn by Mrs Platner. 3 House lot in 
Athens where Henry McKinney lives. 4 Lot no 34 whereon my distillery stands 
with stills. 5 Lot S.'S my store lot, 6 Lot 36 my homestead lot, 7 Lot no 37 widi 
Hepburn residence, houses buildings and improvements— Hepburn agrees to obtain 
Pennsylvania title for Island or forfeit lOOi." 

There are two of these lists, which indicate that Alexander con- 
tracted for the property in 1790, and closed transaction 1795. Hepburn 
did not possess all the island, which was in five separate lots under 
Connecticut survey ; and Alexander purchased them one by one. He 
also purchased all the land from lot No. 27, south, to the old Ferry 
Road, east of Main Street. The store he erected himself, and the 
horse grist mill. 4 to 7 extended from the old G. A. Perkins' prop- 
erty to the E. H. Perkins' property. No earlier Pennsylvania title to 

Scotland to Margaret Glosson, and his son Hugh was born in Glasgow in 1724. About 1758 
Hugh, who had become an extensive land owner, settled in Sherman Valley, Pa., on a farm 
of 1100 acres, also owning land on the North Branch of the Susquehanna. He was chosen 
Deputy to the Provincial Conference, held in Carpenter's Hall in June, 1776; also a member 
of the Constitutional Convention and of the Assembly the same year, showing that he was 
a man of ability and prominence. He married Martha, daughter of Dr. David Edmiston, and 
David, tiieir second son, was born in 1760. After his father's death he inherited evidently 
some of the Susquehanna lands, as he had 163 acres in Cumberland County, where he was 
made a freeman in 1785. About 1788 he married Margaret, daughter of William Miller of 
Athens. Ten children ^^ere born to rhem at Tioga Point: Hugh, Edith, William, Margaret, 
Matthew, Samuel, John, David, Cyrus, Arospo. About 1810 to '12, after a residence of at 
least twenty years "at Tioga Point, the family removed to Shiloh, Illinois, forming what was 
long called "the Alexander Settlement." Cyrus emigrated to California in 1837, married^ a 
Spanish lady, obtained a large tract of land from the Spanish government, and lived the life 
of a Mexican grandee until the annexation of California made him once more an American 
citizen. Hugh returned to Athens for his bride in 1812, Hannah, daughter of Julius Tozer; 
and their long wedding journey was nearly all made by water; down the Susquehanna in a keel 
lioat, across the mountains, then down the Ohio in a flat boat, and up the Mississippi to 
Caholia Landing, where Hugh had built a home on his "section" of land. David Alexander 
belonged to the Frontier Rangers during the last years of the Revolutionary war; quite pos- 
sibly, therefore, he was in the Hartley Expedition. He was killed by lightning in 1822, leav- 
ing a numerous posterity, one of whom is the wife of the well known Thomas Edison. (For 
data for above we are indebted to Hugh, son of Julius Tozer Alexander, son of Hugh, son 
of David, of Geneva, 111.) Eliza, Mary Ann, Lydia, Caroline, Tenny and Jane T. Alexander, 
children, possibly descendants of David, were baptized in the Athens Presbyterian Church, 
January 25th, 1820. 



HEPBURN AND ALEXANDER 331 

the island has ever been discovered. Between the lots Nos. 34 and 35 
was the first street, already mentioned. Presumably this was opened by 
Samuel Hepburn, who is supposed to have built the grist mill and dis- 
tillery afterwards owned by Alexander, the first of the six distilleries 
on the Point. The well, of which Mrs. Perkins speaks, is still in use ; 
the mill was on the river bank. Walker says Hepburn built a house 
and store on the lot now known as bridge lot, on the Chemung. This 
may have been after he sold to Alexander, but Alexander locates the 
Hepburn homestead lot where the Maurice residence now stands. Hep- 
burn had a tavern license here in 1790, and in 1792 he and Guy Max- 
well had one together; possibly the tavern was HoUenback's store, 
which was now rented to Maxwell. In 1796 Hepburn removed to El- 
mira, he and Maxwell having two years earlier purchased and laid out 
a tract of land on the site of present Elmira, then called Dewittsburgh. 
It should have been noted that in 1791 William Harris of Herkimer 
County (evidently of the early Harris family), sold to Hepburn for 
£80 a certain lot "zvhereon Samuel Harris nozv lives xvith buildings and 
improvements, also his right and title in the Island." 

This deed is unusual because no other has been found thus worded, 
mentioning both Connecticut and Pennsylvania claims, viz. : 

"I engage to warrant and defend the house and lot on the point unto 
Hepburn forever under the Connecticut Title, likewise engage to give him 
peaceable possession. Likewise engage as soon as can to obtain a deed or title 
from Josiah Lockard a Claimant under The Pennsylvania Title," etc. 

This is the only recorded notice of Lockhart's claim between 1785 
and 1798. 

This house and lot was evidently the present Maurice property. 
Little is known of Samuel Harris or his residence here, though said to 
be a brother of Alpheus. 

Later Hepburn returned to Milton, where he died. His widow 
married again, Samuel Erwin, a son of Col. Arthur Erwin, already 
mentioned. 

While it has often been carelessly said that the first settlers were 
obliged to go to Wilkes-Barre to have their grain ground, it is a cer- 
tified fact that Prince Bryant had a grist mill on Cayuta Creek (near 
present stone mill) as early as 1787. John Shepard became the owner 
in 1788, and soon after, as attested by Indian treaty accounts, Bald- 
win's mill was in operation, in the vicinity of Newtown. 

Every year, if not month, now saw accessions to the population of 
Tioga Point, and yet it must be remembered the little village for long 
years nearly all lay below the Academy Green. In 1792 there were 
helpful accessions to the settlement. It seems certain that David Paine"-® 

-" The Paine brothers were so essentially makers of Athens, that it is difficult to decide 
what not to say of them. Residents of the town for about sixty years, their lives were an 
integral part of the history. And research fails to reveal any men who did more for the pro- 
gress and improvement of the settlement than David and Clement Paine. They were sons of 
Thomas Paine and Phebe Freeman of Eastham, Cape Cod: where the Paine family was among 
the earliest settlers, and always active in the history. The family was the same as that of 
John Howard Payne, author of "Home, Sweet Home." David, born 10th ^larch, 1768, mar- 
ried twice but had no children, although he so loved them that he was "Uncle David" to many 
besides his own nephews. His first wife, Phebe Lindley, was a remarkably lovely woman, as 
revealed in letters of the period. His second was Anne W. Harding of Portland, Me., a most 
accomplished woman, well remembered by the older inhabitants as Mrs. Edward Averill, hav- 
ing remarried after Mr. Paine's death. David Paine's home was the center of culture and 
charming social life; he founded the first village library; his wife instructed young women in 



332 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 




^^^^^iccu^^vJ'cuvx^ , 



came that year, though his family have always said it was in 1794. How 
then do they account for a paper in their own possession labelled "Blot- 
ter No. 1. Commenced at Athens, in the county of Luzerne and State 
of Pennsylvania, on Saturday. May 2 lyg? — This day Clement Paine 
loaned to David Paine twenty dollars." — 

Among several other entries also, "Clement Paine paid 2/ for 

paper of which this book is made." This date is plain and unmistakable. 

^ ^ ^^-^ Clement Paine and his brother 

/^_^ ^ /\ /^^ ' were remarkable men, who left 

{^fL/^Tl^C/Tl^T^^Jf ^t/C't^^/' their impress in many wavs on 

Tioga Point— Makers of 'Ath- 
ens, indeed ! Self-educated to a great extent, yet they had unusual 
talents in letter writing. And best of all these letters have all been 

music and English, and "Mrs. Paine's schoolroom" was a resort for many literary and relig- 
ious people. David Paine was the first Burgess of .Athens, and one of the earliest Postmasters. 
He left Athens for a short time and resided in Portland, Maine, hut soon the charm of _ "the 
Valley" drew him again to its bosom, where he lived among his books and flowers until his 
death. His obituarj- portrays his character truthfully, as we have gleaned it from his letters, 
therefore it is here reprinted: "Died 7 Sept., 18.51, at .Athens, David Paine, aged eighty- 
three. Few of his old associates in the settlement of the country now remain, yet in the 
annals of the beautiful valley, for more than half a century his home, his name will be remem- 
bered as one of those identified with its history tnd improvement. His warm heart and social 
disposition won the esteem of those who knew him, and although traits like tliese naturally 
strengthen man's attachment to life, yet as the infirmities of age warned him of approaching 
dissolution, he looked forward to if as a happy release, in a spirit of meek resignation." Even 
in the later years, when overtaken by infirmities, his pleasant face was seen on the streets, as 
he rode about in his wheeled chair. He became possessed of much real estate, and there are' 
many interesting colored drawings and surveys made by his own hand. While the Paines were 



DAA^ID AXD CLEAIEXT PAIXE 333 

preserved. Every characteristic is plainly shown, and the amount of 
history to be gleaned from them is overwhelming. When the brothers 
came to Athens they were young men, twenty-four and twentv-five 
years old. It is greatly to be regretted that there are no portraits of 
them at that period. There were also five other brothers, and while 
their experiences were varied, they always had it in mind to embark 
in some business together, especially David, Clement, Seth and Enoch. 
David, when only eighteen, was engaged as clerk in a land office, and 
doubtless there learned the value of real estate investments. They 
had little or no capital, but one of the first entries in said Blotter w^as 
"David Paine contracted for tzvo rights in the Susqiiehannah Purchase : 
to pay 1^0 dollars in December next." Both espoused the Connecticut 
cause, as is plainly shown in their correspondence. While David w^as 
soon made clerk of the Susquehanna Company, this Blotter seems to be 
the record of a private land office, doubtless the first opened on Tioga 
Point. Receipts of many sums of money are soon recorded. Unfor- 
tunately, but a single leaf has been discovered, but the names entered 
are all familiar. W'hile David was the older, and seemed to take the 
initiative, Clement was a thoughtful, judicious character; he advised 
settling near a navigable river, and where they could engage in man- 
ufacture of potash and pearlash, a profitable occupation in those early 
days. Evidently Clement was here for a short time on a visit of inves- 
tigation, and then went to Rensselaerville to close up their business, 
suddenly abandoned by David. David is at least permanently settled 
in August, 1794:, associated not zcith JJ'llliani Bingham, but wath Ches- 
ter Bingham, one of the early proprietors of Ulster. Having taken 
up half a township, he urges Clement to encourage people to come on, 
promising good terms and good land. His next letter reports most en- 
couraging sales, and he adds : 

"There is no doubt, but I shall by and by through the assistance of my 

friend B , be able to do something clever, — every $100. will at least make 

$300 in the course of a year, — I have never been acquainted with a better country 
for a young man of an enterprising turn to obtain property." 

He suggests that it may be profitable for Clement to obtain a quan- 
tity of dry goods, even to be exchanged for land. Mr. Bingham was 

all talented as letter writers, David's sprightly pen surely excelled in the art, and seemed most 
inspired when addressing Henry Welles, who seems to have been a congenial spirit. Clement 
Paine, born 11th August, 1769. learned the printer's trade when a lad, and pursued that voca- 
tion until he settled at Tioga Point, and at intervals afterward. The time spent in Philadel- 
phia, in Claypool's office, made him familiar with Washington, of whom he became a great 
admirer. In 1806 he married Anne Woodbridge, a native of Glastonbury, daughter of Theo- 
dore Woodbridge, an officer in the Revolution. Mrs. Paine was a remarkable woman, and a 
most fluent writer, whose character is well portrayed in her journal printed in "Early Times." 
They had five sons who grew to manhood; Seth and Charles C. spent most of their lives in 
Troy; and there Clement spent his last years, and died in 1849. Clement Paine was as eccen- 
tric as David was charming; one might give a volume of anecdotes. He is best remembered 
wrapped in his great blue cloak, riding his favorite horse Dick, with his head dropped in med- 
itation, designedlj^ oblivious of his surroundings; or as pictured by the early pastor, Dr. Corss, 
of a rainy Sunday morning, going from door to door, giving loud raps with his cane and call- 
ing out: "Rainy day, all hands wanted on deck!" and having summoned the villagers, leading 
the procession to church, which he never frequented in pleasant weather. While principally 
engaged in mercantile pursuits, agriculture was his delight. Plain in speech and manners, he 
despised conventionalism, and never sacrificed his opinions for those of others, although he 
enjoyed asking advice and then flouting it. The Paines have been portrayed in the various 
local histories to some extent, but especially well in a small pamphlet called "The Paines of 
Athens," written for the Tioga Point Historical Society by Paul ^I. Paine, son of Charles C. 
of Troy. Clement Paine was ever a devoted patriot, his last interest being in obtaining pen- 
sions for all the Revolutionary soldiers of the locality. 



334 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

evidently a shrewd business man and kind partner, doubtless appre- 
ciating David's enterprise. His character is well portrayed in David's 
letters. David had several prospects in view, "always with a thought 
of Clement as well as self." When Clement finally arranged in No- 
vember, 1794, to make a permanent move, he was enjoined to bring his 
singing book, and music for flute. Clement made a visit en route to 
Charleston, and was well impressed, as is shown in a letter written to 
David in January, 1795, proposing that David should thoroughly ac- 
quaint himself with the business of the Susquehanna Company ; also 
that it will probably be wise to open a general land office at Tioga Point, 
with maps of all the new lands in America. 

Just here it must be recorded that, by some process now unknown, 
the Susquehanna Company was stirred to new life and activity. Un- 
questionably the intrusion law was in the air, when this notice was 
issued December, 1794: 

"The proprietors of the Susquehanna Company are notified that a meeting 
of said proprietors will be held at the dwelling house of James Irwin in Athens 
on Tioga Point the IS day of February next, on business of importance to the 
Company. 

"The printers in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut 
and New York are requested to publish the above as a matter of public Concern 
for the benefit of their customers. 

"John Franklin "Simon Spalding 

"Peter Loop "John Jenkins, Commissioners." 

The bold spirit of John Franklin is here evinced in a remarkable 
degree. It has not been noted that in 1793 Col. Franklin was com- 
missioned high sheriff of Luzerne County. Governor Mifflin not only 
said in the commission, "reposing special trust and confidence in your 
patriotism, integrity and ability," but it was at this time he granted 
the pardon, called by him "absolution." In 1793 Mifflin further com- 
missioned him Lieut. Colonel of Militia. And yet, still in the spirit of 
his old oath, here he is, once more making prodigious efforts to con- 
firm the Connecticut claim. We have no record of a meeting for eight 
years, though there may be some in the books at Hartford. But, ap- 
parently, the spirit was not dead. It was doubtless rumored that a law 
was about to be passed by which all future Connecticut settlers should 
be treated and known as intruders. And there were still many thor- 
oughly imbued with the absolute rights of their case. Agreeably to 
the notification the members of the Susquehanna Company assembled 
February 18, 1795, "1200 * * being a large majority." As this was 
the same year that Rochefoucauld, the French traveler, reported Tioga 
Point as "an inconsiderable village of eight or ten houses," this great 
gathering must have been quite as remarkable as the Indian treaty at 
Newtown. There is no record, however, of provisions brought to 
town for the benefit of the multitude, many of whom were from a 
great distance. They staid several days, as there was an adjourned 
meeting, in fact the real meeting, two days later. This was held at 
the house of James Irwin, "Inn Keeper." Here is a new character 
upon the scene, ofttimes confounded with the family of Col. Erwin, 
but not related. 



A SECOND NEW STATE SCHEME 335 

It is not known whence or why Irwin came, but it is recorded that 
he built a store on the lot now owned by Walter Page, and a public 
house about 1793. This stood until 1875, known in its latter days as 
Pike's Hotel, on the front of the lot now occupied (1907) by Charles 
Kellogg, Sr. In the picture of the village street, 1855, it is No. 4. 
It is difficult to imagine this old tavern swarming with 1200 men. "It 
was indeed a lively meeting" (see Archives, Third Series, Vol. XVIII). 
The charter of Connecticut was read, also sundry statutes, acts, deeds 
and documents, resolutions, proceedings, etc., of previous meetings. No 
doubt Franklin had all the books at hand. The two intervening days 
were doubtless full of committee meetings, and at nine o'clock in the 
morning of the 20th, all were ready for action. It may be said that an 
intrusion law was passed right here, against the Pennsylvania claimants; 
new commissioners were appointed, any three of whom were empow- 
ered to grant a township on application of eight proprietors ; new lists 
of proprietors were to be prepared, sufferers appeased, all rights ad- 
justed ; Franklin to be chief clerk and treasurer, and Col. Jenkins agent. 
David Paine was made assistant clerk. 

In the library of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania are two vol- 
umes (largely Mss.) labelled "Connectiait Claims in Pennsylvania." 
Here can be found enlightening information as to the meeting above 
noted, not found in Archives. A printed sheet with no title contains 
copies of various letters, the first of which is addressed to G. Eddy by 
Jesse Fell, Brigade Inspector of Luzerne County, date February 26, 
1795. While written with many charges of secrecy, it was at once com- 
municated to the Governor. Here are new schemes to render Athens 
important, and proving that Franklin was the instigator : 

"The meeting of the Franklinites (for so I think we ought to call them) 
is now over, and their resolutions are here * * * they have added 1400 acres 
to each right which will make them 2000. The object / have not the least 
doubt, is a new state, whatever are the pretences held out — the same old com- 
pany that were lessees in New York state a few years ago — the same that were 
engaged with Franklin in this state about eight years ago." 

At which time it was said, "Is it not well known that the Susqua. 
Co. consists of two sorts of men ; the first of large fortunes ; the others 
bankrupts and men of desperate fortunes, who have nothing to lose 
if the Company fails." 

March 3, 1795, at Philadelphia, the deposition was taken of James 

Duncan, as follows: 

"Jas. Duncan being duly sworn, declares that he was present in twp. of 
Athens, Tioga Point on 20 Feb. last when proceedings & resolutions in docu- 
ment A following were passed, (Document A contained proceedings of meet- 
ing, as found in Archives) that he knows Simon Spalding, who took an active 
part, also John Franklin (now Sheriff of Luzerne) Elisha Satterly, John Jenkins 
and Peter Loop, who were present encouraging, assisting &c. That it was 
generally said at Tioga that it was in contemplation to erect an independent 
state within the limits of the Commonwealth, upon lands claimed by the Sus- 
quehanna Company.'" 

In the course of the deposition Duncan avers that "it is said that it 
would be unsafe for any person to oppose or disapprove sd. proceed- 
ings at Tioga." Of course, this was the "Second New State Scheme." 



336 OLD TIOGA POINT AND KARLY ATHENS 

And now great activity again prevailed in granting townships to Noah 
Murray, EHsha Satterlee, Chester Bingham, and others. 

The books of the Company (from notes made by Rev. David 
Craft) show at tiiis time many residents at Tioga Point, now utterly 
unknown, and innumerable transfers indicating lively times in the land 
ofifice of the Company, manipulated by Assistant Clerk David Paine. 
The Hudson men were again very active. Many new settlers were en- 
couraged to come on by the "Yankys," as the Connecticut people were 
reported to call themselves. 

April 11, 1795, relentless Pennsylvania passed the so-called In- 
trusion Law by which henceforth all new settlers, or those unconfirmed 
by Pennsylvania, were to be known and treated as Connecticut In- 
truders. Or, to be more exact, all who had become settlers after the 
decree of Trenton. This, of course, barred out New Ulster and Athens, 
and great was the excitement. The Connecticut people had supposed 
themselves secure in their new possessions, but here was the battle to 
be fought all over again. We can only imagine the fierce invective of 
Franklin, Satterlee and Matthewson, for there arc nO' positive records 
of the effect of this law on the minds of the Point settlers. The famous 
ejectment case of Van Home vs. Dor ranee was tried at once to test the 
new laws. The title of Connecticut was repudiated. The State of New 
York also passed an Intrusion Law, 11th March, 1796, with special 
reference to settlements within the Connecticut Gore, or as mentioned 
in the counties of Otsego, Tioga and Ontario. 

Meanwhile, previous tO' this new source of apprehension, improve- 
ments had been going on apace in the village. Satterlee, having com- 
pleted his home, had long since opened a ferry from his farm to the 
end of present Ferry Street. This year (1796) Matthewson built the 
Red Tavern and was licensed a taverner. This lot, originally Frank- 
lin's, was sold by him to Andreas Budd in 1793 for "Three pounds lazv- 
ful money of Pennsylvania;" a transaction not easy to understand, as, 
according to all records, it was occupied continuously by Matthewson. 
On the back of this deed is an assignment by Budd to Matthewson, un- 
dated. Previous to this date Elisha Matthewson had not intended to 
locate permanently at the Point. A sworn deposition relates that he 
told Col. Franklin it-had been his intention to go and settle on his Pal- 
myra property, but that his wife objected, therefore he should buy all 
the land on the Point that he could, and make a stand there. And 
from that time, whenever possible, he purchased or exchanged for the 
detached lots on the Point farm, which later caused so much contro- 
versy. These lots are all marked M on the map of 1826. 

The Red Tavern was ever famous ; in it was established at once 
the land ofifice of the Susquehanna Company, and it may be observed 
all the Pennsylvania land agents established themselves in turn across 
the way in "Hollenback's Store." 

In spite of considerable adverse sentiment. Col. Franklin was sent 
to the Assembly in 1795, also in 1796, as Representative from Luzerne, 
thus ever keeping his finger on the pulse of Pennsylvania. It may even 
be inferred, from complaints of irregularities at the election for rep- 



THE "POSSESSIO PEDIS" 337 

rescntativcs in lTO(i, given in Archives, tiiat the "Wild Yankees" pur- 
sued modern political methods and "stuffed the ballot box" in favor 
of their old leader. It seems curious that, after awakening such activ- 
ity as at the Susquehanna Company meeting of 1795, the next one 
should have been appointed for such a distant date, June, 1796. It was 
doubtless to await not only the enactment of the Intrusion Law, but 
to attem]it certain concerted methods of resistance. A deposition found 
with Mss. in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, may be an expla- 
nation of this delay. 

The Connecticut settlers, we know, were not "banditti," as called, 
but they surely were a crafty lot, showing- more than the typical Yankee 
shrewdness of to-day. John Adliun's deposition, made at Philadelphia, 
December 31, 179(), tells that the half-share men now take a new turn, 
unquestionably to evade the intrusion law. Making no mention of 
Connecticut or Susquehanna Company rights, they now only claimed 
settlement and right of possession. However, he reported : 

"The Susquehanna Commissioners appointed in the previous year have a land 
office at Tioga Point ; their secretary hcing a man hy name of Pain or Pane, and 
Samuel Hcpl)urn (a resident of Northumberland County) reports office as kept 
with system & regularity. The settlers arc advised by Connecticut (or Commis- 
sioners?) to submit quietly to laws; indeed Pane the secretary and Captain West 
advise all to demean themselves so that the law can not touch tlicm, and sliortly 
they will be strong enough to act for themselves."' 

This seems to indicate that outwardly the Company was to have 
no appearance of activity. Undoubtedly the grants made in March, 
just previous to the passing of Intrusion Law, were with the intention 
of claiming only "posscssio pedis." Clever "Yankys," again! 

Many of these grants were near Tioga Point, but they were ex- 
tended toward the west into Tioga County, and even farther, largely 
made to residents of xA.thens. 

Here the letters of the Paine brothers again furnish considerable 
enlightening information, as to the town, as well as to their personal 
history. 

Now Clement takes the lead ; his letters are teeming with advice 
as to purchases, the necessity of having a good home, where thev can 
board their own workmen, etc. He advises the ptirchase of Wynkoop's 
place (across Chemung) as a temporary residence; also- mentions 
Swift's and Cole's as desirable ; it seems evident he proposed command- 
ing the situation. A letter from Scth a few months later shows that 
they had "a prospect of doing sonictliiinj clei'cr in the land zvay — cer- 
tainly the most rapid mode of accitniiilating property." Subsequent 
events prove that both the brothers were peculiarly alert to the advan- 
tages to be derived from the contested titles. 

The superscriptions of this letter of Scth's shows that it came by 
sea from Charleston to P)Oston, and then by devious ways to Clement 
Paine : 

"At Tioga Point — Luzerne County 

Pennsylvania 
(To be lodged at the postoffice Wilkesbarre) 
(To the particular care of Guy Maxwell esq) 
Wilkesbarre" 



338 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Clement took temporary charge of Setli's business at Charleston 
in the winter of 1795 and 17!)(). but both he and David wrote frequent 
letters. Much that was transpiring" in legislative and congressional ses- 
sions is reported in these letters : 

Feb. 1796. "Previous to the late choice of Presidential electors a hand- 
bill was circulated in this state reprobating Mr. Adams * * * They also lug 
in the land dispute thus 'The N. England States by wicked and unjust preten- 
sions, are supporting insurrections and forcible intrusion upon the territory of 
Pennsylvania ; would take away millions of acres, and reduce her to become a 
dependent province of New England, And Mr. Adams is a New England Man! !' 
They also argue against too large a proportion of principal officers of the federal 
government from New England." 

In this same letter, written by Clement to Major Pitkin of Boston, 

whom he calls " a true and zealous friend to the cause of the Company," 

extracts are made from a letter lately received from Col. Popoon of 

Philadelphia, as, for instance : 

"It has always been a general idea that the decision at Trenton determined 
the right of soil, as well as jurisdiction," 

But that he was convinced the right oi soil was not yet determined, 
and could not see but that it did of right, and in fact, belong to Con- 
necticut claimants, adding: 

"A gentleman who was one of the Council of Pennsylvania at time of the 
Trenton decision, says he then opposed doings of this state, told them they 
were wrong, was on the point of buying a large tract under Connecticut Com- 
pany, and should have bo't liad it not been for the unconstitutional laze, making 
it treason to buy or claim under them ; intimated he is now determined to buy 
and hold on zvith us. He is a magistrate, and a man of influence in this state, 
His name must yet remain a secret. * * * Thomas, the lawyer believes 
Pennsylvania would now be glad to compromise and that the only eligible way 
would be to refund purchase money to purchasers under them, or recompense 
them, or present holders in some way ; and for the Connecticut claimants to 
refund to the state, such sums as they should give to Penn claimants. Sedg- 
wick a lawyer at Newtown therefore told Thomas that 'by they would never 

get the Yankees possession. Morris, Nicholson, Wilson &c. (Penna. landjobbers) 
are in trouble profound, their influence lost or declining. We have only to stick to 
it like determined men, and hold on and hold out, and the day is our own. The 
Committee of Penna. legislature are for submitting to Congress the whole contro- 
versy to be by them determined. If this should be the case every member of Con- 
gress, should be furnished with statement of the title, and indeed all the well in- 
formed Citizens of the United States. There is now in my religious opinion the best 
prospect there ever has been, and it wants nothing but fiminess and resolution 
to win the day." (Thus far Popoon; Clement continues) "However the Penn- 
sylvanians may continue to hold up scarecrows, it is apparent they wish sincerely 
amicable compromise, on best terms obtainable. It hath been their policy to 
keep back public investigation, and to support their cause by fraudulent and 
clandestine means, which things will eventually operate against them. * * * 
The Connecticut settlers are warm friends to good and constitutional govern- 
ment, but the Penna landjobbers have represented them contrary. This is the 
only state in which there has been an insurrection against the government of 
the United States and the people of this county took an active part in quelling 
that insurrection, while people of other counties were aiding it."' 

-'This alludes to the well known Whiskey Insurrection in 1794, a full account of which 
may be found in Archives, Second Series, Vol. IV, in connection with which a meeting was 
luld at Tioga Point, October 3, 1794, with Simon Spalding and Obadiah Gore in charge. At 
this meeting resolutions were passed, upholding the Government, and offering to "turn out to 
support that free government under wliich we live." — See page 393, above Archives. 



PAINE'S LETTER TO MAJOR PITKIX 339 

"I esteem it a favorable circumstance to our claim that the purchase is so 
generally located into townships, whereas the claims of Penna. are exceedingly 
vague, and almost entirely unlocated. which has already occasioned great conten- 
tion among themselves. It is a well known fact that recently there were upwards 
of 70 suits commenced at one time before the Board of property by one indi- 
vidual against another under Penna. claim. The Connecticut claimants generally 
have their claims properly located, and almost every individual can point out 
his location with certainty, and say with confidence 'that is mine.' I believe it to 
be the general wish that a meeting of Susqua. Co. be called prior to next meet- 
ing of legislature of Connecticut, — arrangements should be made soon. It is 
wished that you or some other of the committee communicate the sentiments 
of proprietors in your quarter on this subject. Some good friends, convinced 
of the equity of our cause stile the Cont. claimants the children of God. And 
why may not frequent epistolary correspondence like that of primitive Chris- 
tians, with our friends and brethren in the faith have a tendency mutually to 
make us stand fast and persevere in the good work of truth and justice? Per- 
haps publishing frequently extracts of letters might have considerable efifect on 
the public mind. It would promote inquiry — excite curiosity &c. If you think 
fit, publish any part of this letter as the opinions of a person residing at Athens, 
on the Susqua. purchase, and I will send you any new ideas that may arise or 
be suggested." He also proposes the publication of "a copyrighted pamphlet, 
with prefatory dedication to President or some illustrious civilian and states- 
man, to inform the public on the subject of our claim." (Major Elisha Pitkin 
had been present as a proprietor at the meeting of Susqua. Co. in 1795.) 

Clement reports the arrival of several families for settlement ; men- 
tions that one is about to establish a manufactory of earthenware on 
this point, a useful and hicrative prospect ; and suggests that persons 
eastward encourage the coming of useful mechanics, as they are want- 
ed exceedingly, and may avail themselves of pectiliar advantages. 
Doubtless the families of whom he spoke were the Conklings and 
Tozers, who came about that time. Ananias Conkling-^ settled on a 
farm east of Athens at 
the mouth of Satterlee's // 

Creek^ now known as (yt^^^lrUa^ 
the Tozer or Corbin 
farm. He purchased the 
Connecticut title of No. 41, third division, of John Livingstone of Liv- 
ingstone Manor, New York, "with the liberty of erecting a grist luill 
and distillery on the creek which runs through the lot ; of repairing 
and rebuilding the same, erecting dam," etc., recorded in Liber E, page 
532, of Susquehanna Company, December 24, 179G. This land he sold 
to his son Jonathan. 

^Ananias Conkling was the son of Joseph of Sag Harbor, L,. I.; son of Ananias of 
Fast Hampton, L. I.; son of Jeremiah, son of Ananias, the emigrant ancestor, who came from 
Nottingham, England, to Salem, Mass., and established with his brother John, in 1637, the first 
glass works in New England. Later he moved to Long Island, where the family lived until 
1776. Ananias Conkling, .3rd, married Alice Leek, a descendant of Philip Leek, one of the 
first settlers in New Haven. At the outbreak of the Revolution he fled with his family to 
Connecticut, and there his daughter Hannah was married to Julius Tozer about 1786. The 
Conklings preceded the Tozers to Athens, where the wife died in 1798, and Ananias in 1811. 
They had a son Jonathan, who was also at Athens. The Conkling and Leek genealogies have 
been fully traced by H. B. Alexander of Geneva, 111. Hon. Roscoe Conkling was of the same 
family. 




340 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 




^^^-a^^^ 




Julius Tozer,"' who came a little 
later, first settled on the outlet of 
the Susc|uehanna, now known as 
Tozer's Cove. Here he built a log 
cabin and occupied it a few 3-ears. 
1 le then jjurchased the Conkling 
lot and, possibly, resided on it; 
later sold part and gave the rest to 
his son, Julius, Jr., whose daugh- 
ter holds it to-day. Julius, Sr., 
now moved to the west side of the 
Tioga River and located near pres- 
ent Tozer's bridge. He was an 
active and useful citizen, and he 
and his descendants have filled 
many positions of trust in the 
township. 

This same month, February, 
1796, David Paine says in a letter: 

"Col. Franklin received a letter 
from William Judd of Farmington (a 
Susqua. proprietor) saying that the State 
of Connecticut was disposed to favour 
our cause — that if it could be proved that some of our most important papers could 
not be obtained at the Trenton trial, but can noxu be Iiad. he opined the State 
would take up the matter and petition Congress for a rehearing &c. — I expect 
Col. Franklin will attend the assembly of Connecticut in May next, respecting the 
business — he can not only prove that papers of importance could not be ob- 
tained, but that these very papers were in the hands of our opponents, and can 
now be obtained. I (as clerk) have set about arranging business, and mean to 
be prepared." In this letter a little village news and some pleasantries are inter- 
mingled after David's usual happy fashion. "Friend Maxwell (Guy) has settled 
with Mr. Hollenback, and removed to the Land of Slicinniua.^" I saw Cloe. Anna, 
Sally, &c., &c., yesterday, we spent the evening dancing and were merr\'." — 

Perhaps in these gay girls, some reader will recognize his or her 
great grandmother I A month later he writes as to Susquehanna 
Company : 

"° Julius Tozer was born at Montville, Connecticut, 16th June, 1764. He was the son of 
Samuel Tozer, a resident of Wyoming in January, 1778, according to the Westmoreland 
records, page 879, at which time, according to the statute law of Connecticut, he "entered his 
ear mark," all owners of live stock being required to ear-mark or brand the same, and register 
in town Dook or be fined. It is said the family returned to Connecticut after the Wyoming 
massacre, it seems it may have been before. It is said they came to Wyoming from Beluwnt, 
Connecticut, in 1764, the year of Julius' birth. Samuel was the son of Richard Tozer, one of 
the first settlers of Colchester, supposed to be the son of Thomas, son of Richard of Boston. 
The Tozers were originally from Devonshire, England, and many of that name still reside 
there. They were a family of high repute, whose history is easily traced. Samuel had also 
Richard and James, one or both of whom were taken prisoners by the British and died on a 
prison ship; Lodemia, who married Jonathan Harris, the Athens pioneer; Mary, who married 
Nathaniel Harris of Connecticut; and Susan, who married Joel Murray, a brother of Noah 
Murray, Sr., residents at Athens for a short time (known only from Welles' store books). 
Julius Tozer enlisted in the patriot army when only sixteen, served through the war; was at 
Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered, and leceived an honorable discharge signed by 
Washington. In 1786 he married Hannah Conkling. In 1701 they returned to Wyoming \'al- 
ley and settled at Exeter, and later at Athens. They had thirteen children; the sons, Samuel. 
Julius, Guy, Albert and Joel M., lived in the valley all their lives, and their descendants are 
here to-day, all have been worthy and respected citizens. As Julius was blind, his portrait is 
not very good. 

•'" "Shernmua" must be the name Mrs. Whittaker mentioned as derived from name of 
Queen Esther's sister. Maxwell was said to have moved to Newtown, but he may have first 
moved to Chemung. 



THE BROTHERS PAINE 341 

"I have been busy regulating and preparing for the first of June. I find I 
shall have enough to do. for many days we have been thronged with business 
receiving in claims &c. The business grows in repute very fast. Col Jenkins 
arrived here a few days since * * * he brings no good report from Hyde, * * * 
vexations vexations * * * they act more like Devils than men, * * * have given 
Ezekiel (Hyde) liberty to sell some of my surveys I left at Norwich. * * * 
Ezekiel is a tool in the hands of the dishonored alderman. ********=!=* 

"I feel determined to pursue business here. I am determined on opening 
a general Land office, therefore every the least information may prove very ser- 
viceable, do form acquaintance with people of business, obtain latest maps of the 
Southern world, make inquiry of land ceded to us from Indians in late treaty — 
perhaps you can make a purchase on long credit — some lands sell in the East 
from 2 to 20 cents an acre. Titles of those southern lands are very vague * * * 
'best way watch em.' " 

Again come in the town incidents : 

"Gordon (surveyor for Penna claimants) hath removed bag and baggage — 
I did not shed a tear at his departure. Maxwell is about to return on the 
morrow and take up his abode with us." 





David and Clement Paine in Later Years 
A bit of delicious gossip here sHps in. As David used no names, 
it is given as a conundrum : 

"The Doctr. and his Spouse now live together in harmony, peace and Love — 
in the judge's house — would you believe it I have been an instrument in the hand 
of providence in bringing about this remarkable reconciliation and happy 
meeting.' 

Unquestionably this quarrel was amusing in its character, for it is 
related by our oldest inhabitants that a song was written about it and 
set to the old tune of Tyrone, and was still sung twenty-five years after. 
David continues : 

"I have concluded to erect a house after the following form and fashion — 
main body 40 ft. by 18 — 2 wings 1.5 ft. by 20, one to extend from the South West 
the other from the northwest." (Here a plan is drawn.) "See. here it is— a 
rough sketch — how do you like it. I think it convenient for business &c." 

This house was built somewhat back from the west side of Main 
Street, where the present house of E. B. Garner stands (1907). It was 
burned in 1870. The north wing was used as a store and office. The 
.chief builder was Dan Elwell, who came to this locality for that pur- 
pose, and was a well known resident later at Milltown. 

Spring opening early, David reports having sent out surveyors 
to run out new towns which he thinks will fetch money at the June 



342 



OLD TIOGA POIXT AND EARLY ATHENS 




Paine Homestead, Erected 1797 

meeting; mentions owning half a township at Standing Stone, which 
he anticipates selhng for a good price very shortly. Also that a mo- 
tion was made in Assembly to divide the county (which was not ef- 
fected until 1804), expecting Col. Franklin home, when he will be 
able to form a judgment on land speculation. 

"Agreable and neighborly meetings have been held, and dances both at the 
Point and Sheshequin which scene was closed by drinking one and a half Bushels 
of Egg Nogg." 

Clement now being expected home, letters ceased. 

The first Monday in June the meeting of the Susquehanna Com- 
pany was held again at the house of James Irwin. Maj. Elisha Pitkin 
was made moderator ; after hearing proceedings and resolutions, the 
meeting was adjourned until Thursday, to meet at EHsha Matthew- 
son's Red Tavern at nine o'clock A. M. At which time it opened as 
proposed, and passed a few resolutions. The minutes are very brief. 
Chester Bingham of Ulster was made Commissioner in room of Zeb- 
ulon Butler, late deceased. The resolution of a former meeting to fill 
up townships with twenty-five proprietors was suspended. Powers 
of Commissioners extended until next adjourned meeting, to be held 
in September. There is no record of the events of that summer, which 
must have been a very lively one in the settlement ; except a letter of 
Clement Paine to his father, as follows : 

"Our present residence is at Athens on Tioga Point, County of Luzerne; 
as a beautiful healthy situation, it is superior to any I have ever seen, and as a 
place of business it will doubtless be great, being at the head of navigation on the 
Susquehanna and a place of great resort for gentlemen concerned in new lands. 
* * * The title of our land is growing in repute; many persons of respecta- 
bility and influence have purchased and interested themselves in this business." 

September 13th, as agreed, the Susquehanna Company met at the 
Red Tavern. Simon Spalding was elected moderator (take note, for 



RENEWED ACTIVITY OF SUSQUEHANNA CO. 343 

it has been claimed that Spalding did not continue in sympathy with 
Franklin). 

It was voted that Col. John Franklin, Col. Alatthew Scott (a new 
name), Col. John Jenkins, Gen. Simon Spalding and Isaac Tripp be a 
Committee to prepare and report necessary l3usiness, adjourned to 
next day, at which time various resolutions were passed. The first and 
most important was "this Coiiipy. 2vill in every legal and Constitutional 
zvay, support their claim and title to the land included in their purchase 
made of the Natives July 1754." The Treasurer was authorized to col- 
lect all moneys and dispose of the residue of 600 rights vested in Com- 
missioners at Hartford in i/8j. The resolution of preceding year, 
requiring claims of proprietors to^ be exhibited by March 1, 1796, was 
extended to October 1, 1797. Adjourned with day. The minutes of 
this meeting are neither signed nor attested. It is a great pity that 
they are not more particular, especially as it was tiz'e years before the 
Company met again. 

The following report is self-explanatory : 

"In the House of Representatives, Monday, January 16, 1797. 

''The Committee appointed on the part of the Governor's address, respect- 
ing the territorial controversy at Wyoming, report : 

"That they find the principles of the present were organized into system 
by a meeting said to consist of twelve hundred proprietors of the Connecticut 
Susquehanna Company convened at Tioga Point on the 18th day of February, 
179.'i, and continued by adjournment to the 20th of the same Month; that Elisha 
Hyde was chosen Moderator and David Paine Clerk of said Meeting; That a 
charter of Charles the Second, extending to the South Sea, was read, and sun- 
dry other acts and deeds by which the company claimed the whole forty-second 
degree of north latitude for two degrees in longitude, beginning ten miles east 
of the Susquehanna. The meeting engaged to protect the Lands aforesaid for 
the real owners, and to recover possession of what may be held in opposition to 
them. A resolution was passed appointing Commissioners to whom the Claims 
of the Company were to be exhibited on or before the first of March 1796 
among whom are Zebulon Butler, John Franklin, Simon Spalding, John Jenkins 
and Elisha Satterly of the County of Luzerne. The powers of the said Com- 
missioners were fully detailed, as to granting Lands, fixing the pay of Sur- 
veyors and other officers, indemnifying persons who may sustain loss etc., in the 
service of the company. A Common Seal was to be procured, under which all 
grants of Land were to be made. John Franklin was appointed Clerk, and David 
Paine Assistant Clerk, John Franklin was appointed Treasurer, and John Frank- 
lin and John Jenkins were appointed Agents, to support persons in possession 
of lands where the Interest of the Company were concerned. John Jenkins was 
appointed Surveyor for the Company, with power to appoint as many deputies 
as he should deem necessary. Taxes were directed to be collected and proceed- 
ings had, as in an independent government, and the design of erecting one openly 
avouwed. 

"Your Committee do not know what passed on the first Monday in June 
last, the time tO' which the meeting was adjourned ; but they find the country 
west of the Susquehanna, nearly to the Allegheney river, along the Northern 
boundary, has been generally surveyed by them. Fifteen surveying parties are 
represented to have been out at one time. They have appeared in such force as 
to intimidate every person disposed to support the Laws of Pennsylvania. The 
act against Connecticut Intruders has not been put in force, although the viola- 
tion appears to have been general. Commissions from the State have been re- 
jected and persons holding appointments under the same appear to have acted 
equivocally. In short the civil authority of the State is laid prostrate, and in 
every statement which has been laid before your Committee, the names of John 



344 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Franklin, John Jenkins and Simon Spalding stand conspicuous as the principal 
promoters of these enormities. 

"Your Committee are decidedly of opinion, that nothing short of military 
force can introduce order, support justice, or afford any protection to the grantees 
under Pennsylvania, along the Northern border of the State. 

"They therefore offer the following resolution : 

"That a Committee be appointed to bring in a bill, authorizing and requir- 
ing the Governor of the Commonwealth to order the Militia of the State from 
the Counties of Northampton, Northumberland and Lycoming to be posted at 
the South branch & point of Tioga, & such other places as he shall judge ex- 
pedient; and that he shall commission two or more respectable Majistrates to 
accompany the Militia aforesaid, whose duty it shall be to see the laws of the 
State duly executed and observed, and who shall upon the application of any 
Pennsylvania Land Holder, or their agent, view any force or intrusion of which 
complaint is made ; and if any settlement appears to be made or possession 
taken without the authority of the Pennsylvania holder or grantee, they shall 
forthwith direct their Warrant to the officer commanding the whole, or any de- 
tachment of the Militia aforesaid, requiring him with the force under his Com- 
mand, immediately to abate and destroy all such settlement, and remove all such 
intruders from the premises ; and also directing the Supreme Court and the 
Courts of Quarter Sessions & Common Pleas of the counties of Northampton, 
Northumberland & Lycoming, upon the application of any person, being a party 
to any suit in Luzerne county & making oath or affirmation that he verily be- 
lieves that justice will not be done to him in Luzerne county aforesaid, or that 
he apprehends himself in personal danger by attending in the said County, to 
direct a writ in the nature of a certiorari, to the Court of Luzerne County, after 
the issuing of which writ, the cause shall be proceeded upon in one of the 
counties of Northampton Northumberland or Lycoming, as the writ of removal 
may direct; and also for the altering of the boundaries of Luzerne and Lycoming 
counties by extending the North one Degree west line until it crosses the East 
branch of the Susquehanna near the mouth of Wyaloosing Creek, & from thence 
up the east side of the same to the Northern boundary of the State." — Report 
of Committee respecting the Connecticut intrusion. 

Clement Paine again takes the pen : 

"I arrived July 1. David has been absent most of the time, ( unquestionably 
looking after townships) and I have been occupied building We are erecting 
an elegant house and stable, which will make an uncommon appearance in this 
country. The titles of our lands are growing in repute. A great many persons 
of respectability, property and influence in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New 
York, Rhode Island and Vermont have purchased and made themselves intei- 
ested in the business, not through inadvertence, but in a full knowledge of all 
the leading circumstances, and a firm persuasion that the title derived from, the 
Susquehanna Company is equitable, just and genuine. Leffert Lefferts Esq. a 
capital merchant of New York was here a few days since, some time ago he 
purchased one township and a quarter of another adjoining our lands, and he 
lias engaged us to allot it and promote the settlement, drawing on him for money 
for the purpose. * * * However flattering present prospects are here, it is not 
impossible they may suddenly be blasted, but that they are at present flattering 
is absolutely certain." 

At this time David was in Connecticut on business of the Susque- 
hanna Company. The Government of Connecticut were taking meas- 
ures to obtain a rehearing on the Trenton decision, as it was discovered 
that important papers, favorable to Connecticut, were suppressed by 
the Pennsylvanians at Trenton. "Should Connecticut proceed with 
spirit in the business, as it is thot they will," writes Clement, "the price 
of our land will be much enhanced." He, therefore, urges his brother 
Seth, the Charleston printer, to advertise through pamphlets, giving 
complete history and investigation of the matter. 



THE INTRUSION LAW— SOCIAL AMENITIES 345 

About this time, their house being completed, the Paine brothers 
became "entirely disconnected in business." The house was arranged 
for two families, Clement took a "small decent family" into his outer 
room, who cooked for him and his family ; he says David boarded in 
the neighborhood. Clement writes : 

"The Government of Pennsylvania continues to hold up terror to the people 
who hold lands in this country under the state of Connecticut. It is reported 
that a resolution has lately passed the house proposing to authorize the Gov- 
ernor to station a body of militia in this country, for the purpose of expelling all 
settlers (since the Trenton decree) under any title not derived from this state, 
and for supporting the Pennsylvania claimants and other purposes, subservient 
to those ends." 

He states that the Intrusion Law passed two years before has 
never been put into execution. Speaking of the unreasonable and un- 
constitutional laws passed by Pennsylvania, he says : 

"At an early period of this settlement a lazv zuas passed 
that any person settling here under Connecticut title should on 
conviction suffer death; one individual only was prosecuted, 
and he was supposed to escape. Notwithstanding all these 
violent proceedings there are not less than 12 or 15000 Con- 
necticut claimants now here. It seems to be the polic}' of Penn- 
sylvania to pass violent laws and spread terrifying reports. 
Many people are of opinion violence will be made use of before 
the dispute is settled. But I can hardly persuade myself that 
this state will attempt a thing so perfectly and amazingly ab- 
surd, as to send on troops to dispossess 12 or 1.5000 people. 
God only knows what will be the result. * * * We at present 
live quite agreably, soon after my return we rented, then 
purchased a convenient house in the compact part of town, 
and leased it to a very genteel family who removed here 
some time since from near Boston, with whom we have since 
Elizabeth Murray boarded. * * * We have in the place several young ladies, 
A belle of 1797 and some young gentlemen of very decent polite accomplish- 
ments — enough to form a clever party for dancing or other 
social amusements. And it is remarked by strangers that we have the most genteel 
collection of young people that can be found for some hundred miles distance.^' 
We shall continue to prosecute our business notwithstanding the hostile intentions 
of our enemies. This is the general intention of the people.'' 

Clement was now studying law and reports farming lands acquired 
and in process of ctiltivation. Also many new buildings proposed in 
town, especially a handsome edifice for accommodation of an Academy 
beneath, and an elegant arched ball room in the upper story. 

So after all of Old Fogy's somewhat modern protests, the sec- 
ond story of the first Academy was planned for Terpsichore's shrine ! 
It is a matter of admiration that this handful of people in an acknowl- 
edged precarious situation should have turned their attention so early 
to a superior form of education. A school, of course, had already been 
established (see later chapter). 

=" Doubtless Noah Murray's four daughters were among these genteel young people, 
therefore the silhouette is here given of Elizabeth Murray. On Christmas Day of 1797, wed- 
dings were in order in the Murray family, and perhaps in some others. Abner, Elizabeth and 
Mary, with their chosen mates, repaired to 'Squire Buck's at Chemung, and all were married; 
Abner to Dorothea Harris of Athens, Elizabeth to John McConnell of Newtown, and Mary 
to Ambrose Collins, then a resident of Athens, later of St. Louis. Elizabeth became the mother 
of Murray McConnell, who achieved fame and distinction in later years as one of the founders 
of Illinois. It is a great pity that 'Squire Ruck's records have been lost to sight. 




346 



OI,D TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 




Silk Coat of Ferdinand McDuffee 

Beau Bruniniel of Tioga Point 



How many families were 
there now, and where were 
their houses? As to the 
people the best way to de- 
cide about them is to read 
the Tioga assessment for 
1TU() { see Appendix ). No 
doubt the young men and 
maidens were gathered 
from Sheshequin, Ulster, 
and the surrounding coun- 
try ; of course, Benedict 
and Elias Satterlee, the 
young ]\IcDuffees, Ferdi- 
nand, who was called the 
Beau Brummel of the set- 
tlement ; the Spaldings, and 
perhaps the Backus and 
Lindley girls. 

All through these first years there had been a steady stream of 
emigration passing through Tioga Point. Generally tarrying ; for here 
were to be found not only plenty of accommodations, while looking 
around, but also agents interested in the sale of lands , usually men 
thoroughly acquainted with the prospective advantages of the Phelps 
and Gorham, and the Boston Purchase. Here, too, were found "the men 
zi'ho by their resistance to Pennauiite oppression, had given name and 
fame to the Susquehanna and Wyoming." 

The books of the Susquehanna Company and the Luzerne County 
records show the most amazing transfers of property, and indicate a 
shifting population quite beyond ordinary comprehension. There are 
some telling and puzzling descriptions, too. Patterson's location, as 
deeded to Robert McAlhoe, is described as "a lot of 400 acres, opposite 
Hollenback's and Harris' Store,^'-' formerly occupied by John Aliller, 

•'- Harris' store was evidently established on lot No. 13 probably after the death of John 
Miller, who had built a store there (now Crandall lot). John Harris' identity has not been 
proven, but there is documentary evidence that he was of the Harrisburg family, and was the 
one who had a corner lot assigned by Hollenback and Lockhart. He was a resident of "Tyoga 
Point" in 1780; there is no further record until 1796, when he purchased of Josiah Lockhart 
store supiilies to the amount of £11. 17s. 9d. One year later, this bill being vinpaid, L,ockhart 
swore that this was a faithful account, on which he had received no satisfaction, which was at- 
tested by Col. Adam Hubley. The attested account was forwarded to Matthias Hollenback 
with the following characteristic letter: "My good Friend: I send you an account proven 
against John Harrise, and I Expect you will Doe all you Can to recover the Same and for 
your trouble give me as Mutch After you being Satisfied if it were a Shute of Close or I will 
Give you one &c I keep in a pretty good State of health and Allwise Bussied and as pros- 
perous as Ever I could Wish to see vou Please to remember my Compliments to Mrs Holin- 
back and Ms. Hollinback; be sure you try to recover this Debt, if we shoud Drink it all in 
Madera Wines these with my Best wishes for your Prosperity & with respect yr Humble 
Servt Josiah Lockhart. — Lancaster Angst 1.3th 1707." It appears that Harris had expected 
this to be paid from an old account placed in Hollenback's hands for collection; we do not 
know if it was settled. Harris did not long continue the store at the Point, as in 1798'he was 
living on Cayuga Lake, whence he wrote: "I want you to inform me respecting the Agentcey 
for the Indians — as I conceite that by the Racamendation of you to Col. Pickren and him to 
put in a word for me to his Excellency will do the Business as I fiater myself I can Soplie 
that Office as well as Som of the candadates that is pushing for it — you know ho I mean. I am 
your Humble Servt, John Harris." 



FEARS OF EXPULSION 347 

a grant of Waterman Baldwin." Julius Tozer in 1795 owned the prop- 
erty now occupied by C. M. Alyer and part of O. L. Haverly's. John 
Shepard in 1794 and '95 has become an extensive land owner in and 
near Athens. John Paul Schott relinquished his property to Job Heath 
in 1793. 

Copies from both mentioned records were made by Edward 
Herrick, Jr., and Rev. David Craft, and can be found in Tioga Point 
]\Iuseum. 

There is one noticeable record of "Sufifering Rights," as follows: 

"Betsy Mattheivson in 1^95 H'as granted 300 acres in Columbia tiup. in con- 
sequence of her sufferings at Wyoming in the contest betzveen Penna. and Con- 
necticut claimants in 1783; this claim entered March 19, I795-" 

In March, 1797, the settlers were greatly agitated hearing that a 
bill had passed the House of Representatives requiring the Governor 
to issue a proclamation commanding all persons who had settled after 
decree of Trenton to leave their possessions ; and authorizing the Gov- 
ernor to raise 2,000 to 10.000 troops to be stationed where they could 
expel all those who did not peaceably withdraw. ( See accompanying 
letter.) 

"Athens March 20, 1797. 

"Col Jenkins Respected Sir. From the best information I have obtained 
concerning Wyoming controversy, I have reason to believe the Assembly w^ill 
authorize Gov. to send troops among us. The consequences must for the pres- 
ent operate against us, the final issue may be favorable. If the President of the 
U. S. can, as has been suggested, legally interfere, that would be a circumstance 
in our favor in the public mind. We have collected money for expenses of send- 
ing Mr Bingham & some others as messengers to the President. I do not feel 
as though troops would be stationed among us this season, therefore am pro- 
ceeding with my buildings and improvements and shall pursue my lawful bus- 
iness until obliged to stop. It is not reasonable, very improbable, & hardly pos- 
sible that the U. S. will allow ten or fifteen thousand staunch supporters of or- 
der and good government to be driven from their habitations by a few over- 
bearing land jobbers. If they should, we may with propriety say the Fathers 
and guardians of the people have become their oppressors, have broken the 
social compact which holds society together, and are no longer to be considered 
as protectors, of our most sacred rights & privileges. I have faith that when 
the officers of Federal Government understand the proceedings of our enemies 
that they will interfere in our behalf. We are about building an Academy — 
have about $1000. subscribed. I am for prosecuting the building immediately, 
some are discouraged by the aforementioned reports. The erection of such a 
building would certainly be much in our favor, and have a good effect on the 
public mind. 

"Please give advice as to building and business in general concerning us as 
a company (Susquehanna). I have shut the office, and secured the books and 
papers which will be kept secret until further orders. Considering it would be 
good policy in our enemies to destroy the records of the company, I con- 
ceived they might plan a private expedition to save them, therefore thought 
prudent to secrete them. It is suggested that, should nothing now be done, some 
of the principals in company will be taken and put under bonds, among which 
are particularly mentioned. Franklin. Spaulding. Jenkins. Satterlee and Paine. 
I am willing to rise or fall with you. As the Lord liveth & suffers me to live, I 
zcill hold on and hold out unto the end. and persevere in just and legal methods 
to attain our just rights. I am ready and willing to perform any service in my 
power for the good of the public, and only wait to be taught my duty. With 
respect and esteem "David Paine." 



348 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Other provisions were made to execute the Intrusion Law with 
extreme rigor. Great distress was anticipated, and Clement Paine 
wrote : "Our only consolation will be that we have many thousands 
of companions." The bill was rejected by the Senate, and the appre- 
hensions for the time subsided, and it was thought Pennsylvania's un- 
successful struggle might be estimated as a favorable circumstance to 
the settlers. The boast was made that after the Intrusion Law was 
passed more sales were made than at any previous time ; Paine again 
writes : 

"If Connecticut as a state interferes in the matter as in duty bound to do; 
probalily a great number of wealthy farmers in that state will become purchasers 
of these lands. Col Franklin has now gone to Connecticut to aid our cause in 
the legislature. David as clerk accompanied him." 

Clement was busily occupied clearing and improving land, as doubt- 
less were many other settlers, in most hopeful fashion. Franklin's visit 
to Connecticut was disappointing. David Paine thus reports : 

"The people concerned in the Susquehanna business in this country depend 
on us who live on the ground. They make fair promises to induce Franklin 
and others to come and attend to the business — when they get here they are 
wholly neglected as respects the money part of the business — while we who live 
on the ground continue our exertions, the non-residents will not advance a 
farthing." 

He advised Franklin and Jenkins to return home and report that 
they had neglected to bring forward the business for want of support ; 
thinking such a report might incite the non-residents to advance some 
money. They found Col. Ezekiel Hyde, recently made Superintendent 
of Surveys, and others selling Connecticut rights to Pennsylvania 
claimants at four and six cents — '"or what they can get." They made 
pompous promises to Col. Franklin, but performed nothing. "We that 
are on the ground must look out for ourselves," reports David. What 
disheartening news for the little settlement. Their representatives 
unable to collect a cent of money, business of every kiiid dead, and 
people dispirited and gloomy. A great stagnation of mercantile and 
speculative business was the universal complaint throughout the 
Northern States. 

The Paines seem to have opened a store in a small way, probably 
in their own house, as was the fashion, previous to 1798. At this 
period Pennsylvania is compared to a farmer who exhibits scarecrows 
to terrify the birds feeding on his field, but does not succeed in driving 
them entirely away ; a happy simile. However, for twelve years Tioga 
Point was occupied by the Connecticut people unmolested by more than 
rumors of various Pennsylvania claims. They built their little homes, 
cleared and cultivated the land, reared large families, and began to pro- 
vide for their education. Their subsistence was by hunting and fishing 
and from their crops. 

In 1797 the first ark was built far up the Conhocton and suc- 
cessfully ran the river. Not only this country, but that far below was 
greatly excited over the navigation of the Susquehanna River, and the 
great extent of country and trade thus to be opened up. It seems 



ADVANCE OF PENNSYLVANIA CLAIMS 349 

more than probable, judging from knowledge of the people and from 
existing letters, that this possibihtv of navigation was one of the 
causes "of the next epoch in the history of the Point, the coming of 
the Pennsvlvania Claimants, although doubtless the Intrusion Law 
at once led Lockhart to see that he now had. as he thought, a chance 
to enforce his claim without resistance. Therefore he was on the 
lookout for a purchaser, and had applied to Matthias Hollenback for 
assistance, as per following letter : 











VeA^ 



350 THE LIXDSLEY FAMILY 

After tlie foregoing chapter was in type we learned of a manuscript concerning this 
family in the possession of Mrs. S. W. Badger, a resident of Athens to-day. This is a copy 
of the gleanings of .Mrs. K. B. Beaumont (deceased), a descendant of Col. Eleazer Lindsley. 
The records say that this name, both in England and America, has always had as many spellings 
as it has letters, father and son often using different ones. It was originally derived from the 
numerous linden trees with which the family lands abounded in Linddeseya, later Lindsaye and 
now Lincolnshire. The original emigrant John Lindsley came from England (near London) 
and settled in Guilford, Conn., where he died in 1030. The family were all strong Presbyterians, 
therefore persecuted; Frances, son of John, was a friend and staunch adherent of Cromwell, 
after whose death he decided to follow his family to America, about 1659. A few years later, 
during the troubles between different Connecticut Colonies, the brothers, John and Frances, 
joined a band of the disaffected, and purchased a large tract of land in New Jersey, and laid 
out the city of Newark. John, son of Frances, was the first boy born in the new settlement, 
and the proiirietors gave him a tract of land where Orange now stands. Later, Frances bought 
a tract covering the present site of Morristown, where he died at the age of 104. Colonel 
Eleazer Lindsley (as he and his descendants have spelled it) was a great grandson of Frances, 
being a son of Jonathan, son of Jonathan, son of Frances, as found in Connecticut and New 
Jersey State records. Eleazer married Mary Miller, granddaughter of Thomas Miller and 
"Margaret Wallace, and had two sons and si.x daughters. Mrs. Hopkins, Mrs. Backus and 
Mrs. Paine have already been mentioned. One of the sons was also a temporary resident of 
Athens. Anna m. Dr. Ezekiel Mulford and had thirteen children. According to notes of 
Edward Ilerrick, Jr., the Mulfords also lived at Athens, and died there of the "cold fever." 
They were the great great grandparents of Mrs. Badger. Eleazer Lindsley was in active ser- 
vice all through the Revolution, attaining to the rank of Colonel; was aide-de-camp to Wash- 
ington, and finally on the staff of General Lafayette, who became a personal friend and visited 
at the Lindsley home some weeks. On his de])arture he bestowed upon his host a ring from 
his finger and a court vest, which was preserved by the family by being cut up into pincushion 
covers. 

This manuscript also contained extracts from a rare old book, published in Scotland, 
entitled "The Lives of the Lindsays," by Alexander William, 21th Earl of Crawford. The 
only copy known in America belongs to Mrs. Mary Lindsley Porter. It contains the history 
of the family, autographs, crests, armorial bearings and a genealogical table. The family of 
Eleazer claim descent from Sir John Lindsay of Craigi Castle. All the Scotch and English 
families were celebrated for their" literary talents, as well as for their staunch adherence to the 
Presbyterian faith. Lack of space precludes further mention of this interesting family. 



PART III 

THE PENNSYLVANIA CLAIM 
1798-1880 



For the greater part of the material used in the narrative of this epoch 
we are indebted to the late Edward Her rick, Jr., who rescued from pro[>oscd 
destruction masses of letters and valuable documents belonging to General 
Henry Welles, and found in his home, the old Stone House. Further data of 
interest have been drawn from the minute account books of George and Henry 
Welles, preserved by the forethought of the late E. H. Perkins, and now stored 
in our museum, as well as from one found by the workmen who pulled down 
the old house of George Welles in 1896. Much additional material came from 
the letters and papers of Clement and David Paine, all new and unused. All the 
letters found are so full of interest, and make plain so many disputed points in 
the history of the time, that no apology seems necessary for copying many of 
them at length. They prove that often history co)npilcd is clearer than that 
freshly written. 



CHAPTER XVI 

1798-1810 

THE PENNSYLVANIA CLAIM 

The Coming of tJic Peiuisylvania Claimants to Tioga Point — Their 
Various Experiences and Experiments — Another Epoch of An- 
ticipated Greatness as Told in Old Letters— Effect of the Com- 
promise Lazv and Previous Acts — The Controversy that Grezv Out 
of the En.forcemcnt of Lockhart's Claim 



As has been shown, the way of the Connecticnt settler was not an 
easy one at Tioga Point. Yet for twelve years after the Susquehanna 
Company's grant of Athens, Josiah Lockhart seems to have been 
almost unknown. Why he did not press his claim is an unsolved 
problem. No mention of it has been found, except in the one deed 
mentioned, in records, letters or diaries of the period. The enactment 
of the Intrusion Law in 1795, and the efforts to enforce it, now led to a 
revival of hope in the minds of the Pennsylvania land claimants ; and 
this brought about 
the third epoch in 
Tioga Point history. 
Josiah Lockhart evi- 
dently had kept in 
touch with Matthias 
Hollenback, and af- 
fairs at "the Point," 
and must have asked him to be on 
the lookout for a good customer for 
the "Indian Arrow." The foregoing 
letter, hitherto unpublished, is some- 
what enlightening. Although no names 
are mentioned, it is very well known 
that the proposed purchasers of the 
Indian Arrow were Richard Caton,^ 
George Welles and Ashbel Welles, of Baltimore and Connecticut. Some 
knowledge of previous transactions of these men may reveal other rea- 
sons for the purchase, which was made for £6,000, according to Deed 
recorded in Luzerne County Deed Book No. 5, p. 431. In spite of the 
wealth of old letters at hand we have very little information concerning 
this purchase. 

1 Richard Caton was born in England in 1763 and emigrated to Baltimore, it is said, 
in 1785, where he became at once an active merchant, and a prominent citizen; remaining a 
resident until his death in 1845. He was a tall, handsome man of fine presence and dignified 
carriage, and soon won the heart of Mary Carroll, daughter of the well known Charles Carroll 
of Carrollton. "She was a particular favorite of General Washington, and one of the most 
charming ornaments of the Republican court." After their marriage, November, 1786, she was 
familiarly known as "Polly Caton" (see Life of Charles Carroll of Carrollton). Their three 
oldest daughters all married into the aristocracy of England; becoming Marchioness of Welles- 
ley, Lady Stafford, and Duchess of Leeds. Their beauty was such that they are still remem- 

353 





354 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



Richard Caton, though 
Enghsh by birth, was a 
man of true American en- 
terprise ; trusted abroad as 
at home. At this time he 
was 35 years old, and as 
full of schemes for Tioga 
Point as Franklin and as- 
sociates were in the height 
of the new state fever. 
Wiiether Caton believed 
that troops would be sent 
to drive out the Connecti- 
cut settlers according to 
Act of 1797, or whether he 
knew of the second new 
state scheme, cannot be as- 
certained, but he surely 
showed a great determina- 
tion to make Tioga Point 
a capital town. 

As for his partners in 
the endeavor, George and 
Ashbel Welles- had been 
engaged together in Con- 
necticut as ship builders 
and ocean traders. They 
were already known to 

bered in IJngland as "the three American Graces." "The Marquis of Wellesley, (elder brother 
of the first Duke of Wellington) and Governor General of India and \'iceroy of Ireland, was 
one of the first English peers to marry an American, Marianne, daughter of Richard Caton, 
and widow of Robert Patterson, whose sister Elizabeth was the first wife of King Jerome Bona- 
parte of Westphalia." The two older Caton girls visited Tioga Point with their father, and stayed 
at Dr. Hopkins', well remembered by Julia Anna Shepard. A fourth daughter married John 
McTavish of Maryland, and their descendants are well known in the Baltimore of to-day. It is by 
their courtesy that we are able to present the fine portraits of Richard Caton as the handsome, 
impetuous youth, and again as the very aged man. The early portrait was apparently painted 
when he was about twenty years old, with auburn hair tied in a cue. These two portraits 
now hang in the Art Gallery of the Maryland Historical Society, to whose courtesy we are 
also indebted. Richard Caton, while in many ways a successful business man, was so full of 
schemes that he may almost be called visionary. But his belief in the assvired importance of 
Tioga Point, and the wonderful trade to be developed from the navigation of the Susquehanna, 
were real, indeed, and never seemed to falter as long as he lived. His death occurred in 1845. 
Judging from the letters, his active interest in Tioga Point ceased about 1825 or 1830. 

- [George Welles and his brother Ashbel were born at Glastonbury, Conn., in 1756 and 
1763, the sons of John Welles, fourth in descent from Governor Thomas Welles, the orig- 
inal immigrant of their line. He came from England about 1636. Albert Welles, in his 
"History of the Welles Family," a book not free from grave doubts as to its general accuracy, 
says he probably came from Northamptonshire, forced to leave England for nonconformity 
to the established church; records from Northampton seem to establish this, although Essex 
is thought to have been the family home of this branch. It is well known that they were 
originally Norman, and came in the train of the Conqueror. From the eleventh to the fifteenth 
century, the family was numerous and influential, having baronies and large estates in several 
counties of England. In the reigns of Richard and John, Hugo de Welles was Bishop of Lin- 
coln, and his brother Joscelyn de Welles was Bishop of Bath and Wells; the prelates were 
also the principal constructors of the two grand cathedrals with which their names are asso- 
ciated. As "Lords Spiritual" in I'arliament, their seals were attached to the Magna Charta, 
wrested from King John. During the disastrous "Wars of the Roses" the old English nobility 
was nearly exterminated; and this old family did not escape. Having taken sides .with King 
Henry VI, the last of the barons Welles, father and son, were beheaded by the victorious 
Edward in 1460 or 1470. I.ater, Leo Lord Welles obtained restitution of the family lands and 
honors, and his son John, Viscount W'ellcs, married the Princess Cecilia, daughter of Edward 
IV; but as he died childless, the title went into abeyance. 










RICHARD CATON 



355 



Caton in a business way. 
In 1789, through some 
troubles brought upon them 
by a brother, they left Con- 
necticut, and made their 
way south, seeking some 
new field of activity. By 
advice of Philadelphia 
friends they first sought at 
Alexandria Gen. Daniel 
Roberdeau,^ a man of 
means, disposed to assist 
them. After spending some 
time in Roberdeau's home, 
as well as at Baltimore, 
George Welles decided to 
return to Connecticut, and 
Ashbel settled temporarily 
at Baltimore about 1790; 
and they at once resumed 
their old trade of ship 
building and shipping, as 
recorded in their corre- 
spondence. The trade was 
nearl}^ all with Baltimore, 
although sometimes much 
further south, and was in all 
kinds of produce. A cargo 

Thomas Welles was elected Treasurer of Connecticut in 1639; Secretary in 1643, Dep- 
uty Governor in 1654, Governor in 1655, Deputy Governor in 1656, Governor in 1658, and 
Deputv Governor in 1659, dving in office January 14, 1660. John of Glastonbury's descent 
from him was through (1) Samuel, 1630, lii. Elizabeth HollisteV; (2) Samuel, 1660, m. Ruth 
Rice; (3) Thomas, 1693, m. Martha Pitkin; (4) John, 1729, m. Jerusha Edwards, a descendant 
of William Edwards, grandfather of President Jonathan Edwards. George Welles, son of 
this marriage, and his wife, Prudence Talcott, were each descended, through different lines, 
from Lieut. John Hollister of Wethersfield, progenitor of the New England family of that 
name. The brothers George and Ashbel were closely associated from an early period. George's 
motto was "Begin small, and let industry recommend us — go slow and sure." He was a grad- 
uate of Yale, and was the captain of a students' company recruited for the purpose of defence 
at the time of Tryon's invasion in 1777; his only known portrait being a crude representation 
of him in that character, supposed to have been drawn by his classmate St. John Honeywood. 

The children of George Welles were Gen. Henry, 1780-1833, m. Sallv Spalding; Susan, 
1783-1865, m. John Hollenback, Owego; Charles P., 1789-1866, m. Ellen J. Hollenback; James 
M., 1795-1817, died unmarried, and Mary, 1803-1879, m. William Pumpelly, Owego. 

Ashbel Welles married Sabina Parsons, sister of Mrs. Judge Williston; his children were 
George Ogden Welles of Athens and Parkersburg, W". Va. ; Laura Sedgwick, 1S02-1881, wife of 
David M. Cook, and Mary Ann; 1803-1865, wife of Edward W. Warner of Owego. Ashbel 
Welles removed to Athens in 1800, having been "pushed" up the Susquehanna River, with 
his goods, by John Lewis Shaw, who spoke of him as a talented and versatile gentleman, 
whose graces added much to the general enjoyment at a Democratic jollification at Sheshequin, 
in March, 1801, in honor of Jefferson's induction into the Presidency. In 1804 he was living 
at Owego, and was a member of the New York Assembly; in 1806 he was Clerk of Broome 
County, and died at or near Binghamton, April 4, 1809.] His descendants were residents of 
Athens or vicinity for at least twenty-five years after his death; but we have been unable to 
obtain further information. Interesting records of the Welles and Talcott families, in many 
divergent lines, have been traced by Prof. Raphael Pumpelly, copies of which are in possession 
of the writer, who will loan them for reference. 

^ Roberdeau was a celebrated French Huguenot, who had gained distinction in the Rev- 
olutionary army, was a friend of Washington, and had great influence in favor of the Declara- 
tion of Independence. But, according to letters written by George Welles, while in his house, 
he was at this time changeable and indiscreet to his business associates, full of promises and 
projects which were not perfected, and George concluded it was unsafe to be associated with 
liim. 




356 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

of white beans, a whole cargo of cheese alone, corn, oak hmiber, cot- 
ton, etc., were interchanged between Hartford and IJaUimore. One 
large cargo of pork, beef, tallow, butter, etc., was sent to Surinam. 

A brisk trade by land was also established in mules and horses ; 
the former sent from New England to Virginia for the regular army ; 
the latter from Maryland to cater tO' the fancy taste in horseflesh 
arising in New England, called in 1796 "a rage for fine horses." Con- 
siderable money was made by these ventures, and finally, in 179(5, 
Ashbel became merchant partner of Richard Caton, who was quick 
to recognize the shrewd business capacity of the Yankee. The firm 
name was Ashbel Welles and Co., the date January, 179G. 

In 1792 a Baltimore paper reported "Many rafts are in from 
Tioga Point, Penna." These were probably the first ones run from 
that town, and when, in 1796 or 1797, the first ark loaded with lumber 
and wheat (from Steuben County, N. Y.) reached the mouth of the 
Susquehanna, the possibilities of the navigability of the river caused 
great excitement in Baltimore and a desire for speculation in land. It 
may be the lumbermen told of the uneasiness of the Connecticut set- 
tlers at Tioga Point. At any rate, George Welles was in Baltimore 
about this time, and it appears a partnership was formed for the pur- 
chase of Lockhart's "Indian Arrow." Possibly the proposed purchasers 
visited the Point, learning the sentiment of the settlers, and consider- 
ing the business possibilities, before making a proposition to Lockhart 
in October, 1797. The transaction was consummated March 1, 1798, 
according to the deed. This title being of interest to many, and having 
been the foundation of long litigation, is here inserted in full. It will 
be seen that each partner had an undivided third. From George Welles' 
ledger, labelled "Tioga Point Purchase," it is learned that Richard Caton 
made the first payment on stock account $3,200, and that four bonds, 
each for $3,200, were given as security to Lockhart, payable on 27th 
October of 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802. According to later events, it ap- 
pears that no more of the purchase money was ever paid, except the 
second bond. 

THIS INDENTURE made the First day of March, in the year of our 
Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-eight. Between Josiah Lock- 
hart of the Borough of Lancaster and State of Pennsylvania, Merchant, of the 
one part, and Richard Caton and Ashbel Welles both of the City of Baltimore 
in the State of Maryland, Merchants, and George Welles of Glastenbury in the 
State of Connecticut, Merchant of the other part. WHEREAS the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania by Letters Patent under the hand of the Honorable 
Charles Biddle, Esquire, Vice President of the Supreme Executive Council and 
the State Seal bearing date the third day of April in the Year of our Lord One 
Thousand Seven Hundred and Eight Six for the Consideration therein men- 
tioned did grant unto the said Josiah Lockhart (Party hereto) a certain tract of 
Land called "Indian Arrow" situate in the Point between Susquehanna and 
Tioga in the late Purchase (then) in Northumberland County. BEGINNING 
at three Walnut Trees on the Bank of Tioga Creek thence by lands of Nicholas 
Kisler and Arthur Erwin South eighty-six degrees East Four Hundred and 
Ninety Six perches to a post on the bank of Susquehanna River thence down 



LOCKHART'S DEED 357 

the same by the several Courses thereof to the Mouth of said Tioga Creek thence 
up the same by the several courses thereof to the Place of Beginning containing 
One Thousand and Thirty Six Acres and an half and Allowance of six per 
Cent for Roads &c. with the Appurtenancies. TO HAVE AND TO HOLD 
the said Tract or Parcel of Land with the Appurtenances unto the said Josiah 
Lockhart and his Heirs to the use of him the said Josiah Lockhart his Heirs 
and Assigns for ever free and clear of all restrictions and reservations as to 
Mines, Royalties, Quit Rents or otherwise excepting and reserving only the Fifth 
part of all Gold and Silver Ore for the use of the said Commonwealth to be 
delivered at the Pits Mouth clear of all Charges. As in and by the said recited Let- 
ters Patent inrolled in the Rolls Office for the State of Pennsylvania in Patent 
Book No. 4 Page 486. Reference thereto being had will more fully and at large 
appear. NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that the said Josiah 
Lockhart for and in consideration of the Sum of Six Thousand Pounds Current 
Money of Pennsylvania in Gold and Silver Coin to him in hand paid by the said 
Richard Caton, Ashbel Welles and George Welles at or before the sealing and 
Delivery thereof (the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge) HATH 
granted bargained and sold aliened enfeoffed released and confirmed and by these 
presents DOTH grant bargain and sell alien enfeoff release and confirm unto the 
said Richard Caton, Ashbel Welles and George Welles their Heirs and Assigns 
ALL the above mentioned Tract or Parcel of Land situate in the Point between 
Susquehanna and Tioga Creek in the late purchase (formerly in Northumberland 
County but now) in the County of Luzerne and State of Pennsylvania bounded 
limited and described as above set forth and specified containing One Thousand 
and Thirty eight Acres and an half of an Acre and the usual Allowance of syx 
per Cent for Road and Highways. TOGETHER with all and singular the 
Houses Outhouses Edifices and Buildings thereon erected and being and all ways 
Passages, Waters, Water courses, Woods, Underwoods, Trees, Fences Meadows, 
Marshes, Liberties, Privileges, Advantages, Hereditaments and Appurtenances 
whatsoever thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversions 
and remainders, Rents, Issues and Profits thereof and also all the Estate, Right 
Title Interest Use Trust Property, Possession Claim and Demand whatsoever 
of him the said Josiah Lockhart at Law and in Equity or otherwise howsoever 
of in to and out of the same Tract or Parcel of Land and Premises and every 
part thereof TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said described Tract or Parcel 
of Land, Hereditaments and Premises hereby granted and released (or men- 
tioned or intended so to be) with their Rights Members and Appurtenances 
unto the said Richard Caton, Ashbel Welles and George Welles their Heirs and 
Assigns. To the only proper use Benefit and Behoof of the said Richard Caton, 
Ashbel Welles, and George Welles, their Heirs and Assigns for ever, as Ten- 
ants in Common ; that is to say, as to one equal undivided third part thereof 
to and for the only proper use. Benefit and Behoof of the said Richard Caton 
his Heirs and Assigns for ever as to one other equal undivided third part 
thereof to and for the only proper Use, Benefit and Behoof of the said Ashbel 
Welles his Heirs and Assigns for ever. And as to the one other equal un- 
divided third part thereof to and for the only proper use Benefit and Behoof 
of the said George Welles his Heirs and Assigns forever free and clear of all 
restrictions and Reservations as to mines. Royalties, Quit Rents, or otherwise 
excepting and reserving only the fifth part of all Gold and Silver Ore in or upon 
the hereby granted Premises of the use of the state or Commonwealth of Penn- 
svlvania to be delivered at the Pits Mouth clear of all Charges. AND THE 
SAID JOSIAH LOCKHART for himself, his Heirs, Executors and Admin- 
istrators doth covenant, promise and grant to and with the said Richard Caton, 
Ashbel Welles and George Welles their Heirs and Assigns by these Presents 
that he the said Josiah Lockhart and his Heirs the said Described Tract or 
Parcel of Land, Hereditaments and Premises hereby granted and released (or 
mentioned or intended to so be) with the Appurtenances unto the said Richard 
Caton, Ashbel Welles, and George Welles their Heirs and Assigns, against 
him the said Josiah Lockhart and his Heirs and against all and every other 



358 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

person and Persons whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or 
any part thereof by from or under him or them or any of them or by from 
or under the said State or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shall and will 
Warrant and forever Defend by these Presents. AND further that he the 
said Josiah Lockhart and his Heirs and all and every other Person or Per- 
sons whomsoever now having or lawfully claiming or hereafter to have and 
lawfully claim any Estate, Right. Title or Interest whatsoever of in to or out 
of the said described Tract or Parcel of Land and Premises hereby granted 
or mentioned to be granted with the Appurtenances or any part thereof by from 
or under him or them or any of them shall and will from Time to Time and at 
all Times hereafter upon the request and at the proper Costs and Charges in 
the Law of the said Richard Caton, Ashbel Welles and George Welles their 
Heirs and Assigns or either of them make do execute and acknowledge or cause 
or procure to be made done executed and acknowledged all and every such 
further and other lawful and reasonable Act and Acts. Deed and Deeds Thing 
and Things, Devices, Conveyances, and Assurances in the Law whatsoever for 
the further better more sure perfect and absolute granting conveying assuring 
and conforming the said described Tract or Parcel of Land, Hereditaments and 
Premises hereby granted and released (or mentioned or intended so to be) with 
their Rights Members and Appurtenaces unto the said Richard Caton Ashbel 
Welles and George Welles their Heirs and Assigns for ever as by them the said 
Richard Caton, Ashbel Welles and George Welles their Heirs and Assigns or 
their Counsel learned in the Law shall be lawfully and Reasonably advised or 
devised and required. IN WITNESS whereof the said Parties to these Pres- 
ents their Hands and Seals have hereunto interchangeably set the Day and Year 
first above written. JOSIAH LOCKHART. (seal.) 

SEALED and DELIVERED in the Presence of us: Conrad Schwartz, 
Henry Pinkerton, Philip Gloninger. 

Received on the Day of the Date of the above written Indenture of and 
from the above named Richard Caton Ashbel Welles and George Welles the 
Sum of Six Thousand Pounds Current Money of Pennsylvania in Gold and Silver 
Coin or good and sufficient security for the same being the full Consideration 
Money above mentioned. JOSIAH LOCKHART. 

Witnesses Present at signing by me: Conrad Schwartz, Henry Pinkerton, 
Philip Gloninger. 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE. 

Be it remembered that on the First day of March in the Year of our 
Lord One thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-eight. BEFORE ME. Jasper 
Yeates, Esquire, one of the Associate Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature 
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, personally appeared the above named 
Josiah Lockhart and acknowledged the above written Indenture to be his Act 
and Deed to and for the Uses and Purposes therein mentioned and desired that 
the same may be recorded as such according to Law. IN TESTIMONY 
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Day and year aforesaid. 

J. YEATES. (SE.^L.) 
LUZERNE COUNTY ss. 

L Benjamin Newberry, Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of 
Luzerne, Do Certify the foregoing to be a true Copy of a Deed from Josiah 
Lockhart to Richard Caton, Ashbel Welles and George Welles, as Recorded in 
the Office for Recording Deeds in the County of Luzerne in Deed Book No. .5 
page 431. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the 
Seal of my office at Wilkesbarre this 12th day of June, A. D. 1810. 

BENJAMIN NEWBERRY, Recorder. 



ARRIVAL OF GEORGE WELLES 



359 




Charles Carroll, of Car- 
roUton, the father-in-law of 
Richard Caton, may have 
advanced the necessary 
funds for embarking in this 
enterprise, but the deed 
proves that he zvas not the 
original purchaser, as has 
been stated by previous his- 
torians. He was apparently 
indifferent to it, and only 
concerned as the financier 
of his son-in-law, although 
he later became possessor 
of a part, and was an ex- 
tensive land owner west of 
the river in this region ; 
some account of which will 
be given later. 

It was decided that 
George Welles should go on 
the ground ; and having ar- 
ranged his affairs in Con- 
necticut, he arrived at Tio- 
ga Point July 11, 1798, as 
shown in his petty account 
book, whose first entry 
is July 13. Previous arrangements must have been made to open a 
store, 'with James Irwin,* who had built a small public house on second 
^ ^ lot north of Academy; as Welles had 

f lil^yM^^^-nu. purchased goods of Ashbel Welles & 
i^nA^f^^i^ Co. to the amount of $3,600, and in 

January, 1799, ordered more, to the 
amount of $7,413. He also made a private venture in the purchase of 
land over the line, near Spencer, N. Y., with money furnished by his 
sister, Jerusha Welles. The account book records that James Irwin 
owned W town lots and 18 ten-acre lots purchased under the Con- 
necticut Claim, which were sold to Welles and Caton for $6,000, pay- 
ments extending over six years. This sale must have been prior to 
Welles' permanent arrival, as the old Masonic records state that the 
meeting for the organization of Lodge No. 70 was held May 2i, 1798, 
at the house of George Welles, on Tioga Point. The family of Mr. 

* While nothing is known of the origin or early residence of James Irwin, letters indi- 
cate that he was well known in Baltimore, where he had large business transactions, and in 
after years was much distrusted. Evidently he was a man of means, and large ventures; quite 
possibly his goods were purchased of Ashbel Welles, whom he may have acquainted with 
Tioga Point. He has been often confounded with family of Col. Arthur Erwin, a careless 
blunder. While at Athens he married, in 1798, Lucy, daughter of Noah Murray, Sr , who, 
with her child, is buried in the old cemetery. He removed to Newtown and later to Painted 
Post. In 1806 his house was burned, containing a large amount of cash, although he was 
heavily in debt, and distrusted therefor. Caton's letters show that at a later date he sought 
to re-establish his claim at Tioga Point and injure the Pennsylvania cause. Though devoid 
ot right principle, he must have been a man of unusual abilitv. 



Charles Carroll of Carollton 

By permission of Maryland Historical Society 




360 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Welles remained in Connecticut ; though some family traditions say 
differently, the faithful account book records expenses of journey only 
for self and son, Henry; and there is further evidence in annexed 
letter.'^ (Also a record has been found, in the hand writing of C. F. 
Welles, indicating that they arrived in August, 1799. 

It would be interesting to know how the coming of the Pennsyl- 
vania Claimants to the -whole Point, from the meeting of the waters 
to above Mile Hill, was regarded by the Connecticut settlers. Un- 
questionably many, living in terror of the armed enforcement of In- 
trusion Law, saw an easy way out in selling their lands to George 
Welles and moving on ; which they accordingly did. For the partners 
in purchase had agreed to buy out at least all the settlers on the Point 
in and below the village plot. Besides Irwin, the immediate purchases 
were of Isaac Cash for $120 ; Ira Stephens, $100 ; Nehemiah Northrup, 
$130 ; David Paine, $400 ; Henry Decker, $oOO ; Jonathan Harris, $75 ; 
Nathan Bull, $135 ; John Shepard, $G0, and Solomon Beebe, the whole 
amount paid being about $1,500. All proved amicable except Elisha 
Matthewson, who had, as occasion offered, made additional purchases 
or exchanges, until he owned about 125 acres on the Point farm, of the 
land cleared by the Indians. "A very generous offer was made to 
him but declined wnth scorn." 

The "Welles and Caton store" was on the lot now occupied by 
Mrs. G. T. Ercanbrack, and may have been built prior to Welles' ar- 
rival. The ledger shows business was brisk for Welles and Caton ; 
even the Owego people came to trade at the new store. At a late day 
some comment and criticism has been found written to Matthias Hol- 
lenback by his agent at this time : 

July, 1798. "The new store is in full vogue here at present. Mr. Welles 
spoke to me to-day about your selling out to him house land &c, what your price 
and pay as he had heard you want to sell, Mr. Irwin also would buy for cash, 
Mr Welles is very an.xious, expects a great many people to move to this country 
in the Spring." 

This news evidently brought Mr. Hollenback to Tioga Point, but 
the bargain was not consummated. Many of the goods did not arrive 
until late in the season, having to be poled up the river, a tedious job, 
which in this instance cost $50. Trade was so brisk, however, that 
more soon had to be ordered. The account books record every article 
sold and an unusual amount of cash received. Had we not seen the 
Hollenback invoices it would seem that only pewter dishes had here- 
tofore been available ; as surely every family in all the country round 

5 "Tioga Point. 29th Nov. 1798. My dear Suky (Susan). I am informed that this is 
the day after Thanksgiving in Connecticut. If so I hope you liave an Opportunity and Dis- 
position to be sociable and happy. I should rejoice that Harry and I could be home this even- 
ing to take a bite of your Pumpkin pies, &c. &c. Any how we wish you and the other young 
Ladies a pleasant time. In this Country they know none of Thanksgiving pies. Pitkin Pratt 
is here, going to set up his trade. His tools, stock &c. are with our goods at Harrisburgh. 
Pratt appears to be steady and likely. Had our Goods arrived I intended to have sent you a 
handsome cloth for a Surtout or Coat. Martin Skins are not yet brought to market — now is 
the time to catch them. I shall purchase both for you and your .\unt, and my little dear you 
shall have good ones. I hope to be able to bring them when I come home. * * * I am 
my dear Daughter, your affectionate Parent, George Welles." 



MERCANTILE VENTURES 361 

purchased a china tea set. February, 1799, Mr. Hollenback's agent 
writes : 

"Mr. Welles has got on his goods that he had sent for when you were here 
and is dashing away as largely as ever ; he trades from $50 to $200 in a day, 
and the people carry off back loads of his goods every time they go there. I 
have done nothing (in trade) since his goods came. March 1799 Mr Welles 
not so anxious to purchase Connecticut title as he is very sure of the whole." 

This second lot of goods had been long delayed, as the boats 
were stopped at Harrisburg by the ice, and goods had to be conveyed 
hence in sleighs, a slow and expensive process. Still more goods were 
brought that spring, as a charge is entered, "$93.38 for boating 3 tons 
2 cwt. and 1 quarter of goods from Harrisburg, Archelaus Ellis, Boat- 
man." A distillery was built in January, 1799, and went into immediate 
operation, grain being brought from Wysock, Asylum and Towanda. 

Take it all in all, at the beginning of 1799 the prospects seemed 
pretty bright for the newcomer, even if Franklin, Satterlee and Mat- 
thewson were arrayed against him. Confident of the approaching in- 
crease of navigation on the Susquehanna, and unsuspicious of coming 
disaster, in April George Welles built what for years after was known 
as "Welles' Folly." According to his ledger, it was the "Wharf on 
the little Flats," and "cost $1350." Tradition says this was built with 
slips for steamboats, but there is no written record further than that 
given. The "little Flats" was a name given to the land on the Susque- 
hanna River from village plot to the cove. The bright outlook was 
short lived. That very spring "the failure of Welles and Caton in 
Baltimore involved the whole of the concern at Tioga Point in ruin." 
There are no letters concerning this catastrophe, but plenty of records. 
May 11, 1799, Ashbel Welles deeded his undivided third to Richard 
Caton, and" the same day George Welles mortgaged his third to Caton 
in security for 1/3 $16000.' The best idea of the concerns of the part- 
ners at this time is gleaned from Richard Caton's letters, although 
George Welles had not the careful habit of his son, Henry, shown in 
preserving copies of every letter he wrote. However, it is often easy 
to supplement with records. June, 1799, the store books were taken to 
Baltimore, so the store must have been closed.^ May 16, 1800, Caton 
writes to Ashbel Welles (who had now moved to Tioga Point) that 
he had been expecting George Welles, who was rafting down the river. 
Caton reports a very depressing business outlook in Baltimore ; and 
discourages a proposed attempt to find purchasers there for land at 
Owego, adding: 

"Yet to possess or to speculate in real estate on the Susquehanna is a most 
certain mode of acquiring wealth, for as sure as the waters of the River flow 
to the Chesapeake, the produce as certainly will, and that ere long in great 
quantities ; and when that does take place on a footing of security, by having 
the obstructions of the river removed, the lands will take such a rise as must 
greatly benefit everj- man who holds them." 

6 See Luzerne Co. Deed Book No. 6, p. 208. 
'' See Luzerne Co. Deed Book No. 1, p. 379. 

* It is surely astonishing that these very books are now in Athens, the accounts being 
continued in the name of George and Henry VVelles. 



362 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

He proceeds to wish "with all his heart, that Ashl)el might pur- 
chase lands with good title, and profit thereby," and tells him if he 
can find such near to the river, he will make a great profit inside of five 
years, adding : 

"For by that period xt'c shall have the navigation complete ; indeed in this year 
the bed of the river will be cleared, and by next Spring I hope to see lumber 
flow down without difficulty or danger." 

In spite of these sanguine expectations, it was only two weeks 
later that Caton mortgaged his two-thirds of the Point to Charles 
Carroll, of Carrollton, for the payment of $44,000. There is nothing 
to indicate that this was the purchase money for the Point, as often as- 
sumed. Only $3,200 had been paid to Lockhart, and it is fair to suppose 
that this amount was borrowed of Carroll to discharge the debts of the 
firm of Ashbel Welles & Co. At the same time Caton assigned to Carroll 
the mortgage of George Welles for the other third of the Point. 

An extract from this mortgage describes the property as 

"known by the name of Tioga Point in the town of Athens {so-called) by the 
location made under the title of Connecticut," 

and speaks of the settlers as "persons holding possession or claiming 
rights under the Connecticut title, ivhether in lazv or equity." Previous 
to this, to ofifset the movements of the revived Susquehanna Com- 
pany, an organization had been formed, called the Pennsylvania Land- 
holders' Association. There were now many bitter contests in the 
legislative sessions, at which Franklin was actively present, for he 
was a member of Assembly from 17i)9 to 1805 continuously, often re- 
ceiving all or nearly all the votes of the district. The division of the 
coimty was under consideration, with a view to excluding Franklin 
from Luzerne, but the Connecticut settlers would not be downed. In 
January, 1801, an effort was made by petition, which can best be ex- 
plained by extracts from Caton's letters to Clement Paine and George 
Welles between January and August of 1801. These letters reveal the 
true condition of afifairs at Tioga Point, also Richard Caton's ad- 
herence to air castles, and his conviction as to the coming greatness 
of the Point, in which view he was not alone. 

While there were at this period stirring times throtighout the 
seventeen townships, by reason of the attempted adjustment of claims 
by the State-appointed commissioners, it seems best to follow up first 
the Caton correspondence : 

"7th Jany, ISOl. — To Clement Paine. — By a letter from Mr. George Welles 
I find you intend being at Phil'a on the lOth inst. with the expectation of getting 
signers to the Petition for a County Town at Athens. * * * I hope you will 
obtain from the Landholders at Phil'a. holding lands in Luzerne County the 
approbation of the County Town being fixed at Athens. It is a subject in which 
they are much interested, and which will eventually add greatly to the value of 
their lands. I have written Mr. Welles of this business. 1 hope he will give you 
his signature and recommend others to follow his example. * * * After you 
have finished your errand in Phil'a it would be advisable to go to Lancaster, 
there call on Charles Smith, and Mr. Josiah Lockhart, they will both expect you. 
* * * Whilst in Phil'a call on Mr. Adlum. He is appointed by the Legislature 
of Pennsylvania to lay off the northern part of the State into districts. I have 
written to him pointing out the advantage of Athens for a County Town. I 



RICHARD CATON'S OPTIMISM 363 

hope he will accord with me, and give it his recommendation. You may observe 
to him that the establishment of it as a Town is principally opposed by those 
who feel no interest in the general improvement of the Country. That the holders 
of the Lands do not possess the property under the legal title of Pennsylvania 
— that Tioga from its natural position commands the Trade of the eastern 
branch, and the Chemung River. That it will probably control the Trade of the 
Lakes. That in case of a division of the State, the possession of a Town at 
Tioga, will be an important acquisition ; — and that no place in that neighborhood, 
bids so fair, to command an important commercial consequence, as its local ad- 
vantages have even at the present time under many embarrasing circumstances 
established a respectable Trade, and that it is at this time, capable of accom- 
modating the ofificers attached to the courts of Justice, and of furnishing con- 
venient apartments for a Court of Justice. * * * Let me hear from you every 
day how you progress. R. Caton." 

"19th Jan'y. 1801. — Mr. Clement Paine. — It was not requisite that I should 
meet you at Phil'a, as you were competent to do every thing that can be done 
there. I shall leave for Lancaster to-morrow, if the weather permit. Mr. 
Adlum has already laid off the County. He is of opinion that Tioga Point will 
be the County Town. Commissioners are appointed to fix on a spot for the 
Town, and will, in some degree, be influenced by the offers of dift'erent parties, 
who may give money to build a court house, or lands to establish schools. Our 
Territory of Tioga Point forbids of our giving Lands, as the tract is too small 
to admit of it. We may how^ever manage to build, or to contribute towards a 
fund for the Court House. The location of Mr. Adlum is not maieriallv different 
from the one recommended by Geo. Welles. I request that you will forward 
by some safe hand going on the Stage for Lancaster, the petition in your pos- 
session — and put it in a cover, and that inside another cover directed to Josiah 
Lockhart, Esq., Lancaster. R. Caton." 

"Lancaster 29 Jany 1801. — To George Welles : — I have been here since 
Friday. * * * Mr. Paine has not forwarded me the petition. * * * I did not 
attend at Phila., as it was not necessary. I believe he was little successful 
there, as all landholders were of opinion that it was a trick to get the seat of 
Justice at Tioga for purposes intended to defeat the execution of Justice. When 
I reached Lancaster 1 found a number of gentlemen attending the Legislature 
in behalf of the land-holders of Luzerne County, praying the state to take such 
measures as they might deem necessary to protect the lawful proprietors of the 
land. A committee have been sitting on the question, and much evidence has 
been given against the intruders. Mr. Franklin defended their pretensions and 
the committee as well as the Legislature are heartily sick of him. 

"I believe very energetic measures will be adopted to remove them, or to 
compel them to buv the title of Pennsylvania, should the proprietors be willing 
to sell. 

"The things contemplated by the committee are — 

"To appoint an agent to act on behalf of the state, to eject all persons 
holding lands in possession for the state of Connecticut, and to punish by fine 
and hard labor, all those who have obtruded since. For this purpose they will 
be compelled to show that they hold the Penna. title. The State's agent will 
have large power, and if necessary, the militia to support him. The persons to 
be ejected and to be punished as intruders, are to (be) prosecuted in mass. That 
is, 100 of each will probably be brought to justice at the same time. 

"It is probable the county of Luzerne will be limited to the 17 towns, and 
the other parts of the county adjacent to Northumberland, Northampton and 
Lycoming. This will be done to effect a more certain execution of justice, and 
after the evils be removed, it will undergo such a division as may be thought 
best. The county embracing the Point will be from the beaver's dam of Towanda 
to the York line, along the York line about 40 miles, then to the waters of 
Wyalusing up the Susquehanna river, and up the Towanda to the beaver's dam. 
This is not the exact location, but pretty nearly so. I suppose commissioners 
will be appointed to locate the county town, when this is done, I will attend to it. 
I am of opinion Tioga will be fixed upon. 



364 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

"It is prohalile that the State agent will fix his residence at the Point. 
Much warmth may he expected at this crisis. I recommend to you to keep your- 
self as much clear as possible, consistent with those necessary services to pro- 
mote the end the state has in view. All persons on the Point will be ejected, 
and as the laws of the State will probably prevail, it is necessary that we should 
resolve in our minds what we are to do with those who have built on our prop- 
erty. I think we should be merciful, and give them the property on easy terms, — 
for instance, a dollar a year ground rent for a lot of 50 feet front, but on no 
account let the lot run to the water. A road must be kept on each bank of the 
river. I would have you to get those to whom you may have sold to consent to 
this measure, but do not sell any lots without my consent. 

"The River will, I expect, be opened this year. A law is before the Legis- 
lature for the purpose, etc. R. Caton." 

"Baltimore Feb. 1801. — Mr. C. Paine: — Your letter of the 1st accompanys 
the petition. I did not receive it in Lancaster as I had left that place previous 
to the return of Mr. Lockhart. It was sent to me by Post from thence. 

"The Legislature will not at present divide Luzerne County owing to a 
spirit of opposition to the Laws, and Intrusion under the titles of Connecticut. 
They appear to me rather disposed to let the 17 towns only remain the County 
of Luzerne, and to attach the other part of the county to Northampton and 
Lycoming. The measures intended to be adopted by the Legislature for the pun- 
ishment of intruders, had given the proprietors of the soil under Pennsylvania 
possession, and example was made of certain persons who had trampled on the 
Laws of the State with impunity. I did not, however, wait to see the issue of 
the; bill preparing for these objects. It is truely deplorable to see so fine a 
Country as the greater part of Luzerne certainly is, little better than a desert. 
I was in hopes that the compromise would have restored tranquility — the Legis- 
lature had the same expectations. And the disappointment of these well grounded 
hopes has raised them up to measures of coercion. The good sense, the habits 
of order and' industry which the settlers in Luzerne from the New England 
States, certainly possess, with few exceptions, will I think induce them to submit 
to the Legal authorities of the State ; a different conduct might bring misfortune. 
It is certainly (on the score of self Interest) their benefit to see the Country 
improved and settled. This cannot be the case as long as the Settlers on one 
title feel insecure as to the possession of the property, and on the other as to 
the safety of their persons. The present year will, I think, accomplish the open- 
ing of a tolerable navigation to tide water. The high prices of grain and lumber 
must excite a spirit of industry and in a few years give a face to the Country 
around Tioga. Mr. Franklin, I am well informed, is an enemy to the establish- 
ment of a county town at Tioga. I can't agree with his policy in the opposition, 
for if he has any property near to Tioga it must benefit by a County Town being 
fixed at that point. R. C.a.ton." 

July, 1801. — Mr. George Welles: — * * * j jui-^ sure lands will rise on the 
opening of the River; the persons engaged for this object are now at work, and 
I believe a safe communication will be made to tide water from Wright's Ferry. 

"I am informed that a Mr. David Harris lives at or near Tioga, who was 
employed by Major Adlum to run some of the lands in his district, among the 
rest he run mine. I could wish to engage him to accompany me in the examina- 
tion I mean to make of these lands, and to execute the surveying I wish to have 
done, have the goodness to find him out, and to engage him to accompany me. 
I fear, however, that my object of surveying these lands will be defeated for the 
present, as I understand that violence has been offered to one of the deputy 
agents of the State, acting under the Law of last session. If this has happened, 
I would not be surprised if the Government were to use great pains to bring 
the offenders to severe punishment. 

"I suppose you accepted your commission of magistrate on the way home- 
ward. Clothed with this authority they will respect you. 

"Mr. Goldsborough is the bearer of this letter. His intention is to settle 
at New Town. I do not think you can induce him to fix at Tioga. The want of 
traders there will delay the progress of improvement materially. I want to hear 
* * * of the success of your harvest. Wheat will be low here most likely next 



THE PUMPELLY SURVEY 



365 



Spring. At present, the wheat of your country wont sell for $2.00, but I would 
not be surprised to see it at or under $1.50 in the months of April and May. I 
will keep you advised. Let nothing prevent the beef and pork speculation, and 
if possible, have them down this fall. I am confident much may be done in these 
articles to advantage. R. Caton." 

Apparently Mr. Caton visited the Point in 180"^. The prospects 
of the Pennsylvania claimants were just then very bright, as in the 
Archives is found a letter from one of the commissioners, Thomas 
Cooper, saying: 

"I even suspect that the Connecticut claimants will fail in making out a 
single title in Athens, for which I am sorry." 

Doubtless this hastened the new survey of the town plot, made 
for George Welles in 18U2 by Tame< Pumpelly'* of Owego. Diligent 




James Pumpelly 

search has failed to reveal a copy of this survey, and though Z. F. 
Walker attempted to work it out by deed description, recent investi- 
gations prove his map very inaccurate ; therefore it will not be in- 
troduced ; it may, however, be found in the second edition of "Early 

" James Pumpelly and his father, John, came from Connecticut in 1801 or 1802 with a 
party of surveyors to Beers Settlement, in which George Welles had an interest. Father and 
son were surveyors. He was 28 years old when he rode on horseback the entire distance, and 
frankly impecunious. But he was accurate and enterprising, and soon became agent for large 
tracts of land, and with his brothers surveyed the "Twelve Townships." _ He located at Owego, 
and soon became the largest land owner in that region, and as public spirited as weakhy. Wc 
are indebted for his portrait to Mr. Leroy W. Kingman of Owego. He first proposed to locate 
at Tioga Point. 



366 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Times." According to Pumpelly's survey. Main Street was called 
North and South Union Street, the dividing line being Welles Street, 
which ran from river to river, a little north of Hopkins Street (1907). 
Running from Welles Street parallel with Union was Susanna Street 
to north line of purchase. From river to river, near present Paine Street, 
was one evidently named for the Virgin, Marie-la-bonne. There were 
others, evidently cross streets, named Carroll, Fanning, Johnson, Caton 
and Hamilton, which crossed the upper part of the Point Farm, Pine 
Street (now Island Lane) and Traffic Street, about where Susquehanna 
now is. On each river bank was laid out a street called, respectively, Sus- 
quehanna Way and Tioga Way ; although the two latter were never 
regularly opened, Mr. Caton was very particular about them, continually 
charging his partners and agents not to sell or lease through to the river, 
doubtless because of anticipated navigation. Government Square was 
laid out where the Presbyterian Church now stands, extending over 
Harris Street ; and Market Square on the plot reserved by Connecticut 
proprietors for school lands. 

This survey was evidently made to facilitate the division of the 
property completed while Mr. Caton was at the Point. LTndoubtedly 
he gave the names to the streets. 

Evidently a second bond of Lockhart's had been paid, as it was 
deemed necessary in the partition to satisfy his claim in order to have 
title clear. On August 31, Mr. Caton executed a deed to George 
Welles : 

"In trust to convey to Josiah Lockhart in full of his claim of $8000; or if 
he will not accept and release then to sell as Richard Caton may direct ; having 
in view the security of Geo. Welles and Ashbel Welles as against their liability 
as securities on the said Bonds of R. Caton to Josiah Lockhart" (recorded 
Luzerne D. B. No. 8 p 342). 

The next day, September 1, the partition deed was executed, ^° 
by which George Welles' third consisted of the entire Point as far 
north as Hamilton Street, which crossed from river to river not far 

^^ Partition Deed between Geo. Welles & Richard Caton 
Luz. Co. Deed Book No. 8, P. 259 
Description of R. Caton's share (2/3) 

— Lands lying on Tioga Point, all those parts or parcels thereof — Beginning at the be- 
ginning of the original tract [3 walnut trees on the bank of the Chemung River — See Lock- 
hart's Deed] and running southerly by and with the River Chemung till it intersects the north 
side of a street laid out in the town of Tioga Point called Marie !e bonne [Marylebone] 
Street, thence binding on the north side of said street, easterly to the River Susquehannah; 
thence by and with said river northerly till it intersects the first line of the original tract, 
and thence westerly on said line reversely to the beginning: laid off for four hundred and 
ninety eight and one quarter acres (498^). 

Also all that part — lying south of the town — Beginning at the distance of eight percliss 
and five links from the south side of Hamilton Street and twenty five feet vvest of a stone 
fixed on the east side of the road, and running thence N. 77^° E. parallel with Hamilton St. 
to the river Susquehanna; thence binding on the said river northerly to Hamilton St. at a 
distance of 8 prs. 5 links on a right angle from the first line, thence binding on Hamilton St. 
westerly to the River Chemung. Thence southerly, by and with the Chemung till it strikes a 
line parallel with Hamilton Street and at the distance of 8 ps. 5 links therefrom, and thence 
easterly along said line to the beginning: laid off for 6 as. 17 hundredths. 

Also, — South of the town — Beginning at a buttonwood tree on the River Chemung, 
thence N. 77 1/2 ° E. 29 chains 73 links to center of main road. Thence by the middle of main 
road, S. 2.5° W. 22 chains .50 links, opposite to a stone fixed on the east line of the main road, 
25 feet from center thereof; thence S. 77'/2° W. 35 ch. 22 1. to R. Chemung: & Thence by 
R. Chemung northerly to the beginning; laid off for 56.33 acres. 

Also all those 276 lots within said town of Tioga Point surveyed and plotted by James 
Pumpelly distinguished by numbers (here omitted * * * on Tioga Way, Mary la bone St., 



THE WELLES-CATON PARTITION 367 

below "the White Gate." ^^ Also twenty-four lots or parcels of ground 
in the heart of the village, west of Union Street, the land now lying 
between Chemung and Elm Streets. 

November, 1803, Caton writes to George Welles, alluding to 
various unanswered letters, a negligence due, no doubt, to Welles' dis- 
satisfaction with Caton's proposals. This letter was sent by the hand 
of a Mr. Worthington, who came to consider the country and its 
resources with a view to establishing himself as a merchant. Caton 
concludes : 

"I must now try at the oar, and regain part of what I have lost." 

Two months later he writes again : 

"I hope your brother Ashbel has given you an opportunity of executing 
the deed to Mr. Carroll. * * * I hope Pumpelly will carry the location into 
efifect. * * * We have a fair prospect of getting the navigation of the river com- 
pleted from the Canal to Columbia by towing paths. The Governor of Penn- 
sylvania offered to join with the state of Maryland and lay out $40,000 on the 
work; but our legislators, too ignorant to judge well, have postponed adoption 
of measure, appointed committee, etc. It will rest at all events until next year 
and perhaps longer, but the canal must prevail in the end. 

"I wrote to Mr. Lockhart and informed him of having executed a deed in 
trust to you for SO lots on the Point. I have not since heard from him. I told 
him you would not pay him anything on account of the Bonds, as you considered 
yourself aggrieved by his failing to possess you of the Point. — It cannot now be 
helped, but it is a misfortune that we were not more explicit on this subject 

Carroll St., Susanna St., North Union St., South Union St., Caton St., Government Square, 
Market Square, Traffic St., Susquehannah Way, Tioga Way, Fanning St., Johnson St. 

Partition Deed between George Welles & Richard Caton 

Sept. 1. 1802: Luzerne Co. Deed Book No. 8, P. 259 

Description of Geo. Welles' share (1/3). 

— Lands lying on Tioga Point, all that part or parcel of land lying and being on 
Tioga Point, and at the South part thereof — Beginning for the same at the distance of 8 
perches 5 links from the South part of Hamilton street and 25 feet from a stone fixed on the 
east side of the Main Road; and running thence Easterly at the distance of eight perches and 
5 links from Hamilton Street to the Susquehannah river; thence southerly, by and with the 
River Susquehannah to the River Chemung; thence Northerly, by and with the River Che- 
mung, till it reaches a line of division between the said Richard Caton and George Welles, 
running South seventy-seven and one half degrees (77^°) West thirty five chains 22 links, 
th.ence with and binding on said line reversely to the second line of Division, along the 
middle of the Main Road, running South 25° West 22 chains 50 links, at the east side whereof 
is fixed a stone 25 feet from the centre of said road; thence along said line reversely to a 
third line of division, running North 77^° East 29 chains 7.3 links, and thence binding on 
said line reversely to a buttonwood tree on the river Chemung; thence Northerly by and with 
said river to a line at the parallel distance of 8 perches 5 links from Hamilton Street, and 
thence along said line to the beginning: laid -out for 350 acres. 

Also all those twenty four lots or parcels of ground lying within the town of Tioga 
Point, distinguished on a plot of said town by numbers (omitted). 

Geo. Welles' deed to Chas. Carroll, date Nov. 15, 1806, conveys the same property in 
gross, not by metes and bounds. 

11 For years innumerable the White Gate marked the dividing line between the village 
street and the Point farm, and the name still clings, as shown in the accompanying sketch 
written by one of the younger generation long after the gate had been demolished. 

"The Old White Gate is a myth none can trace to its origin. The oldest inhabitant has no 
memorv of it, nor has any one ever found even a battered post to hang the fable to. Yet so 
closely has it become connected with the life and thought of the town that everybody uses it to 
reckon distance from, and invariably mentions it foremost among the points of interest to the 
stranger. It is always 'five miles north of the White Gate,' or 'turn to the left when you have 
passed the Gate,' or 'just down to the White Gate and back.' It is even down in the contract 
of the trolley company as the southern terminus of the line. It stands across the road at the 
end of the long row of maples, at the edge of the town, an invisible barrier to thought if not 
to travel. It marks sharply the dividing line between town and country; on one side the 
trolley, and squalid houses, and many children playing in the dust — on the other open fields 
and sunshine, the twin rivers, and the hills beyond. The stranger pauses at the end of the 
read and looks blankly around. He sees no gate. But I have only to close my eyes and it 
rises tall and white before me, looming across the roadway, with bars all drawn and fastened. 
It is only when I reach out my hand to touch it, or try to translate it into words, that the 
outlines grow dim, and I realize it is only a fairy gate, after all. — E. M., 1900." 



3fi8 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

with him. As I shall now be a competent witness, my evidence nnder a commis- 
sion can Ix; taken which will establish the contract, he is so unworthy that I 
shall be rejoiced at defeating his attempts — for he is indeed not entitled to more 
than he has got on every principle of Justice. * * * How comes on the farm- 
ing? * * * acquaint me with your proceedings * * * you can release from mort- 
gage as your means grow * * * people's attention is turned very much towards 
the Susquehanna, in a little while it must hold the first rank for eligibility of 
investment * * * Lands are rising so much here, that I think numbers will be 
induced to remove." 

In the stimmer of 1803 George Welles evidently tried to come to 
some agreement with Lockhart, employing as lawyer ]\Ir. Rosewell 
Welles, of Wilkes-Barre. 

The following letter is in regard to this matter : 

"Wilkes-Barre July 13, 1803. 
"Mr. George Welles: 

Dear Sir, — After I received yours last Winter I went to Lockhart. He 
was sick with a fever, and was not to be spoken to on business. I called twice — • 
same denial — He was very low when I left Lancaster. I left a letter in case he 
should recover, and desired an answer. I have no doubt but an action may be 
maintained against him for not giving possession. If my memory serves he 
expressly pledged possession aside from the deed. On this promise surely the 
law will make him responsible. An action would recover what damage you 
could make appear, or should he sue you on the bonds, you may give the promise 
in evidence, and avail yourself in that way to defeat a recovery in part or the 
whole of the sum remaining due, as your damages may appear. 

"In my letter I stated Caton's failure, and that alt the land was in the 
hands of Carroll, and if he wished to get anything more he must make a liberal 
discount on the bonds, as it all fell on you. I made the best story I could, but 
have never had any answer. He is an obstinate old fellow, rich, but miserable 
with all his wealth. It is now a good time to strike upon him. 

"The law incapacitating Jurors and Judges in this County from trying any 
questions involving the two titles must impress him with some idea of his liability. 

"The most able counsellor in Lancaster is my friend ; if you desire it I will 
write and see what he can do with the dry bones. He will ask a five dollar bill 
for an opinion & a letter of Terror to Lockhart * * * 

"Yours, R. Welles." 

Lockhart's claim was never enforced. 

That George Welles made some effort to end the controversy is 
proven by annexed letter, which is in the Mss. volume "Connectictit 
Claims" in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, by whose courtesy it 
is given"* : 

"^* "Tioga Point 7. Nov, 1803. — Sir: The desire I uniformly feel to forward a termina- 
tion of the controversy which has so long existed relative to the Lands in this country, will I 
hope answer as an apology for my troubling your excellency with this letter. The best, and 
T may say the only hope which lias presented itself since I have lived in this country, now 
offers to put a peaceable end to the dispute — the circumstance is this — -The settlers in Smith- 
field, Murraysfield and a part of Sugar Creek have now offered in writing to purchase the 
title to their possessions, at the valuation of good judges as in a state of Nature. By this the 
dignity of the Government will probably be satisfied & the Penna. Landholders ought to be 
satisfied also; but as their ideas of the worth of their Lands are very high and very erroneous, 
there is reason to fear they will not meet these reasonable propositions. They can not how- 
ever dissent, if they have any regard to justice or their own interests. I sincerely hope the 
opportunity will be attended to, and that your Excellency will condescend to use your in- 
fluence for the purpose. Should the thing take place, there will remain but a handful in the 
opposition, who would shortly be compelled to follow the example or quit the state, and thus 
this tedious wearisome dispute be brought to an end. I have the honor to be with the greatest 
Respect your Excellency's Most Obdt. humble Servant 

"His Excellency Thomas McKean "George Welles." 

"Governor of Pennsylvania 



HEXRY WELLES TAKES THE HELM 



369 




A new actor now enters 
on the scene, and one des- 
tined to much prominence 
in connection with Tioga 
Point — Henry Welles.^- He 
is now "running the river" 
with arks or rafts loaded 
with country produce des- 
tined for Baltimore. He 
is already known to ^Ir. 
Caton, having lived witli 
his uncle, Ashbel Welles, in 
Baltimore several years. 

Doubtless he approach- 
ed Baltimore with high 
hopes in his heart that he 
might retrieve his father's 
fallen fortunes, for at this 
time the situation of George 
Welles was a trying one. 
On account of his debt to 
Richard Caton (probably 
for the first payment on 

the Point) he had mort- ^^^^.^^.^/Tt^^y 

gaged his third, and yet he A^ -^ 

was partially responsible to x 

Lockhart for the payment of the bonds, Mr. Caton having assigned his 
mortgage to Mr. Carroll, Welles was left without a resource ; a fact 
which very soon undermined his health and spirits. Henry, therefore, 
had taken the helm, and hoped to find a way out of their difficulties. 
He wrote as follows : 

"Havre de Grace, 16 April /5o^.— My dear Dadda : — I have the satisfaction 
of informing you of my arrival at this place in safety ; I run from Columbia 
to Bell's in 6 hours. Our pork and whiskey is in good order * * * the reason 
of my hastening to Baltimore is that there's so much whiskey going I'm afraid 
the price will be reduced, even from its present low ebb 4/ a Gallon. I hope to 
get 16 Dolls for prime & 18 for mess Pork— & about 12 cts for Lard. I dont 
think it worth our while to carry whiskey to Balto again but our object ought 
to be Pork, to that purpose we ought to buy all the Hogs we can this spring & 
have all the Corn planted on the farm that we can. I have thought on what Rose- 

1- Henry Welles, the eldest son of George Welles, was born at Glastonbury, Conn., 
1780. He was now an active and enterprising young man, as full of business as of aftec- 
tion for his parents, his devotion to whom is plainly shown in his letters, \yhile their in- 
terests were always uppermost, he was one of the foremost Makers of Athens, intimately con- 
nected with its growth and devoted to its prosperity. Tall and handsome, he was also inter- 
esting and agreeable. .Mthough he had practically no education, he became a brilliant talker 
and a fluent speaker. According to an admirer, "there was an irresistible charm in the magic 
of his conversation." Though essentially domestic, and interested in the smallest detaUs of 
farming, when called to the Legislature, he became universally popular and attained a polish 
which set him high above his associates in their estimation. The development of his Powers 
while sitting in the Legislature was most remarkable, as shown in his private letters. And 
yet the popular "General" was never happier than when hoeing his own corn, a barefooted 
farmer, as he was once found by a visiting stranger. Gentleness was a leading characteristic. 
His account books are marvels of precision and minuteness, and his memoranda on proposed 
details of farm work, made while in legislative sessions, show an oversight and forethought 
seldom encountered. Maligned by many on account of the controversy, he has never been 
estimated at his true value by the present generation. 



3:0 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

well Welles told me relative to the insolvent Laws of Penna — he says that any 
person can be liberated in spite of his Creditors who conducts himself fairly and 
squarely, and it strikes me that it is best to take the benefit of it next fall, if 
our Creditors should prove severe & rigorous, — but that if a majority would 
acquiesce — it is best to go into the State of New York to do it, — however 
we cant determine at present, but after I get to Balto, & have seen Mr. Caton 
I will write particularly. I hope to be there to-morrow & to find a letter from 
you. Rosewell Welles says that the mortgage is so worded that you cannot 
bring Lockhart's Bonds in Bar of it even if you should pay them, and that the 
only claim you would have in that case would be upon Mr. Caton who you know 
is * * * the more I think on the subject the more I see Mr. Caton's unfair and 
disingenuous conduct and I never would pay either him or Mr. Carroll a Cent 
more than the Mortgage covers, & in any conversation with him on the subject 
I shall hold rather more to the fortitcr in re than before, * * * I came within a 
hair's breadth of being knocked overboard in the middle of Canawoga falls — 
the water was rougher than common by great odds. I am with the utmost 
affection, " Yours, Henry WellES." 

Mr. Caton's next letter to George Welles, written in April or 
May, 1804, is not so friendly in tone. He appears to have felt the 
spirit in which the son had approached him, although they had appar- 
ently coine to some sort of terms — 

"Dear Sir, It is some time since I have heard from you or Harry and yet 
there are many points on which I wish for information. The repeal of the bank- 
rupt Act defeated in some measure your intentions; but, as I perceive the legis- 
lature of your state has noticed the necessity of a law for the relief of insolvents, 
I believe measures will be adopted by which you may obtain that relief you wish. 
I have desired Mr. Rosewell Welles will cause the lands of Tioga Point to be 
sold under Mr. Carroll's mortgage the 28. May" — on which day I shall be obliged 
to attend there to sell the lands in which you and I have had an equitable title. 
If I cannot reach Tioga I must request you or Harry will meet me at Wilkes- 
Barre * * * Harry I expected would have informed me what measures you had 
pursued resulting out of arrangements made by him and me on his late visit 
here. I request you will give me information on these several heads : I Has he 
possessed himself of the goods and chattels under the assignment? II Has he 
given a bond for the amount? Ill Does he possess the notes held in trust for 
the use of Mr. Carroll? IV When will the long looked for deed for the 1600 
acres to Mr. Carroll be transmitted? I take it for granted it was redrawn and 
made absolute" * * * I'll beg you not to fail sending it this spring; for, as it will 
be through Mr. Carroll that any future arrangements must be made, I would 
have you put everything on the best footing with him. Harry no doubt informed 
you that I thought it practicable to make a new transfer to you at a price to 
be agreed upon for the lands he wished to possess lower down on the Point. 
How comes on the adjustment of the Connecticut claims?" 

Then, alluding evidently to some oiTer that had been made to pur- 
chase the whole property, he says : 

"For although I expect to become the proprietor of those lands by paying 
for them, I should have no objection to having the bargain beyond the 1500 
acres (Welles third) and Clark's and Pumpelly's cancelled, if I found it was the 
wish of all parties in preference to waiting the uncertainty of my paying for the 
lands as the Bonds mature. 

"As you will have abundance of water in the Susquehanna, I hope you will 
descend the river with large cargoes. The Maryland Canal receives boats and 
last year I believe an ark passed through. Wheat I suppose will be li dollars 
in Baltimore, though flour is only $6.75 now, but expected higher. 

" According to a paper called "Exemplification Charles Carroll of Carrollton vs. Ricard 
Caton" this sale had been advertised first for November, 1802, then January, 1803, then June, 
and, finally, August, 1804. The delays are unaccounted for. 

i-" This indicates that Harry had carried to Baltimore a deed which was not satisfactory. 



SUNDRY CATOX LETTERS 371 

"It would give me sincere pleasure to see you relieved from your difficulties. 
Past errors give us lessons of experience for the future ; most of us have errors 
to lament, but as long as the heart is correct, there is a consolation which even 
misfortune can not deprive us of * * * R. C." 

It will be seen from this letter that Henry Welles, or "Harry," had 
formed some idea of making a purchase himself previous to death of 
E lis ha Matthczvson. 

"Wilkes-Barre 27 May 1804.— To Henry Welles''— Dear Sir : I find you did 
not visit this place on your way home, and from the lateness of present day, 
have little hope of seeing you here. I shall leave to-morrow for Baltimore, as 
all my business will be closed in the morning. The title of Mr. Carroll to the 
Pomt, Mr. Rosewell Welles informs me, is perfectly good. I shall probably 
again possess it, unless it will bring its value (in to-morrow's sale) when I shall 
let it go. I however feel a strong desire to invest, as I wish to see you and your 
family established there on better footing than j-ou have enjoyed. Should I be 
able to obtain the means for again purchasing the Point, I must get you and Mr. 
Prentice to dispose of lots for me under a standing per-centum, and I shall im- 
mediately have process issued to get possession of every part. I find the parti- 
tion deed is not here. I request you as my agent will not fail to send it to me. 
Inclosed is a deed for the point for your father to execute. * * * On the subject 
of your father's seeking relief from oppressing circumstances, I am convinced 
it is necessary. The business can be done best in New York State. I hope no un- 
manly fears or timid pride will prevent its taking place. He ought to go to a 
lawyer at Newtown or Owego, without delay, each day increases the evil.'" I 
hope you have got his deed for the 1500 acres of land to Mr. Carroll, let it be ex- 
ecuted without delay. The deed you held'' for part of the land can do you no 
service, as you knew at the time it zvas sold to Mr. Carroll. I mention this to 
put you on your guard, to save yourself harmless. But I suppose the purchase 
of the personal property will enable you to surrender the land you hold, and to 
pay Clark and Pumpelly. On no acct. apply any of the notes deposited in trust ; 
for no act of Assembly, or Bankruptcy can release a person from a debt arising 
on a trust any more than it can from forgery. These notes I hope are in your 
hands, and I expect you have attended to my letter, of which inform me. Should 
I again get control over the Point, and a delay of time free of interest be entered 
into, you will I trust, get ahead — the Point is certain to be a great place, the 
three roads from Wilkes-Barre. Nescopeck and Sunbury to Philadelphia, will 
make a great summer trade at the Point which no other place can rival — this be 
assured is certain as fate. Your farm crops and then flour will take a gradual 
summer market at those towns mentioned when the price is high ; in preference 
to a spring one with a long journey, arriving when a glut prevails. 

Later. "Whilst I was writing foregoing I rec'd your father's letter of the 23 
inst. I am inexpressibly astonished at its contents, but shall suppress the feel- 
ings an event so unexpected gives rise to. As he is determined to try all ex- 
pedients I must meet him, and he will find when too late that not only his at- 
tempts will be frustrated, but the essential interests of his family much injured, 
which I much regret. My letter to your father yet leaves open the door for a 
friendly, and I may say an honest adjustment. I shall delay acting in a legal 
form until I hear from him taking (as my security that no advantage will be 
taken of this delay) his, your and the honor of those who feel interested in the 
issue. My letter to him is as fully expressed as I am capable of, and I recom- 
mend it to his and your perusal and serious reflection. Richard Caton." 

It is to be regretted that these letters between Mr. Caton and Geo. 
Welles have not been found, especially as Mr. Caton resorted at once 
to the stringent measures suggested in above letter. It can hardly be 

15 Henry Welles, already introduced, may now be said to enter on the scene as an 
active factor in affairs at Tioga Point for the ensuing thirty years. 

1" This alludes to the advisability of using the law for insolvents. 

1'^ This indicates that George Welles had deeded some portion of the point to Henry, 
or possibly made an assignment of all his property, but of this there is no other record. 



372 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

due to poor postal facilities that the above letter did not reach Athens 
until Aug'ust 2nd. In the meanwhile, May 28th, Tioga Point in toto 
was sold by Sheriff Dorrance to Robert Goodloe Harper (another son- 
in-law of Charles Carroll), for $4,200, and a sherifif's deed executed to 
Harper same day. While legally this foreclosure and sale was made 
by Carroll, Caton arranged with Harper that if bids were not suffi- 
ciently high, it should be bid in for Caton, who' ever after speaks of 
himself as the owner. There is no record that Harper ever deeded the 
tract to Carroll, as the deed was lost in some unaccountable way. The 
property stood in Carroll's name until January, 1813, when the ap- 
pended warranty^"^ deed was given by Charles Carroll and Robert G. 
Harper to Richard Caton, recorded September 10, 1816, Bradford 
County Deed Book No. 2, page 346. 

The purport of Mr. Caton's letter and its effect on George Welles 
may be learned from the following extracts ; there appears to be a grave 
misunderstanding. 

"Tioga, 7th August, 1804.— Richard Caton.— Sir : On the 2nd August the 
Postrider from Wilkes-Barre handed me your letter of the 27th May, with 
sundry deeds, &c. I could not reply to papers of such magnitude in one evening, 
but have improved the first next mail. This is the most difificult letter to answer 
I ever received. The more we wish to come to the point, the wider we seem to 
be apart. You say the 1500 acres of land (Welles third) are Mr. Carroll's, the 
notes are Mr. Carroll's, and that he could by legal method acquire both, and 
threaten to advertise in papers, forbidding any person to purchase the 1500 acres, 
&c., &c., and that my conduct (by your implications) is equal to forgery. It is 
the first time I ever had my Honesty directly impeached. * * * 

"Now sir, I shall take extracts from your own writings to invalidate your as- 
sertions — if I know anything of the English language. 

"1st, In the deed to Mr. Carroll drawn and directed by yourself for me to 
sign you say 'It is therefore understood and expressly declared; that of the lands 
herein conveyed by George Welles to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, fifteen hun- 
dred acres, if so required by George Welles, be conveyed to Josiah Lockhart — 
on ac't and in part pay of the before mentioned Bonds.' 

'* "This Indenture, made this day of January, 181.3, between Charles Carroll of 

Carrollton of Ann Arundel County in the State of Maryland, and Robert Goodloe Harper, of 
the City of Baltimore in the said State, on the one part, and Richard Caton of the said place, 
on the other part: — 

"WHEREAS, the said Goodloe Harper, on or about the 28th day of May, 1804, did at 
a public sale held by the Sheriff of Luzerne County, purchase all the right, title, interest and 
estate in law or in equity of the said Richard Caton in and to the lands held by him lying and 
being at Tioga Point, in Luzerne County and State of Pennsylvania, which said lands were 
heretofore held by a certain Josiah Lockhart, and by him conveyed to the said Richard Caton 
and a certain George Welles and Ashbel V/elles; and the said Robert Goodloe Harper did 
sometime thereafter sell, assign, transfer his right, title, interest and estate in and to the said 
lands to the said Charles Carroll of Carrollton, which land he undertakes (understands?) 
and believes have since been sold and transferred by the aforesaid Charles Carroll of Carroll- 
ton to the aforesaid Richard Caton; but, the said Charles Carroll of Carrollton, alleging that 
the said deed so made by the said Robert Goodloe Harper to him the said Charles Carroll of 
Carrollton is lost or mislaid, and wishing to secure to the said Richard Caton a good and suffi- 
cient title for the lands aforesaid, the said Robert Goodloe Harper and Charles Carroll of 
Carrollton have made and executed these presents: 

"NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:— That for and in consideration of the 
sum of one dollar in hand paid by the said Richard Caton to the said Charles Carroll of 
Carrollton and Robert Goodloe Harper, the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge, the 
said Charles Carroll of Carrollton and Robert Goodloe Harper have bargained and sold, as- 
signed, set over and transferred, and by these presents do bargain and sell, assign, set over 
and transfer to him the said Ricliard Caton, all their right title interest and estate, in and to 
all that part or parcel of land lying and being on Tioga Point, in Luzerne County. Containing 
two-thirds part of that lot or tract of land heretofore conveyed by a certain Josiah Lockhart 
to the aforesaid Richard Caton, and a certain George Welles and Ashbel Welles aforesaid, by 
deed bearing date the 11th day of March 1798, and recorded in Luzerne County the 8th day 
of August 1798, as will more fully appear by reference being thereto had." 



PITHY CORRESPONDENCE 373 

"Remark. 

"This will do very well to go in the same paper with your advertisement, 
and your own letter can be produced to show that you consented to the relin- 
quishment of the land not paid for. — I suppose that the 1500 acres was meant as 
in trust to Mr. Carroll, and that any man has an undoubted right to withdraw 
the trust at his option. 

"2nd, as to the notes — In your letter of the 17 Sept 1802 to me you say 
'The notes for sales of property deposited in your hands you will keep by you 
until the Bonds due Lockhart are settled — Should I not pay him in lots — you are 
then to apply all the notes in your hands, viz $2041.62, as per ac't below toward 
the extinquishment of that account.' 

"Remark. 

"If default in trust is equal to forgery, it certainly is my duty to keep them 
for the purpose directed. 

"3rd, As to the eighty town lots — the deed is undoubtedly illegal because 
dated and executed long after your mortgage deed to Mr. Carroll was recorded, 
even if Mr. Lockhart had consented to have taken them — I should not have 
signed the deed, until Mr. Carroll had released the same. * * * The lots have 
been offered to Mr. Lockhart & refused. The title is certainly not good. 

"It has been my wish ever since Henry was at Baltimore to settle our 
affairs. I then stated terms and offered everything I had, on condition that the 
Bonds to Lockhart were lifted. But every letter since has met with a different 
reception from what I expected. * * * You very well know Sir I never should 
have mortgaged to you my third of the point but from the full belief that you 
would pay Lockhart.' * * * You state that I owe Mr. Carroll $21,000. If I owe 
him so much, I owe Lockhart nothing. When the suit is brought against me on 
the two bonds who will bring it? Mr. Carroll or Mr. Lockhart? Or when I 
cite my creditors to show cause &c., who is to appear? Mr. Carroll or Mr. Lock- 
hart? I can not owe Mr. Carroll and Mr. Lockhart for one and the same debt, 
and it is entirely immaterial to Mr. Carroll whether I owe him 12 or 21000 dol- 
lars, as he cannot have more than he can have, and should we come to terms, 
I am as willing to deed the Point for $7000. as $9000., which ought to fetch me 
$15000. — considering the instrumentality which brought me here and the miser- 
able life I have lived since here. * * * Those notes it is not likely we should dis- 
pute about in case we can hold the 1500 acres for settlement with Lockhart. This 
land was designated for that purpose; to suppose that I would relinquish the 
only means which I possess to cancel that great debt, is certainly dissonant with 
your protestations of friendship for my family, and they can view it in no other 
light. * * * I stand acquitted in my own conscience, and believe I shall in the 
mind of every impartial man, in holding the land to extinguish the debt to Lock- 
hart. * * * If Mr. C. will indemnify me from those bonds, he may have the debt 
to-m,orrow. * * * It would then stand thus, one third of Tioga Point — the notes 
except my part — Webb's debt — Clark's land — Distill house worth $300., but not 
the distills or moveables therein, estimated at what you please, but would observe 
that my third as set out is good for $12000. To quit the premises in the course 
of coming winter. I little expect you will agree to those propositions, but if 
you will take it into serious consideration I think you will not hesitate. I will 
not sell the land * * * until I write you unless I should sell it to Lockhart, and 
that is not to be expected. 

"To what length you may persecute me I can not say — must leave that to 
the laws and humanity of my country. 

"Remarks. 

"As you have a sacred regard to instruments you undoubtedly delivered 
my acceptances to Mr. Carroll, and he by the same sacred regard to duty will 
keep them until you pay Mr. Lockhart, and will consider them as secured by my 
mortgage. * * * If you should (acting as you say you do) for Mr. Carroll 
think you are really Mr. Carroll, and that you were heretofore Mr. Caton, and if 
as Mr. Carroll you should see any inconsistencies in Mr. Caton — you have my 
Liberty to gently reprove him — but do it in a smooth honeyed style." 



374 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

These C(>pie.s are unsigned, Ijut in George Welles' handwriting, 
and various drafts show that the letter was rewritten many times. 
Concerning the sale Ilenry writes later: 

"hi 1804 Mr. Carroll foreclosed the morlsage, which proceeding, though 
legal and just sealed father's ruin. Being involved and having hccome incapable 
of transacting business for maintenance of his family, the property that had cost 
him a large sum gone, I at that time was the only one of the family ohl enough 
to provide maintenance. After looking about, I came to the resolution to apply 
to Air. Carroll for a small spot out of my father's third, where I hoped to secure 
a home and maintain the family." 

As has been seen, he was at IJaltimore in the spring of 1804. 
Either then or later he began to consider how he cohld arrange to 
purchase the whole of his father's. third, as proposed to hiin by Caton 
and Harper.^" Caton writes in November, 1804, that it would give 
him great pleasure to see Henry Welles proprietor of part of the 
Point, adding: 

"The whole I would never consent to part with. I look upon it as the very 
best property I have an interest in, for, though it is not yet absolutely mine, it is in 
a train of being so. I agree with you as to the necessity of closing our accounts. 
Your father has taken a very untenable ground, * * * it is useless my writing 
to him. If by any means T can make you proprietor of your father's part of the 
point, it will afford me pleasure. Rut land I fear will be less agreeable to Mr. 
Carroll than a long credit payable in money, and should your father's share fall 
to me it would be less convenient paid in lands." 

This alludes to a proposal of Henry Welles to exchange lands 
near Bath for the Point. Caton thinks these lands cannot be as valu- 
able as Tioga Point, "which will draw settlers, and settlers will make 
a town even in present distracted state of afifairs." Some proposition 
was evidently made about Lockhart's bond, to which Mr. Caton does 
not agree. To this letter Henry Welles answers as follows ; Decem- 
ber 25, 1804: 

"Sir: In your favor of 23rd ult. in answer to my two letters respecting a 
purchase of a part of the point. I am sorry you think it uncertain whether land 
would be agreeable to receive in payment. It will not answer for us to become 
responsible for so much money as will be the price of 1/3. Rut this land is 
offered in exchange for shares in Susquehannah Turnpike and produce, and 
where contracts are made for it, the owner sells with release of Int. 3 yrs, * * * 
It makes a great difference from what it would be to engage cash to a person at a 
distance. As you expressed a wish for a description of the land, I will insert 
one. The Township is No. 1 in the first range of Phelps & Gorhams' purchase. 

"This land was sold several years ago, but the purchasers failed in making 
payments and it has this summer reverted to the owner Mr. Pulteney of London. 
If you should conclude to receive it * * * I have little doubt but I can get as- 
sistance to go thro' with the contract. T should wish to get a longer time than 
I mentioned to acquire the title, say, perhaps, G mo. from next spring. 

"Memorandum by Ilenry Welles, "23 Oct. 1804 W^ote to Mr. Caton Mentioned that 
we must make arrangements for removal stated situation of the farm, plagued with cattle &c 
Tioga Point requires constant vigilance to keep in repair the only way to render valuable to 
get possession of alt the Point — rather unsafe to drive out the Yankees now, proposed never- 
theless to buy — offered 10000 acres land conditionally, to have 6 months to form company, if 
not liberty to give it up. described land offered mentioned that my Father would deed his 
part for 7 or even 5000 dollars, if desired. Mr Caton gave too much for Tioga Point — spoke 
of its depreciated state, compared it to Bath &c. Offered that if he chose I would buy Fathers 
l/.*? mentioned lie'd never get more for Tioga Point Requested an answer soon, determined to 
move soon. * * *" This memorandum, found after writing chapter, shows that Ilenry Welles' 
first idea was to form a stock company to purchase the Point, also that he thought the ad- 
vantages of Bath were superior. 



PROPOSED EXCHANGE FOR PULTENEY LANDS 375 

"The tract contains 24,000 or 25,000 acres of land, and I would engage to 
select the best 4,000 acres in a square body which this contains. 

"These are the only offers 1 can make, and considering the distracted state 
of things at the Point, it is a great price indeed. You will much oblige me, Sir, 
by losing no time in forwarding your specific answer to this proposition. 

"P. S. I hope to go to Conn't in the Winter and Balt'o in the Spring." 

The following letter shows Henry Welles still in great perplexity, 
and records a death which has -generally been said to- liaz^e preceded 
Henry Welles' proposition for Point purchase, i. e., Ehsha Mat- 
thewson's : 

"Apr. 24, 1805. — R. Caton — Sir: A few days since I received your favor of 
14th Jan. and 10th Feb'y in answer to the proposals I made last November for 
purchasing a part of tlie Point. (Note, the above mentioned Caton letters arc 
missing.) 

"The great delay that has taken place in the business, joined to several other 
circumstances that have arisen will compel me to abandon the design. One or 
two persons who were willing to join me last fall have made different arrange- 
ments during the winter so that I have no one who will join me in the business. 
I was likewise prevented going to Conn't to get associates. Another reason re- 
mains, in itself sufficient, if there were no other to bar all progress. The owners 
of the New York land which I had in view, hold it higher than 1 was informed 
* * * so much so as to take away the inducement to adventure. 

"We have had a very high flood here this spring which has done the point 
great damage as to the soil and fences. 

"We have lost several neighbors lately of Consumption, among whom are 
Elisha Matthewson and A. Decker. — H. Welles." 

Evidently the proposed exchange was satisfactorily arranged, as 
in July, 1805, Caton and Harper offered to contract one-third of the 
Point for 4,000 acres of land near Bath. The entire correspondence 
concerning this tract is still preserved. The letters show that the propo- 
sition to the agent of the Pulteney estate was first made early in Sei)tem- 
ber, 1804, by both George and Henry Welles ; the terms of payment, the 
same as to all purchasers in Phelps and Gorham purchase, were seven 
years credit, first three without interest ; price one dollar per acre, in 
four annual payments. It was, however, made in six payments : 

"Feb. 26, 1806. — Mr. R. Caton : I have at length effected a purchase of the 
4,000 acres of land conditionally. I have little doubt but the land will suit, and 
that I can go thro' with the payments provided I can be accommodated by Mr. 
Carroll in the following manner: As I must sell some of the land upon the 
Point to enable me to meet the installments, I want Mr. Carroll should deed cer- 
tain small lots to me or persons who buy of me, on my satisfying him that all 
the money received therefor is applied to paying for the 4,000 acres * * * I 
must pay 1/8 of the purchase money on executing the contract. Unless it can 
be arranged in that way, it will be impossible to ever get thro'. In addition to 
the pasture, which I want Mr. Paine to have, I wish to^ sell the store and lot 
on which it stands. That is all the property which there is any chance of selling 
near its value. 

"Should the contract be performed it is my expectation that Mr. Carroll 
will give a Bond for a full and complete warrantee deed, and the deed to be 
made when I am able to give him a good title to the 4,000 acres, free from all 
incumbrances. There is scarcely a person in the few to whom I mentioned the con- 
ditions of the purchase, but says the 4,000 acres worth much the most money. I 
wish most earnestly that you would bring a suit of ejectment against some of the 
possessors of your property here. If I buy here I don't know what to do with 
those on the land. They ask as much as a good title is worth and some of them 
won't sell at all. * * * 

"In case this purchase takes place, I think my Fatlicr will settle amicably, etc. 

"Yours, etc. "H. Welles.'' 



376 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

A few weeks later Henry writes dubiously again, as Col. Troup has 
failed to receive powers from Sir William Pulteney's heirs. In this let- 
ter some insight is gained as to how this enterprising young man pro- 
posed to obtain funds for first payment. He had purchased 500 acres 
of land in New York state at a nominal price (probably paid in pork 
and whisky) and now had a chance to sell 400 acres of it at $4 per 
acre. He was uncertain about both this sale and that of some land on 
the Point, and adds in a despondent mood : 

"The credit of the point is so low as a place of business that no one seems 
disposed to adventure in it, & as a farm is quite too high so I see small chance 
of going on with the trade for the 1/3. I am weary of grasping objects above 
my abihty to attain, the affair appears hopeless. I feel quite unhappy while 
thinking what a childish business it is likely to prove." 

'Tis a curious thing (oft seen since), this love for the valley, 
shown in reaching out in every direction to dabble in lands which 
would at last bring him his heart's desire, even though it was a poor 
location ! But things soon came his way ; Col. Troup received his com- 
mission, the 500 acres in the Beers settlement were sold, Caton and 
Carroll approved, and all went merry as a marriage bell. Yea, verily, 
for it was no doubt on one of these trips to view land, or to obtain the 
assistance of James Pumpelly at Owego, that he first saw ]\Iiss Phoebe 
Patrick, according to Mrs. Perkins' story, although Mrs. Ann Paine, 
in a letter at hand, says that the young lady was visiting at her home 
in Athens when Henry caught his first glimpse of her. 

This letter and answer give a very correct idea of the proposed 
transaction, Welles having previously complied with Caton's request 
and taken a surveyor to view the land and give certificate. The tract 
eventually bore the name of Caton : 

"Sept. 7, 1806. — Mr. Caton — Dear Sir : — I received your letter of the 4th of 
August, stating your acceptance of the 4,000 acres of land. Since that time I 
have closed the contract with Col. Troup, * * * In a few days we shall exchange 
writings and I shall receive from him a bond or contract drawn in his usual 
form, which I will transfer to Mr. Carroll in the manner pointed out in your 
letter. I get a credit for the remaining purchase money of five yearly payments 
and have every reason to suppose I can meet them as they become due. How- 
ever, lest I should not, I shall wish Mr. Carroll to allow me a year or two in 
addition that I may be sure. Col. Troup will be lenient and accommodating, and 
having no doubt but you and Mr. Carroll will be also, I feel confident of suc- 
ceeding. In the meantime you will be safe on all sides for the improvements 
alone which I am about making on the point will pay the interest of the money. 
The sale you now make to me is certainly a good one — the 4,000 acres of land, 
if I am a judge combine pretty much every advantage that any tract does any 
where about here. It is from 5 to 8 miles from the river, the soil is such as to 
admit of a general settlement, and well watered and timbered. There will be a 
road cut through the township soon, and settlers are going in fast. Mr. Haight 
tells me he has refused a dozen applicants for farms there since my application, 
lest there should be clashing of lines. Now I have made the selection, the diflfi- 
culty is over, and he will sell the lands fast. I have had some considerable trou- 
ble in removing a location which was made in center of the 4,000 acres, but have 
effected it, and now you will have it in a regular square form. * * * 

"Now, Mr. Caton, it is very inconvenient, indeed, for me to leave home on 
so long a journey as to Maryland. It is both expensive and injurious to my busi- 
ness, * * * and I want, if possible, our affairs arranged to be settled as nigh 
home as Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Rosewell Welles, would be a proper person to 
make tlie exchanges of paper between us. If it can be done in that way, we 



THE EXCHANGE CONSUMMATED 377 

will fix on the preliminaries, and but a few days delay need to take place. If 
I were not uncommonly engaged with taking off and putting in crops, and keep- 
ing the distillery agoing, I would go to Maryland * * * but it would hurt me a 
good deal. I have already rode upwards of 1500 miles on account of this purchase. 
The papers relating to it are : A deed from my Father of his right to the Point ; 
Col. Troups Bond assigned by me. On your part merely the Bond of Con- 
veyance from Mr. Carroll to me. I expect the Bond to be drawn with a full 
warranty against all persons except the Yankees. 

"As this is the most proper time to close the accounts between your estate 
and my Father's, I will state his terms, which he says are the best he can pos- 
sibly offer. * * * He will give up 1200 acres of the N. York land, and all the 
notes, except Saltmarsh's, Hopkins' and Irwin's ; indeed the SO town lots, and 
give a quit claim to all his right and title to the point. In return for which he 
expects a general release from all claimants * * * The small amount of property 
which will remain in his hands will do little more than to pay the debt due to 
the estate of his sister,''' and which must be paid, while Lockhart's claim must 
go unsatisfied. Should an adjustment take place between you and him the papers 
may be exchanged in the way that I mentioned above, or if they are too bulky, 
a settlement may be omitted until next spring, when I shall probably be in 
Baltimore. I propose taking a few mules to Maryland if they bring a good 
price. I will thank you to inform me what pretty good ones of two or three 
years old would fetch. 

"Hoping to hear from you soon. Sir. I remain yours with Sentiments of 
respect and esteem, "Henry Welles." 

"P. S. I want the favour of you to make an exchange with me of about 
8 acres of land which if you consent to will induce us upon the whole to building 
a dwelling house in the village. The spot which I want is the remaining part of 
what we call the still house lot. I should be glad to get it from you in lieu of 
some of the 1/3 next to the town which is good building ground as the other 
and eventually will be as valuable. My reason for wishing to make the exchange is 
that our large barn and distillery are directly back of the 8 acres, and there is no 
suitable building ground on our part of the lot. I am willing to give as much 
more land out of the 1/3 as is fully sufficient to make you good in the exchange, 
and I really hope it may not be disagreeable for you to do it. If I can't build 
there the barn and distill house will be in a manner lost to me. I am willing 
to give two acres for one. I wonder we don't hear any thing of a process on 
Mrs. Matthewson. Have purchased out Decker and paid him $500 in full." 

The still house built in 1799 was on the river bank near the end 
of present Harris Street. The lots desired included the property lying 
just north of Chemung Street as far as present line of Mrs. L. M. Park 
(1907). 

"Baltimore 28 Sept 1806.— To Henry Welles— Dear Sir: Your letter of 7 
inst. rec'd. Glad to learn you have concluded contract with Col. Troup. * * * 
The bargain I have no doubt will prove a beneficial one to you, and I sincerely 
hope it will. I see no necessity of your coming to Maryland to complete ex- 
change of titles with Mr. Carroll. If you will obtain your father's deed, the one 
third fully and completely transferred to Mr. Carroll, and assign the contract 
rec'd from Troup, forward them to Mr. Rosewell Welles, and desire him to hold 
for the use of Mr. Carroll, to be surrendered to him or his order on receiving 
his bond for conveyance of said 1/3 Point ; I will immediately, on being informed 
by you of date of deed, forward to you through Mr. Welles or Geo. Griffin, Mr. 
Carroll's bond, to be given to you on receipt of father's deed &c. Thus you will 
save the trouble and expense of a journey. * * * I cannot say anything about 
exchange you propose until I see the plot ; you will hear in a post or two. I 
cannot tell why E. M. has not been sued. Mr. Harper employed Mr. Hopkinson 
for this purpose in preference to young Ingersoll." 

* Jerusha Welles had loaned money for puichase of New York lands mentioned, which 
were in the Beers purchase near Spencer, N. Y. 



378 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

It may be observed that in the later suits it was claimed that 
Henry Welles instituted this suit and employed Mr. Hopkinson, easily 
disproved by the foregoing letter. 

Referring at length to^ proposals of George Welles for settlement, 
he offers to have settlement so made by Carroll that his (Caton's) 
creditors can make no interference, and they were many, as will appear 
later. January, 1807, he writes again, saying he has sent Carroll's 
bond to Welles and Griffin at Wilkes-Barre, mentioning : 

"It warrants and defends you against all persons claiming by from or under Mr. 
Carroll or myself, my assigns, creditors or others, etc. — R. C." 

Let us reiterate the legal transactions by which the Welles claim 
to Tioga Point was established under Pennsylvania: 

I. The Lottery Warrant issued by Pennsylvania to Josiah Lock- 
hart. 

II. Lockhart's Deed to Richard Caton, George Welles and Ash- 
bel W^elles. 

HI. Ashbel Welles' deed of undivided third to Richard Caton. 

IV. George Welles' mortgage of undivided third to Richard 
Caton. 

V. Richard Caton's mortgage of his two-thirds to Charles Carroll. 

VI. Caton's assignment of G. Welles' mortgage to Carroll. 

VII. Partition deed between Richard Caton and George Welles. 

VIII. Foreclosure of Caton's mortgage to Carroll. 

IX. G. Welles' deed of his one-third to Carroll. 

X. Henry Welles' bond for 4,000 acres Pulteney lands to R. 
Troup. 

XL Carroll's bond for one-third of the Point to Henry Welles. 

XII. Carroll's deed of same third to Robert Troup. 

XIII. Robert Troup's deed of said third of Point to Henry 
Welles. 

The date of the original patent is 1785, of the last deed 1814. 

There should also be a deed from R. G. Harper to Charles Carroll, 
which was lost in the mails and eventually called the lost deed. A 
letter to Henry Welles, in 1814, from the well-known lawyer Garrick 
Alallery'-'- cites such a deed, but adds "it is not acknowledged or proven 
in any manner." This and the Warranty deed from Carroll and Harper 
established Caton's title, except against the Connecticut settlers. 

The whole transaction was a very complicated affair ; and while 
it came to a successful termination, owing to Henry Welles' energy 
and executive ability ; it shows that, far from being wealthy and ag- 
gressive, he and his family had as hard a struggle to maintain their 
footing on Tioga Point as had their Connecticut neighbors. The con- 
summation of his endeavors was delayed. The legal process being 
somewhat as follows : Henry Welles made a contract with Colonel 
Troup, agent, for aforementioned Pulteney lands. When this was 

-^ Mr. AJallery had his own trials in obtaining documents from Mr. Caton, as in con- 
nection with a proposed ejectment suit he writes: ''There is still some defect in the chain 
of title to Tioga Point, which is in my hands, and God only knows whether we shall be able 
to obtain the papers from Mr. Caton * * ♦ If you can assist me in getting them I shall be 
obliged, for I despare of ever getting them, from Mr. Caton." 



HENRY WELLES THE OWNER OF THE POINT 379 

closed George Welles executed the long delayed deed for his third 
of the Point to Charles Carroll, dower relinquished by his wife (date 
ISO-i). Thereupon Carroll gave a bond to Henry Welles, agreeing 
to deed his father's third of the Point to him on fulfillment of his 
contract with Troup. Henry Welles assigned contract with Troup to 
Carroll, Caton dictating terms, and asking Welles to "follow vcrhatim." 
Caton at this time once more mentions his air castles, saying : 

"Is there any likelihood of a county town being made of the Point, or will 
it be established elsewhere? I think it lies in your power to obtain the seat of 
Government if proper means are used. Interest is the leading principle with 
modern politicians. I would give several lots to obtain this interest. * * * As 

1 wish not to go to law with your father, since we have thus far progressed with 
unanimity, obtain from him conditions he will allow for final close." 

The annexed letters-^ show the manner in which the business was 
brought to a close, the extent and value of Henry Welles' possessions 

21 March 1809 — S. S. Haight, Agt. Col. Troup — Dear Sir: I received your favour and 
according to your direction will describe the property which I wish to put into your hands 
as security for the balance due on the 4,000 acres. No. 1 is the tongue of land lying below 
the village and between the two rivers and containing 350 acres of land and upwards of 
best flats, and the upland good valuable land 250 acres of it under good fences and cultivation 

2 houses, 1 barn, corn house, etc. on it. No. 2. A town lot and an elegant two story painted 
store also three valuable town lots on which we are building a dwelling house: also 15 other 
town lots on which are two barns, a valuable distillery with out houses — the lots in clover. 

This property is really and intrinsically worth $9,000 or $10,000, three times the 
amount due from me on the contract. The title will come from C. Carroll of Carrollton, and 
is perfect. * * * My anxious wish is to prevail on Col. Troup to make to Mr. Carroll a deed 
for the 4,000 acres in fee and Mr. Carroll would forward to you a deed for the Point as 
above described executed to me and I would come to Bath and execute a mortgage to Troup 
which should go on to be recorded with the deed. I am very anxious to get it eiTected;_ it 
would simplify the business and place me in a much safer situation. The present alarming 
aspect of our national affairs is certainly a great inducement to wish this arrangement to take 
place. If any thing should occur that the Government would register the property of foreign- 
ers, it is ten to one but that I should lose it. I give you the most solemn assurance that ypu 
can request Col. Troup to oblige me with the utmost safety and propriety. * * * The security 
is perfect and ample. IJach day adds to its value as we are continually improving it. Every 
exertion will be made to pay all the money, and I pledge myself that as great if not greater 
efforts will be made to meet the payments than in its present situation and that there will 
never be any necessity for resorting to legal coercion in the case. Now, Sir, you will oblige 
me much if you will induce Col. Troup to accommodate me and let me hear from you as 
speedily as possible. I am, Sir, with respect and esteem, Henry Welles. 

Geneva, N. Y., 2,3 Oct. 1809.— To Charles Carroll of Carrollton— Sir: Mr. Welles of 
Tioga Point shewed me a few days ago your contract with him whereby you have bound 
yourself to convey to him certain lands and village lots at the point upon his procuring a 
ccnveyance to you of the lands he purchased of Sir James Pulteney and the Countess of Bath 
under mv agency. 

Tlie present clouded aspect of our public affairs has filled Mr. Welles' mind with appre- 
hensions that a war will take place between our country and Great Britain and that in this 
event all British property within our territory will be confiscated, and it may be difficult for 
him to obtain a deed. Without entering into any speculations on the probability or the im- 
probability of War and the consequences of it, I feel every disposition from the worth of Mr. 
Welles's character, to oblige him where I can do it consistently with a due execution of the 
trust reposed in me. 

This disposition led me to propose to him the following arrangement which he has con- 
sented to, provided it meets with your approbation. 

1st. The lands and village lots at the point to be conveyed by you to me. 

2nd. The lands purchased by Mr. Welles under my agency, to be conveyed by me as 
Agent to the Pulteney estate to you. 

.3rd. Upon the receipt of your deed to me I am to convey a quit claim deed of the lands 
and village lots at the Point to Mr. Welles and this deed is to be lodged with a mutual friend 
as an escrow to be delivered to Mr. Welles when all the purchase money due from Mr. Welles 
to my principals is paid. 

By this arrangement it appears to me that Mr. Welles's apprehensions of difficulty 
from the confiscation of British property will be removed, and that no injury will be done to 
you or my principals. 

Since my contract with Mr. Welles the Countess of Bath has died and as she has died 
without a will as to all her real estate, that part of it which she left in this state has descended 
to her cousin Sir John Lorrither Johnstone as the heir at law. Sir James Pulteney, the hus- 
band of the Countess has survived her, but by his marriage contract. Sir James precluded 
himself from all right to his wife's real Estate, both what she then owned and what she might 
afterwards acquire and in addition to this as there never was any issue of the marriage Sir 
James has no interest in the estate, as tenant by the (illegible"). The Countess of Bath ac- 
quired the estate by descent from her father, the late Sir Wm. Pulteney and as his only child 



380 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



on the Point, and also an interesting account both of the Pulteney estate 
and of i)ubhc atYairs. The payments to Troup were made in "cash, 
-ccJiisky, pork a>id farm produce," and in LSll Henry Welles sent his 
younger brother to Baltimore to obtain Carroll's deed to Troup. While 
this was secured, it was three years before Troup executed the deed 
to Henry Welles, who thereby saw consummated his heart's desire, 
and after a struggle of ten years became the owner of his father's 
original one-third of the Indian Arrow, having displayed throughout 
a wonderful sincerity of purpose to retrieve the family's fallen fortunes 
and provide a home for them. Sadly enough, the father did not live 
to see the consummation, although he had, for several years, occui)ie(l 
the house built bv himself with Henrv's assistance in 1809. This 




George Welles' House 

quaint old house was demolished in 189G to make room for a modern 
residence (R. F. Page's). It was strange that it had so long withstood 
the ravages of time, as the walls had little studding and no siding, 
"clapboards nailed right on the plaster," said one when it was taken 
down. Within, the two main rooms, with their panelled wainscoting, 
great fireplaces and old brass door fittings must have made a fine show- 
ing in its early days, when friends, young and old, crowded around the 
roaring fires. Many is the tale we have heard of life within those 
walls. It was the home of Henry Welles and his family until 1823, 
then knew various tenants imtil 1833, when it became the home of 
Susan, daughter of Henry Welles, soon after her marriage to the late 
Edward H. Perkins, and it was the birthplace of her children. Thus 
it was a Welles homestead for four generations. 

and heiress at law. I state these facts that I may be the better able to say, Sir J. L. Johnstone 
is now the legal owner of the Pulteney estate and that holding a regular and full power of Att'y 
from him, I am in a situation to convey to you by a sufficient Deed a perfect and unencum- 
bered title to the lands described in my contract with Mr. W. 

I shall have this in ten or twelve days upon my return to Albany where I at present 
reside, and where I hope to be favoured with your answer as soon as your convenience will 
permit. With great respect I am Sir, Robert Troup. 



PERSISTENCY OF THE CONNECTICUT CLAIM 381 

In 1813 a peculiar epidemic, known only from letters, called the 
"cold fever," swept over the valley and claimed among its many victims 
George Welles. However, he had lived long enough, not only to ap- 
preciate the worth of his eldest son, but to know that by the various 
enactments of Pennsylvania Lockhart's claim had passed. Lockhart 
himself was dead, and the bonds had not to be paid. 

In dealing with Richard Caton, unquestionably the great distance 
between them, and the lack of mail facilities, made transaction of busi- 
ness extremely tedious, and gave rise to many of the misunderstand- 
ings alluded to in foregoing letters. Richard Caton, though a man of 
great ability, surely was visionary as to the possibilities of the vSusque- 
hanna and Tioga Point. Then, too. his life, in the midst of a large 
family circle with great social privileges, was such that business mat- 
ters were often neglected, causing delays most vexatious to the plodding 
people at Tioga Point who craved the social life, and were worthy of 
it, yet had it not. The brave young man, who assumed all the burdens 
of obtaining the sound Pennsylvania title, excites sympathy, and surely 
seems to have deserved no other adversities. But. through all these 
vania, is the land controversy growing out of the Connecticut Claim." 
rising and falling, like mercury in a thermometer, as influenced by the 
temperature of what has been somewhat erroneously called "enabling 
and corrective legislation of Pennsylvania." From 1T8T to 1810 every 
Act was dissected or disdained by either the Connecticut or the Penn- 
sylvania Claimants. Every settler must be quieted. "Quieting acts," 
indeed ! The Legislature was like a great ball, tossed rapidly back and 
forth between the Pennsylvania landholders, fierce for gain, and the 
Yankee and Pennamite settlers, longing for peaceful homes. Strange 
that long ago the full history of these controversies was not carefully 
written, viewed from all points ; for, as Mr. Craft has well said, "the 
key note to the history of the North Branch Valley, lying in Pennsyl- 
vania, is the land controversy growing out of the Connecticut Claim." 
As concerns Wyoming proper, it reaches consecutive and full narration 
in Harvey's forthcoming "History of Wilkes-Barre." Yet, though Wyo- 
ming historians have been many, and the name "Wyoming" has gener- 
ally seemed to include the North Branch Valley ; os yet no attention has 
ever been given to the local controversies in the upper Susquehanna 
toivnships. No mention ever has been made of the controversy be- 
tween the Welles and Alatthewson families ; said to have been "the 
most important case in regard to land titles ever tried in the courts of 
Pennsylvania ;" interesting for its special legislation, and the special 
pleading it evoked, as well as for the material issues at stake. At its 
close the newspapers of the day spoke of it as "a long and painful 
controversy, that had been for many years a heavy expense to the 
state." j\Iuch general history of the Point has here to be put over 
to a future chapter, that the history of the Pennsylvania title and the 
litigation that ensued may be clearly given. 

It will be remembered that in the allotment of Athens, as was the 
custom, the lots in different divisions were so assigned as to insure 
even distribution of the most eligible, which in this grant were generally 



382 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

acknowledged to be the long' cleared and cultivated Indian meadows 
on lower part of the Point. The best of these lay along the Chemung 
river, as shown in map, Chap. XIV". Elisha Matthewson and Elisha 
Satterlce drew or chose contiguous lots on the Point, and also along 
the east bank of Susquehanna. It was very soon agreed that each 
should cultivate for the other the lots on same side of the river as their 
respective homes. 

Elisha IMatthewson had lots Nos. 1, 2, 6, 11, 13, 16, 17, 2i, 
29 and 30. He never purchased the whole farm, as has been said. 
Probably, as these lots lay in both the first and second grant of Ulster, 
he thought his settlement would come under the terms of the Trenton 
decree. At any rate, he was steadfast in his faith in the Connecticut 
Claim, and repeatedly declined George Welles' offers to buy. Had 
these lots been contiguous, his refusal would not have been such an 
annoyance ; but. as may be seen by the map, they were intermingled 
with those held by George Welles, and later by his son. The frequent 
freshets prevented maintenance of fences, so that it was practically 
impossible to preserve boundary lines. Ejectment was early considered 
by Caton and Welles, probably deferred both because so few persisted 
in refusal, and because the Pennsylvania claimant was not regarded 
with favor. Old letters show that there was even a prejudice against 
George Welles because he was college bred and reputed a man of means, 
his Connecticut origin counting as naught, or perhaps making him more 
odious. 

Henry Welles having decided to purchase some part of the prop- 
erty, made his propositions to Richard Caton, as has been seen, one 
year before Elisha Matthewson's death, a fact that seems to have been 
curiously overlooked in his defense. Mr. Matthewson left his property 
in trust to his wife, for use of herself and six children ; her brother. 
Dr. Elias Satterlee, being appointed co-executor. 

Elizabeth Satterlee Matthewson was a strong character and proved 
abundantly able to defend her children's rights. 

This possession and attitude of the Matthewson's naturally was a 
source of annoyance to Henry Welles when persuaded by Mr. Caton 
to purchase his father's third, rather than some of Caton's two-thirds ; 
therefore, in August, 1800, according to Caton's letters, Mr. Harper 
employed Mr. Hopkinson, "a Philadelphia lawyer of splendid talents 
and great industry," to commence a suit of ejectment against Mrs. 
Matthewson. This may be called the first step in the bitter controversy 
of twenty years duration. 

For several months Mr. Caton continued to allude to Hopkinson's 
inexplicable delay, and in December, 1806, Henry Welles wrote : 

"I wish to call your attention once more to the subject of ejectment. You 
know that we arranged that Mrs. Matthewson should be sued first ; under that 
expectation, and vexed at the injuries & inconveniences we are continually re- 
ceiving, I threatened her. Jonathan Harris, & others with suits in the spring 
and summer, & month after month passed on without a step being taken — this 
gives them courage, and now they say we dare not sue them. An unpleasant 
situation, — in addition they are exhausting the lots they occupy and rob us of a 
great part of the feed. Now Mr. Caton I am apprehensive from the delay that 
there is some objection or unwillingness on your mind or Mr. Carroll's, if this 



THE MATTHEWSON EJECTIMEXT 383 

should be the case I will feel much obliged to you to inform me that I may no 
more render myself ridiculous with empty threats. I should he glad to have 
Jonathan Harris" sued at same time with Mrs. M., provided a suit can be brought 
by Mr. Carroll on our third as Harris occupies none but which is included in 
that part." 

He continties to .stiggest how writs might be served, etc., to avoid 
expense. 

Mr. Caton's letters show Welles' fancies ttnfotinded, but the delay 
continued, doubtless from the lawyer's hesitancy, although again asked 
in January, 1807, to attend to it. At this time Caton, having inquired 
if Welles would pay one-third of the costs, received this reply : 

"I am willing to pay |s of expense attending suit against Mrs. M. though 
the greater part of her possessions, say f are on your lands, but this suit will be 
in a great measure decisive ; it will in my opinion if the result is favorable to us 
(as I suppose it must be) put an end to all opposition. I have pretty much given 
up all hopes of the Point becoming a County town — and indeed of a new county 
being soon laid off, there are as many views & interests as there are farms, every 
man wanting the Court house between his Barn & house, and there is such dis- 
agrement about the outlines of the County as will prevent the Assembly from 
acting upon it untill the inhabitants can agree better among themselves, * * * 
it is probable Wysock will be the spot for the court house eventually." He also 
makes many inquiries concerning windmills, and mentions that he and his father 
want to build a snug house in the village, and want a little more land to accom- 
modate them." 

The Caton letters at this period prove that Henry Welles was not 
gtiilty of the charge (brought against him later) that he instittited the 
suit himself, without sanction of Mr. Carroll or agents. He did, how- 
ever, become desperate at continued delay, and visited Philadelphia 
Jiily, 1807, as shown in a very lengthy letter to Mr. Caton, extracts 
from which are here given as interesting, if not all bearing on the case 
in view : 

"I have just returned from Philadelphia * * * Mr. Hopkinson says that the 
title to land in question must be fully in Plaintiff's possession at time of com- 
viciicing tlic action. Now as the writ is drawn in name of Mr. Carroll, and you 
bid off the two-thirds in the name of Mr. Harper, I am apprehensive, * * * 
You know much better than I what is requisite. It will be well to place the title 
papers in Mr. Hopkinson's hands seasonably; court sits in October * * * I have 
not the least fear of the issue if the cause is attended to. Harris's possession 
was not sufficiently valuable to admit action in District court, and I have con- 
cluded to push the action instituted against him by my father three years ago. 
I must look to you for necessary papers, the Patent to Lockhart and the various 
deeds. * * *" 

The allusions to Jonathan Harris' claim show that he had evi- 
dently resisted the Pennsylvania claim as stubbornly as Ehsha Mat- 
thewson. Harris built a house on one of the Point lots soon after his 
arrival in the valley in 1789, a well-attested fact, althotigh it is gener- 
ally said he first settled near the State line. 

There was a severe freshet that year, and all the extra time was 
employed in replacing fences, but they were in great need of a wind- 
mill. Welles therefore asks Mr. Caton, if possible, to send him a reliable 
workman to erect the mill, saying: 

"Getting grinding in the manner we do now is not only a trouble and 
expense, but the losses &c. from roguish millers are considerable. I am willing 

2^ Jonathan Harris relinquished his right to No. 27 in 1808 for $75, duly recorded. 



384 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

to pay a reliable millwright such wages as will compensate for coming such a 
distance ; we have three very unruly mules which we should be glad to part 
with, & if the workman were to walk up here we would furnish him with a 
good one to ride back upon. Now Mr. Caton if you assist me in this and send 
a good workman you will confer a great favor and we will send you a very 
likely 2 year old Mule which you will please to accept towards the trouble you 
will have in the affair, we will send it by the millwright." 

Surely, tmruly mules are most ttuusual returns for favors. Mr. 
Caton must have been gratified ! August 3, Welles acknowledges re- 
ceipt of the Patent by Mr. Sedgwick.-^ This is the Patent now in pos- 
session of heirs of E. Herrick, Jr. It should be in the George Welles 
case in Tioga Point Museum. At this time Henry Welles reports difiPi- 
culties between Mrs. Matthewson and her brother, Elisha Satterlee, 
concerning the lots exchanged in use, beforementioned. He fears that 
Satterlee will obtain possession, rendering another suit necessary, and 
concludes to serve the writ, hoping title has now been vested in Mr. 
Carroll. Accordingly the writ was served. What consternation it 
caused ! 

According to Col. John Fraiiklin's deposition (some years later), 
Mrs. Matthewson at once carried to him "a copy of the writ served and 
returnable to the Circuit Court of the U. S. to be held in Philadelphia." 

He offered to engage an attorney for her at $10, but she replied 
she was too^ poor to pay the fee. She then appealed to her brother, 
Elisha Satterlee, saying that she would remain quiet if some of the 
leading Connecticut men would defend the suit and get the general 
question tried : that is, to put the Connecticut title to the test. Other- 
wise, she said, she "must settle ivitli Mr. Carroll as best she could." 
Franklin and Satterlee did not respond to her appeal, perhaps dared 
not. But she set up no defense, and the case was temporarily sus- 
pended, and soon after afifairs took a new turn. 

A new actor here enters on the scene — n/y.^^ 

Thomas Overton,-'' an Englishman residing at ^^^7^,^/C 
Wilkes-Barre, who had become the agent of 
Joseph Wharton, of Philadelphia. (Many of the original claims under 
Pennsylvania east of the rivers had passed to Wharton.) Luzerne 
County being too distant from the lands in charge, Mr. Overton de- 
cided to establish himself at Tioga Point. 

The following letter introduces him : 

"Nov. 30, 1807. — Mr. Caton — Sir : — I wrote you several weeks ago. by the 
particular desire of Mr. Miller relative to his lot, and mentioned that I would 
write again soon. I have since been so busy at corn harvest as not to have time. 
The most important and I think agreeable news I have to communicate is, that 

"" This must have been Stephen Sedgwick, the lawyer, who was for a time a resident 
at Newtown, a man of keen intellect and brilliant intellectual powers, the progenitor of the 
present distinguished family of his name. According to Henry Welles' letters he also lived at 
Athens, and may be of the same family, who intermarried with family of Ashbel Welles. 

^Thomas Overton was from Lancashire, and judging from the meagre family records, 
could not have been long in this country, as his second son was born in England in 1795. 

His wife's name was Bleasdale; they had five sons, of whom Edward and William H. 

were well known in this section; Edward as the eminent lawyer of Towanda and WMlliam H. 
as a citizen of Tioga Point, engaged in various activities. Thomas Overton lived a few years 
at Tioga Point, then purchased the Solomon Tracy place in Ulster, where he lived and died. 
(Now Mather.) He was agent for various land tracts on both sides of the river; also kept a 
famous public house, the rendezvous of the militia. \'ery many of his descendants have been 
residents of P>radford County and Wilkes-Harre. As a Pennsylvania land agent Mr. Overton 
met with all the antagonism and criticism that was rife at that time. 



AGREEMENT WITH MRS. MATTHEWSON 385 

ive have settled zvith Mrs. Matthexvson on the subject of the suit against her. 
The circumstances attending it were such as made a delay impracticable. Thos. 
Overton was at that time contracting with her for the House and Lot on which 
she lives provided she could make a Penn'a Title, and a good neighbor was 
an additional inducement, to settle with her amicably. The terms are, she gives 
up all her possessions on the Lockhart purchase for the Penn'a title for the 
house and lot where she lives (the Red Tavern), and we pay the costs of the 
suit. These terms we think are very good for us, as well as her, for I am sure 
you would not wish to turn her out of her house when she did not set up any 
defence, and for my part I should have felt disagreeable to have pushed even 
at the end of an Execution to any better terms. Under these impressions we 
ventured to act for you and I hope it will meet with your approbation. We 
have given a Bond for Mr. Carroll's Deed, and now have peaceable possession 
of all the lands, except those that have winter crops on, and those are to be 
divided up next summer. Mr. Overton is coming to this place to reside with 
his family, and intends opening a land office. He has extensive agencies, and 
seems to make many advantageous sales. I have never until lately been able 
to say that I thought the dispute in this county was near a termination, but now 
I really think it is. 

"With regard to my Father's accounts with you, he says it is. (and I know 
it to be so), almost impossible to pay you anything more than 1200 acres of the 
New York land, I to retain Saltmarsh's. Hopkins' and Irwin's notes. * * a de- 
mand against Irwin would be worth nothing. Of Hopkins, we have nothing, 
except Physick, and of Saltmarsh, but a small part. The small amount of 
property which would be possessed by my Father, after delivering up the 1200 
acres, and the remaining notes would not pay what remains due to the estate 
of his sister Jerusha Welles and the expenses attending his insolvency which 
must now shortly take place. Out of that scanty pittance, however, he will add 
two hundred dollars as compensation for rent up to the time of settlement. If 
you could know our circumstances exactly. Mr. Caton, you would find that it 
would take everything that belongs to my Father that could be asked short of 
general delivery. I have not had any of his property towards paying for the 
Point. What I have paid all arose from my own resources, and our accounts 
have been kept sufficiently separate to do entire justice to his creditors. 

"I hope you will think, as I really do, that it is best to close on those terms 
* * * I suppose you do not choose to make the exchange I have mentioned, of 
land on the Point. However, Spring will soon arrive, when I expect to have 
the honor of seeing you. I will thank you for a letter soon. H. W." 

In regard to this settlement with Mrs. Matthewson tliere are notes 
of Henry Welles, saying that Dr. Elias Satterlee, Thomas Overton and 
David Paine called on his father and made the first proposition. 
Everything now seemed very serene. Henry Welles looked forward 
to farming in comfort, and built a corn house at once on one of the lots. 

Shortly after he writes again to Caton : 

"Sir : It would be very agreeable to me if you would get deed to Mrs. Mathew- 
son executed by Mr. Carroll and sent on * * * j ^-^^^ ^iie more anxious as great 
delays seem to arise in affecting any thing where there is such distance. * * * 
I am sorry to say the prcspect of the point coming under the seventeen town act 
is rather dull and uncertain. I am so perfectly convinced of its being to our 
interest as to wish anxiously for it ; even if you were desirous of repurchasing 
any part you would get it at a price little higher than land of an equal quality 
any where about the neighborhood, consequently at a great discount from the 
Lockhart price. The supplement to the Act provides a compensation by the 
verdict of the jury to the Penn'a claimant up to the full value of lands and im- 
provements. Our situation, however, would be still better as Lockhart would un- 
questionably have to refund, principal, int. etc." 

At the time of the transaction with Overton a deed of the Point 
lots to Henry Welles from Mrs. IMatthewson and Elias Satterlee was 



386 OLD TIOCxA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

drawn, and a bond was given by George and Henry Welles, agreeing 
to procure Pennsylvania title for Overton. These two documents'-^ 
were placed in the hands of David Paine, who, though clerk of the 
Susquehanna Company, was friendly to both Welles and Matthewson. 
Attached to these papers still is Paine's deposition that he delivered 
deed when fully executed, although later it was claimed that the con- 
ditions of delivery had not been fulfilled when Paine relinquished said 
deed to Henry Welles. 

Matters now appeared very placid, but it was only the calm pre- 
ceding a great storm. Naturally, Mrs. Matthewson knew she had 
made a very poor bargain, relincjuishing the 100 acres, and getting only 
the price of house and lot. But just at that time the Connecticut claim 
had little showing. A new factor arriving on the scene quickly changed 
opinions. 

Dr. Robert H. Rose, agent for certain Pennsylvania landholders 
in Bradford County, came during the winter of 180? to open a land ofiice 
at Tioga Point. He was not a stranger, having been active all through 
the valley in 1803 and 1804 as an agent acting under Judge Cooper, 
commissioner. At this second coming he was special agent for the Bing- 
ham tract. Athens and Ulster did not receive the benefits of Act of 
1799, and therefore all settlers in those townships were classed as in- 
truders, and had lost hope. Dr. Rose left no stone unturned in procur- 
ing settlers for his location, and made known to all that a movement 
was on foot to petition legislature for supplementary acts in favor of 
Bedford, Ulster and Athens. And further, he gave public encourage- 
ment that Pennsylvania landholders would support such a measure. 
Again hope rose high in Elizabeth Matthewson's mind. 

As she had not yet relinquished all the property, why not seek to 
hold possession ? Mr. Overton, according to his own deposition, had 
already been skillfully treated. As he was leaving town for the wanter, 
he ofifered first payment on price ($T00) of house and lot, without 
waiting for the title. This was declined ; cash was scarce, and Mrs. 
Matthewson feared she might be induced to lend, and so lose. It was 
agreed that the entire payment should be made at once, that she might 
have a fund to purchase elsewhere,-'^ and the matter rested. Soon 

-•' These papers are among the Herrick-Welles portion of Craft Collection. The quit 
claim deed to Henry Welles was recorded in Susqu'a Co. Records Book G, p. 163, by John 
Franklin, clerk. Besides this and the aforementioned Bond, was an agreement between Henry 
Welles and Mrs. Matthewson, whereby he agreed to lease to her for the nominal sum of 
seventy cents, a lot south of Big Flat pasture, also three other meadow lots, for her use for 
sixteen months to 7 November, 1809, the meadow lots not to be ploughed, but improved for 
mowing, and delivered at expiration of time, without delay, and in as good repair as to fences 
as now. And yet it was on one of these lots that plowing was commenced in the ensuing 
spring, resulting in a desperate quarrel on the spot, according to sworn depositions. An ap- 
pended record to last agreement gives names of various witnesses to the fact that Henry 
Welles warned Mrs. M. 7 Aug., 1809, demanded possession 7 Nov., 1809, that she gave pos- 
session 8 Nov., and that Mr. Welles drove off her slock same day. 

™ The outcome of this matter was as follows, according to Overton's sworn deposition: 
When he went up in the Spring to make complete payment, he was told that Mrs. M. had 
only a life interest, and one of the older children assured him they would call on him if sale 
was consummated. He asked in vain to be indemnified against children's claim and decided 
the contract was at an end. But after Henry W^elles had been put in possession of the other 
lots as agreed, effort was made to make Overton pay, and a suit was brought against him in 
New York State in 1809, and he was arrested at Newtown. He was also deceived (evidently 
intentionally) by N'incent Mathews, lawyer, for when he came up the river at appointed time, 
he learned a judgment by_ default had been taken against him, he was "taken into execution, 
and before he could get his liberty, he was obliged to release Mrs. M. and Dr. Satterlee from 



THE YANKEE-PENKAMITE SEESAW 387 

thereafter it was apparent that Henry Welles, as well as Mrs. Matthew- 
son, had fallen on troublous times, and both deserve sympathy. New 
lions now loom up in the way, as disclosed in the following letter, well 
calculated to give even Richard Caton "a bad half hour." The see- 
saw was again in motion — Connecticut up, Pennsylvania down ! 

"Tioga Point, 20th Feb'y. 1808.— R. Caton, Esq.,— Dear Sir:— I received 
your favor of the 18th, Jan 'y, by last post in answer to my letter of 10th, Dec. 
in which I informed you that Mrs. Mathewson had agreed to give possession of 
some hard quarelling before that is the case. The deed had better be executed 
a deed for the lands. Since that time a new affair has taken place which to 
you and us is fraught with important consequences as it respects the ownership 
of the lands on the Point, and the relative situation of my Father's concerns 
with you and Mr. Lockhart; * * * the Lockhart purchase is about to be included 
in the operation of what is called the Seventeen Town Act, the provisions 
of which you are well acquainted with. It will be held in virtue of an old 
Grant by the Susq'a Co. of a Township called Old Ulster, which runs from the 
Point itself two miles down and three miles up the Susq'a River. The inhab- 
itants have applied to the Commissioners for its establishment, and no doubt 
remains that it will be granted. It will unquestionably deprive you of all the 
lands on the Lockhart purchase, except those now held by both titles or in 
actual possession. It sets every thing afloat and seems just like everything else 
in this cursed eventful country. I am not without apprehensions, that we may 
lose certain lots of which we have taken possession, and Mrs. M. has such 
hopes of being able to hold her lots as to throw out hints that reach our ears, 
that she expects to hold them notwithstanding what is past, but there must be 
some hard quarelling before that is the case. The deed had better be executed 
and sent on here and a Writ of Possession from the Federal Court issued and 
we be put into possession according to law, and the deed tendered ; if that is 
not taken she will be at your mercy. I have but little doubt but these proceed- 
ings will have effect. 

"I suppose you are aware that the power of executors merely cannot give 
a legal title when it is vested in minors, and therefore the Writ of Possession 
is necessary. I suppose that will be sufficient. The Commissioners of the 17 
Towns take a wide range, paying almost exclusive attention to regular Conn't 
titles. A variety of thoughts strike one's mind while thinking on its effect, 
and I am more reconciled to it than at first, under an impression that you can 
recover from Lockhart the full value of the land wrested from you by the State. 
That is a general opinion, and now there are a number of suits depending against 
the State of a similar description. And it might even be expedient to alienate 
the Conn't title to what you do now hold in order to recover more money and 
hold the land by virtue of that title solely. These are crude ideas, at least the 
last one, but there is no doubt but Lockhart will be obliged to refund a large 
sum as his deed you know is very explicit & perfect. It warrants against the 
State in very pointed terms. On the whole I am of the opinion that you will 
be a gainer by this, for my anticipations of the growth and importance of this 
place are very moderate, and even if that were not the case the Conn't title can 
be had at any time very low. In fact the purchase of Lockhart's title was a 
dreadful one, and unless you can recover the money a dead loss. Dr. Rose has 
made contracts with a considerable number of the backsettlers on the Bingham 
tract at one bushel of wheat per acre for the first 100. and 1 1/2 for another 
100 acres to each settler. It was owing to his advice that the idea came of 
quieting settlers on the river in the manner above mentioned. He found it 
necessary in order to effect a settlement with the Back settlers. * * * I have 
leased several lots for you. the possession of which we assumed under your title 
solely, and are rather apprehensive of trouble from the tenants if the Yankees 
case holds. However, I will endeavor to settle it amicably. — Henry Welles." 

the contract and to pay $300 and costs. This suit was carried into Supreme Court, according 
to lawyer's statement still preserved; yet in 1826, when Henry Welles applied to the Clerk of 
Court for "Declaration, Oyer &c.," the papers could not be found. Therefore our knowledge 
is limited. 



388 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

A few days later he thought best to write to Lawyer Hopkinson, as 
follows : 

"It has become necessary that a writ of Possession in the case of Carroll 
vs. Matthewson should be issued, as difficulties have arisen on the part of Mrs. 
Matihewson, she lias imbibed an idea that notwithstanding what has passed, she 
will hold the land in question under the Law of 1799, called the Seventeen Town 
Act, which is about to be extended to this place. I suppose it to be an imbecile 
idea, and that when the Execution is served it will place the Lands in our hand 
without dispute. It will be best for the Marshal to forward the writ to Mr. 
Henry Dowell of this Co., who is the Deputy Marshal, and who will probably 
proceed direct to this place for the purpose of executing the Process. The Law 
alluded to will take place here before the proposed suit against Jonathan Harris 
can be brot, to a close & I must settle with him on best terms I can." 

A letter from Dr. Robert H. Ro'se to Henry Welles, written Feb- 
ruary 20, 1808, indicates that he was all things to all men ; or perhaps 
he knew the trouble he had made at Tioga Point, and was trying to 
compensate for it. After consulting Wilkes-Barre lawyers, he wrote 
that Welles, in their opinion, would run little risk in holding his land 
under the Pennsylvania title. But that both lawyers seemed to think 
Welles might assume the Connecticut title, and make Lockhart respon- 
sible for the defect of "sd. Connt. title under Pennsylvania." This the 
lawyers thought of so much consequence that they advised Henry 
Welles to consult a Philadelphia attorney. What a curious showing! 
What troubled dreams all these people must have had as to titles, in- 
cluding the poor Commissioners appointed to adjust all these torment- 
ing, conflicting claims ! 

Spring of 1808 came apace, and the "hard quarreling" seems to 
have set in. Both parties wanted to hold the lots ; the proposed Writ 
had not been served. The action of Mrs. Matthewson, after hazing 
accepted a deed, was considered trespass; therefore, April 18, accord- 
ing to notice served April 13. an "Action of damage for trespass" was 
brought against Elizabeth Matthewson by Henry Welles before Esquire 
Saltmarsh. At this time Welles was away from home, probably run- 
ning the river. His father's letters tell how the case went, and no 
doubt caused him tO' hurry home : 

"Tioga Point 19 April 1S08.— Dear Henry: * * * The suit of H. W. vs. 
E. M. came on yesterday. Colonel Irish was not present, Col. Eranklin attended 
as counsel. The defence was this, and to me quite unexpected (because I was 
ignorant) There is a clause in the laws of Pennsylvania that when a cause of 
trespass is before a Justice of the Peace, if the defendant before the Referees 
were appointed swears that the title of the land will come in question, the cause 
ceases. This was urged by Colonel Franklin, and Mrs. M. was ready to give 
such an oath. Mr. Sedgwick in very strenuous terms opposed her being par- 
mitted to take such an oath, produced the deed signed by her own hand, etc. 
and told the Court that she could not do it ivithont forgery. Saltmarsh gave it 
as h.is opinion that she ought not to be allowed the oath, then Referees were 
appointed by the parties, — namely Jos. Kingsbery, Sarriuel Gore and John Shep- 
ard — to try the cause on Wednesday — to-morrow * * * wrote between day- 
dawn and sunrise in haste and with inaccuracy. Yours affectionately, 

"G. Welles." 

"April 24, 1808 — Dear Henry: You have lost your case with Mrs. M. The 
referees awarded that they held no cognisance of it. Among the pleas made 
by Irish and Franklin was the intrusion law, making it a fine of $200, on the 
seller — purchaser — Justice and recorder, and the act further stated that it should 



PENNSYLVANIA UP AGAIN 389 

be null and void — Col. Irish came to me the next day and seemed to wish to 
make some compromise. I told him you gave me express directions not to com- 
promise. So the matter must rest as it is until you return. I would not advise 
you to go to Philadelphia on the business but write him after you return home 
for a new execution as Overton may be here and I think the (illegible) ought 
to be returned. George Welles." 

Subsequent actions are told in following letter, which shows a 
fairmindedness not usually accorded to Henry Welles by the friends 
of the Matthewsons : 

"Tioga Point, 11 July 1808. — Richard Caton, Esq. — Dear Sir: I have 
omitted writing to you for a long time until I should be able to inform of the 
result of the afifair with Mrs. Mathewson. It is at last brought to a close & we 
finally have conquered. On my return from down the river I found that by a 
decision here on a suit which I brought against her & was pending when I went 
away, that all our bargain made last fall in which Overton was concerned was 
set at naught & rendered a nullity. They plead the Intrusion Law which makes 
it finable to give, receive, acknowledge or record a Deed under the Yankee title, 
so that on that ground the one which I held was useless. Notwithstanding this 
we held some of the lots conveyed by force & they others, in this state things 
continued untill at last with great exertions we got a Deputy Marshal here to 
execute the writ issued from the Circuit Court, although both his and my life 
was threatened in very pointed terms. We executed the process amidst their 
threats on all the lots except the one on which she lives & I did not think it 
equitable & knew it not to be prudent to attempt that. They richly deserved it 
at our hands tho'. Our proceedings in the Civil Ct. were near being useless 
to us. In this unsettled, desultory country the names even of the Townships 
are often equivocal. Our writ called for the lands of the Deft, in the Town- 
ship of Tioga, which was the name it bore when in Luzerne Co. — whereas there 
was another Township of the same name at the head of our river of the same 
name & there had been an application sometime before our suit was commenced 
to have it established as Athens. Luckily for us the people at Williamsport 
are very irregular & inattentive to the business of this quarter at least, and the 
application was not attended to. Our Township went occasionally among them 
by the names of Athens, Tioga, New Tioga, & Lower Tioga, & there never zvas 
a legal alteration in its na]ne. — this cost me a journey to Williamsport to ascer- 
tain. The accidental circumstance of the name being unaltered has saved us the 
land, for notwithstanding they became convinced that judgment & proceedings 
on it were legal and binding, they were a mind to keep possession by force. 
This would have been very unpleasant as I should have prosecuted every person 
who had any concern in taking off any crops. However after two or three days 
of altercation & canvassing they concluded to submit and obtain of us the best 
terms & indulgence for the widow they could. After they unequivocally ac- 
knowledged that we held the staff in our hands, nv felt as you zvoiild do in the 
same circumstances, iimvilling to deprive Mrs. M. & her children of the means 
of suhsistance, & agreed that Mr. Caton & Mr. Carroll would give her a title 
to the town lot on which she lives. We have entered into a Bond to that effect. 
We have likewise allowed her to take off all the crops which she has on the 
lands. * * * We allowed in addition Mrs. M. should have the farther indul- 
gence of farming several lots of land next year for the support of her family. 
In the meantime she could sell the house & remove to some other place. The 
land she is allowed to use is principally within our third & I hope you will ac- 
quiesce in the arrangement we have made. We have done what we thought 
was for the best. If we had been severe a series of suits for forcible entry & 
trespass would have kept the neighbors in an uproar & been very injurious to 
both parties. 

"The Legislature of Penn'a have suspended the functions of the Commis- 
sioners acting under the Compromising Law untill next winter for the purpose 
of getting a report from them stating the expense to which the state will have 
been put. I understand from the Comm. themselves that there is no doubt but 
their report will be satisfactory & that the business will go on next year again. 
I believe all the Penn'a claimants are desirous to have that Law take effect 



390 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



here as the}' know the redress that they may have upon the state is far better 
than any sale that can be made to any Connt. claimants, & I have no doubt but 
that it is a desirable event for you and us." 

As to the intervening events, they were of exciting interest to all 
parties. In fact, it is to be doubted if in all the years of its existence 
Athens ever had a livelier Fourth of July than that of 1808. Mr. 
Hart, Deputy Marshal of the United States Court for the District of 
Philadelphia, had come tO' town, and his purpose was pretty well 
known, i. e., to serve a writ of ejectment, or, as termed in the law, to 
execute a process for the purpose of delivering up possession. Now, 
in this afifair it seems worth while to make some use of family tradi- 









41 I/. OL^ ' /Saj&<i/vi. 












■(■0-<f(L.Q/,l ft. Jl,/%'t?S 




The Famous Writ 

tion, showing, as no doubt often was the case, that Mrs. Matthewson 
not only had many sympathizers, but much advice as to actions that 
have been thought her own. ]\Ir. Hart was a Mason, as had been Elisha 
Matthewson. Having arrived on the night of the third, he went, under 
cover of darkness, and advised Mrs. Matthewson to resist the serving 
of the notice. Accordingly the Wyoming musket "Old Trusty" was 
once more loaded, and, as all the world knows, there was plenty of hot 
water ready, and when the Deputy advanced on the morning of the 
fourth, the defender of her children's rights was ready at an upper 
window, boldly exhibiting Old Trusty and the steaming tea-kettle. 



SERVICE OF THE WRIT 391 

There is little doubt but there was a large audience. Was not an- 
other Yankee-Pennamite War in sight ? Colonel Franklin and many- 
others were probably exultant when Deputy Hart, assuming that "dis- 
cretion is the better part of valor," abruptly withdrew, but not without 
leaving the notice in a forked stick stuck in the ground before the 
door. And surely, not without a gleam of laughter in his Masonic eye, 
as he looked back. 

This notice ( printed on foregoing page ) having been long ago 
picked up by Edward Herrick, Jr., may here be read of all men . 

The Declaration of Independence needed no further reading on 
this Fourth of July, and the joy of the Connecticut settlers precluded 
all use of fire-crackers and sky rockets. 

At the time of the April suit Mrs. Matthewson had engaged as 
her counsel one Job Irish, who 
lived at or near Asylum. "Irish y^'^^^^L.*^'^ /^^^ /yv^ 




was a pettifogging lawyer of 

no mean ability, an unlicensed* 

practitioner, and at times a preacher." He came from Columbia County, 

N. Y., about 1800, and first settled on Towanda Creek. His chirography 

was unique and celebrated. 

According to the deposition of Irish, he was again summoned in 
July, when he said : 

"I understood from the said Elizabeth that she had shut up her house with in- 
tention of resisting the Marshall, hut that on the assurance of Henry IVelles that 
she should not be disturbed in the possession of her house and lot, but that the 
same should be released to her. she had opened her doors. That she then 
agreed that the Marshal might peaceably give up possession of the lands below 
the village to Henry Welles, Welles engaging to obtain for her a release of house 
and lot, and to let her take off all crops then on the ground, that, at the request 
of sd. Elizabeth, Irish accompanied the Marshal and Henry Welles to the lots 
below town and gave peaceable possession. That Henry Welles then promised 
Irish that he would give Mrs. M. $200 as a gratuity, zi'hieh teas paid. That in 
many conversations afterwards Mrs. M. ext'ressed herself as satisfied and said 
she thought Henry JJ'elles had been quite generous." 

This is a somewhat different story, but it was given under oath 
by defendant's own counsel. Subsequent events go to prove that Mrs. 
M. was surely aggravated or instigated by other people to continue 
the quarrel ; in other words, she was used as a tool by some of the many 
men of the Susquehanna Company, or the Pennsylvania landowners. 

In October, 1808, matters once more seem to be adjusted by the 
acknowledged receipt of Henry Welles' bond of indemnity from Mrs. 
Matthewson and Elias Satterlee. 

A series of letters or extracts will best tell the story here. 

"March 27, 1809. — Richard Caton — Sir: I have delayed a long time to 
answer your favour of 18th Jan. A few days after receiving it I was married 
on the 20th of last month to a bride who was all my fond heart wished; young, 
lovely and amiable, beloved and admired by every one who was acquainted with 
her. I brought her home the happiest of human beings and on the loth of this 
month followed her remains to the long last home. God of Heaven — the pen 
drops from my trembling hand — let me tear myself from the recollection long 
enough to speak of the contents of your letter. I wish you would be kind 
enough to have the deed to Mrs. Mathewson executed, and send by some person 



392 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

going to Phil'a or some other place in Penn'a where he can acknowledge it be- 
fore a magistrate, and tlien enclose it directly to me. I hope you will attend to 
this deed without delay as difficulty will arise if not sent on. Our family are yet 
in your house (Irwin Hotel), but can and will leave it within three months, so 
if you think proper to have Mr. Clark come on, no objection will arise on tliat 
score. It is a delicate point for me to say anything relative to the expediency 
of his or any one else coming as a agent to sell your land. Keeping a tavern 
would be to him a source of loss than otherwise. David Paine's plan was to 
keep one so much better than the others as to acquire the custom, with the help 
of numerous friends and acquaintances ; even with their advantages, I give as 
my opinion that he would make nothing. 1 well know Mr. Clark could not do 
near as well. The time has not yet come to effect sales of your back lands. The 
Point is also in an unpleasant situation. T cannot give any encouragement to 
mechanics or others to come here. I don't know the price of lots, probably it is 
so high as to discourage them from settling among us. In addition to this it 
is really an inconvenient, crampt place, on account of wood, pasturing and other 
important tilings. 1 am sorry to say disagrceal)le things, but it appears to me you 
should know something of the estimation in which the place is held, that you 
may, if you think proper, take measures for its advance instead of its retrograd- 
ing. The Compromising Law, will, I think, lake place, but whether this session 
or not, I cannot say. We are struck off into a new County District, but the 
southern bounds are so low as to take away all hope of the seat of justice being 
placed here. — PI. W." 

"Tioga Point 2(5 August 1S()9. — R. Caton, Rsqr. : T duly rec'd your favors 
of the 8 June concerning Mrs. M's deed & the one by Mr. H. of 2.3 July. 

"If the compromising law should not be extended over this place what mode 
would you pursue relative to the lots & lands on the purchase? Our neighbors 
often enquire on that point, and as there have been no instances, except Mrs. 
M. in the country, of persons being ousted by ejectment, they hope and expect you 
will not resort to that method but will be willing to sell ; and by desire T make 
the en{|uiry : What do you design to ask per acre for the pine lands above the 
town flat? You will ol)lige me by staling what would be the price when you 
write next. I have conversed frequently with Mr. Paine about the house (Irwin 
Tavern) &c. He is willing to give as rent 100 dollars the first year, 100 for next, 
112 next, 118 and so on, adding six dollars each year for the six years, making the 
last year $i:!(); and to make the necessary advances immediately to put the house 
in order to keep a tavern. This rent I suppose you will think low and indeed 
does not pay the interest of the cost of the property but it is really as much as 
he can afford, and I know of no other person who wants it. He is a neat,. careful 
man and will do as well for the place as any one. Mr. Hollenback's property 
here consisting of 4 rich town lots, 2 two story houses and store room in one of 
them, stabling and other conveniences together with a large convenient store 
house on the bank of the river Tioga is rented for $120 per annum. This prop- 
erty is worth more yearly than yours in question ; as there is not much business 
done rents must be low. Mr. Paine observes that if you conclude to let him 
have the place at the price mentioned he will take it and will make the necessary 
imp'ts as cheaply and as carefully as if he were doing them for himself. It is 
difficult to anticipate what the exact expense would be, but he would charge just 
what they cost. * * * Jf that way is acceptable to you I can safely say that you 
w^ill not be imposed on. * * * As plaistering here is quite uncommon owing to 
the extreme difficulty in getting Lime and plaisterers we think it best to ceil the 
rooms with rough boards matched together and then papered. It is cheap and 
appears well. Boards come low here. 

"We think it quite advisable to paint tiie house outside as the old i)aint is 
nearly all gone and the house looks old and decaying. There never was a house 
more slightly or miserably built. The north cellar was walled up with logs. 
Summer before last we took them out and made a good stone wall. It is a trou- 
blesome inconvenient place and a pity it was not sold to the Saltmarshes. 

"I am fully sensible that all these things ought to have been done by my 
father wdiile living on the property, but every day has brought its unceasing 
labour, fatigues, & disasters to us and we have never had the time and the prop- 



EXTENSION OF COMPROMISING LAW 393 

erty to spare. I have met with many losses and checks, among others two sweep- 
ing freshets this spring and summer, the latter came just before haying when 
every kind of crop was on the ground and killed the whole. Our grass is now 
on the ground a putrid mass. Corn, oats wheat and rye all dead, fences gone and 
soil washed. The river is wearing in several places which we must take in hand 
this fall or eventually the flats will be ruined, and we hardly know what mode to 
adopt. If the rains should cease and the river fall we shall boat a great qt'y of 
stone and pile in a proper place. / am almost xccary of the flats, they keep one 
in constant trouble. 

"1 paid on account of the 4000 acres contract $()()() on the 1 day of May 
which you will please to endorse. When I can pay any more, I know not. I am^ 
exhausted by payments, losses and building. — I am with esteem, Henry WellES.'* 

"Nov. 1809. — Dear Sir : — Yesterday's post brought me your favour of the 
20th instant, which I have shown to Mrs. M. agreeably to your request. I think 
your ideas on the subject of her application perfectly correct. You may depend 
upon it. Sir, that as I told you in my last letter, their intentions were to take 
advantage of your indulgence to them in the farther use of land and deprive 
you of it under the Compromising Act, if it takes place. 

"I shall endeavor to forward our mutual interests as far as is consistent in 
Lancaster next winter, indeed the particular situation of the country here was 
my principal inducement to attend. Had I as much to do at home as in other 
winters I should be very far from willing, but the water last summer did up my 
winter's work completely. — Henry WeleES." 

Previous to this it had heen recognized as desirahle to asi< the 
Legislature to inckide Bedford, Lester and Athens in the action of 
the Compromising Law of 17!)9. Samuel Satterlee, representative from 
this district, in February. 180!), ]M-esented many petitions to this effect.-' 
While it was under consideration, the session closed before the bill 
was reached. Henry Welles was elected as Satterlee's successor, tak- 
ing his seat in December, 1809. He was fully conscious that he was 
chosen with the expectation that he would push the proposed act to 
completion ; the legislators having already agreed that they would de- 
fend the interests of Pennsylvania claimants, as well as those of Con- 
necticut. It was a somewhat trying ordeal for a new member, and a 
young man, to feel that this was the one impoi-tant act to be effected. 
both for his friends and foes. His letters at this time reveal a conscious- 
ness of his responsibilities, and yet a sincerity of purpose and zeal to 

-"^Lancaster, Jan'y 13tli, ISO!). — My Dear Sir: My first enquiry is what have I done 
that you will not write me. I have written you twice since here hy private conveyance. I 
helieve the letters have not reached you. * * * Petitions are presented for the two contem- 
plated County Districts and refered to a Committee of which I am a memher, we shall un- 
doubtedly report favourable, and I have no doubt the results will be favourable unless Messrs. 
Miner & Dorrance create a difficulty respecting the boundaries. Mr. Miner, a few days, since, 
presented two petitions from some fellows living .ibout Tunkhannock, praving to have us an- 
nexed to Luzerne, in the event of being set off into county districts. I wish you without 
any delay (if thought advisable) to Draft a petition for an Organization of our County so far 
at least as to enable us to choose Commissioners and a Treasurer. And I think it will be 
well to ask for an Organization for judicial purposes. I hope you will not neglect to forwrad 
a petition for a removal of the place of holding our Elections. You will see the propriety 
of forwarding all petitions as early as possible. We have a multiplicity of business and are a 
set of as lazy rascals as you ever saw assembled. Consequently we shall be in great confusion 
toward ploughing time. As for Speakers in the House, we have none (or no good ones) 
since the departure of Leib for Congress, but gahlers. loungers — Murderer.'; are so numerous 
and so active, that I have not yet found sufficient nerve to display my wonderful faculties in 
this mutilating art. Petitions are presented for the removal of the Seat of Government. 
Some pray for Harrisburgh. others for Northumberland — Some are presented to the Senate 
and others to the House. Committee of Senate have reported in favour of Northumberland; 
and so will the Committee of the House report in a day or two. I am in some hopes of a 
result favourable to Northumberland but 'tis extremely doubtful, I am electioneering for it, 
most industriously, and the Philadelphians begin to talk favourably and say they are almost 
persuaded that it will be politic in them to favor Northumberland. For our proceedings gen- 
erally I refer you to our journals which I forward to Esq. Paine. I am as I ever was. Your 
sincere friend, Sam'l SaTTErlee. 



394 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

learn, that soon helped him to .q-ain the confidence and admiration of 
his associates, thouj^h his efforts in behalf of the act were not altogether 
successful. Very soon after he took his seat he wrote to his father: 

"I am apprehensive the compromising business will not succeed, the subject 
is rather an obnoxious one to tlie house, Franklin is so odious to the members 
that even when his name was read as a signer of the petition a buzz of disap- 
probation was evident — I wish I had erased it. — I shall press the matter on, if it 
succeeds it will be well, if not I shall be conscious of having done my duty to 
my neighbors, and shall get my tongue loosened, and perhaps speak on other 
business." 

January 10, 1810, he writes concerning letters from Mr. Caton 
(who persists in combining his father's unsettled account with Henry's 
purchase of the Point), saying: 

"He talks in an obscure way, but his object and intention are not obscure, 

* * * his view is to have your account settled before Mr. Carroll's deed is given 
to me. * * * Dont give yourself any uneasiness about * * * (the contestant), if 
the compromising law is revised, there will be a medicine in it that will cure 

* * *; if it takes place it will be by my management, and evidently some mem- 
bers are friendly. If it gets into a Bill, I shall digest a whole system, and have no 
reference to any former laws ; it must be simplified and as specific as possible, 
and exact better terms from the settlers, or it will never pass." 

He continues to urge upon his father the necessity of engaging in 
all sorts of business enterprises to retrieve their fallen fortunes, and 
closes with the warmest expressions of affection for his parents. Jan- 
uary 37 he writes that the bill for the erection of two new counties had 
been before the House, and that he had spoken for it, also that it would 
undoubtedly become a law, adding, what is now unknown : 

"The name of our county is Morris, it does not please me ; there is some 
talk of calling it Ontario in the Senate * * * After a great deal of doubt and hesi- 
tation I have concluded to venture on an important measure relative to our town- 
ship Law. I wrote to* Athens and Ulster for instructions ; having received none, 
shall make this alteration, to the terms * * * To have the settlers pay the same 
price as that affixed by Commissioners as compensation to Penn'a claimants 

* * * these terms however comparatively hard, are certainly much better than 
trusting to individual compromises ; it is general and uniform in its operation ; 
perhaps in this form the measure may go thro', but I pronounce it impossible 
on the former terms. This is an important step, and I feel uneasy about it; but 
under the conviction that no better terms can be had. they ought to remain satis- 
fied. The scene here is a busy, intriguing and instructive one — things dont go 
it is help me in this and I'll help you in that ; well let um go on. 

"We must try to raise money from our business, we'll try lumber next year, 
it affords one of the best hopes of our country ; rough as the country up there is, 
it has some great resources ; its conditions will be ameliorated by improvements." 
Feb. 3. he writes : "I dont know what your opinion is, or that of our neighbors 
respecting the expediency of the compromise law on terms I mentioned in my 
last ; 'tis true they are very different from the former, but 'tis also true that the 
prices are less than half those they must pay to individual land holders. * * * 
Take such a spot as John Spalding's for instance ; under the law perhaps ,30 acres 
of his land might come at $3. and hardly that, and the rest at 23 cents on a long 
credit, with the state as creditor, lenient and indulgent. On the other hand 
this land comes at about $4. per acre rough and smooth, the difference is great. 
I feel very apprehensive of censure on the subject, but as there is no time for de- 
lay, and I am convinced it is very desirable, I will get the law passed if I can. 

* * * As it respects our private interests it is desirable, and the people on the 
point will get their lots at a song to what Caton would ask, another important 
thing, if it had been possible to have got the two towns of Bedford and Ulster 
by some sort of a bargain, it would have been totally impossible to have 



THE BEDFORD AND ULSTER ACT 395 

got its benefits extended over the river to Slieshequin, and there would have 
been great censure, and with some justice too. As I have drafted the Bill, there 
is an ample provision for Pennsylvania claimants who are /;;, and who arc not 
in possession. I have drawn it up w'ith great care and caution and shall report 
it on Monday next." 

February 15 he writes that "the new counties are finally set off, 
the name of one is Ontario" (changed to Bradford March 24, 1812), 
and that the bill adjusting titles in the three townships is before the 
House : 

"I have some hope of its passing, but dont say one word ; for it is doubt- 
ful, and some advantage might be taken, up with you. One section provides 
in a full and explicit manner for our safety as possessors under Penn'a. title. 
I consulted four or five of the first lawyers in the State on the subject. * * * A bill 
removing seat of government to Harrisburg has passed. I think it will be the 
permanent spot, and of some use to us who live on that river." 

He writes to Mr. Caton February 16 : 

"Dear Sir : — I can only repeat what I have said before that when it is 
ascertained whether the Point comes under the Compromising system or not, 
I have no doubt but that my father will make such offers as you will deem 
reasonable and the utmost in his power to give. Should that event take place 
it certainly will make a very great difference in the case. Instead of being 
responsible to the estate of Mr. Lockhart to a large amount, the purchasers of his 
title will have a legal claim on it. 

"The great press of business before the House has prevented me from 
getting the bill for the adjustment of the titles on for consideration. However, 
from what I can learn in conversation with the Members, I think it may be got 
through, tho' on different terms from the original law. The bill before the 
House stipulates that the settlers, instead of 2/5ths, shall pay the whole amount 
of price affixed by the Commissioners as the compensation to the Pennsylvania 
claimants. These terms are in my opinion equitable, and it is highly expedient 
for the peace and welfare of the State that it should pass. The violent prejudice 
that exists here against the Yankees, however, may possibly defeat the business 
in the Senate. Indeed, it is a tedious, irksome task to get anything done here for 
that unfortunate and obnoxious part of the State. It is not very desirable to rep- 
resent a set of people who are in a manner at war with the State, and to be here 
alone and unsupported in any local object. However, I must make the best of it. 

"The Point cannot be a County Town. It is too far from the centre. The 
law limits the distance at 7 miles and the Point is 16. I went to Philadelphia in 
January for the purpose of trying to get the route of the Berwick road changed 
so that it may come round by the Point, and have succeeded on condition that 
the inhabitants about there should make the road entirely from Towanda to the 
line, which will cost from $11 to $12,000. On the suggestion being made to them 
they have agreed to do it and have subscribed $8,000 so that I have sanguine hope 
the road will be made around there. I think it will be extended to the Cayuga 
Lake and will become a very useful road. I am very much pleased to see Mr. Ster- 
ret of Balt'o with a memorial from the Maryland Canal Co. containing an offer 
to co-operate with Penn'a in improving the navigation of the river — an object 
of the first magnitude and which I hope will meet with a proper attention from 
the House. I am chairman of the committee appointed on the subject and shall 
exert myself to get everything done that is practicable. The jealousy of the 
Philadelphians will probably retard our steps, but they cannot coerce trade across 
the country out of its natural course much longer. The people on the vast terri- 
tory on the Susq'a are becoming too numerous and influential in the legislature 
for all the rest of the State." 

March 3 he writes to his father : 

"You ask how I like the legislature. Why, if my health was good, I think 
pretty well, the intercourse with agreeable and well-informed men is pleasant 
and quite instructive, and I find myself well treated. * * * I am afraid of the fate 



396 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

of compromising bill, the house seem so unwilling to take it up, it is an obnoxious 
subject; however next week we will know its fate. I have had a great deal of 
trouble with this affair, and whether it passes or not shall do my duty to my 
constituents." 

"March 10. Our compromising bill has passed the House with difficulty 
after a long and animated debate, in the course of which Athens zvas struck out, 
notwithstanding Graham's and my efforts ; we adhered to that township with 
such tenacity as to endanger the whole bill, and at last were fain to lose it in 
order to save the rest. * * * I expect much censure put upon me ; but I espoused 
the cause with all the zeal and ability in my power. * * * I spoke six or seven 
times, listened to with perfect attention. * * * Altho' the law embraces only the 
two towns Bedford & Ulster. 1 know I carried the bill ; the labour however may 
all prove abortive, it has not yet passed the ordeal of the Senate. I shall now 
be busy among the members, I am anxious to get it through, our interest in it is 
great. Although one section guards us as pointedly as possible, yet you must 
look out for Mrs. M., dont let her get possession on any lot, we shall have trou- 
ble I suppose, but there is no danger at last. I have written this in the midst 
of a great debate on militia system, some of the members are getting very warm. 

"Henry." 

Thi.s bill, as framed and reported above, became a law March 19, 
1810. Its enforcement and effects will be given in a later chapter. 



CHAPTER XVII 

1800-1810 

ADJUSTMENT OF TITLES 

Tioga Point at the Opening of the Century — Agitation Caused by 
' Attempted Enforcement of the Intrusion Laiv — JVork of the Com- 
missioners Under the Compensation Lazv — History of Ulster 
Toivnship — Rejection of Bedford, Ulster and Athens — Last Efforts 
of the Susquehanna Company — Tlie Satterlee-Matthezvson Con- 
troversy — The Bedford and Ulster Act — Work of the Commis- 
sioners of 1810 — Final Adjustment of Connecticut Claims — Condi- 
tions of Trade — War of 1812 — Militia 

Having carried the Pennsylvania claimants ahead to another epoch 
in the history of the valley, i. e., the passage of the Bedford and Ulster 
Act ; let us retrace our steps, and take a general view of the town and 
the condition of the Connecticut settlers. Strange that among the 
many old letters no mention is made of the general impression pro- 
duced by the attempted enforcement of Lockhart's claim ! Doubtless 
it seemed but an episode in those troublous times. 

Although at this period there was general uneasiness about titles, 
and considerable depression resultant therefrom, the tide of emigra- 
tion flowing into New York State through Tioga Point gave an im- 
pulse to trade. It was estimated that between 1790 and 1800 nearly 
1,000 people settled in the Genesee country, whose main channel of 
ingress and egress was up the Susquehanna and Chemung (or Tioga). 
Tioga Point seemed a natural tarrying place, and almost every home 
was a public house, or at least open to the travelers, most of whom 
came by water. Generally the first stopping place was at Queen 
Esther's flats, and doubtless this was the reason that in 1796 a road 
was opened "from Wright Loomis's to the Ferry." This ferry was 
at the end of the street crossing from river to river just north of 
present Chemung bridge. Let us ride to town with Mr. Loomis about 
1801, and cross the ferry to the street, which was called on old 
maps "Ferry Street," the first opened across the Point. On the 
northwest corner lot a large new y^ / / 

house is being erected by John Salt- y^:/z^?z ^;<^^^^;s:i«<?^/^ 

marsh, ^ lately arrived. The fam- 
ily were old acciuaintances of George 

1 According to family traditions the Saltmarshes were descended from an B^nglish 
family banished from England after the battle of Preston-Pans in 1745. The earliest ancestor 
of whom we have record is Thomas Saltmarsh of Watertown, Conn., who married Mary 
Hazen. Their son William, b. 20 Jan., 1734, was a farmer at Watertown; m. 9 Dec. 1760 
Elizabeth Patterson, of Scotch descent, dau. of Joseph Patterson of Watertown. Both Salt- 
marsh and Patterson were in colonial wars, the former a lieutenant in 17.58. William had two 
sons, Tolin and lilijah, and a daughter (name unknown), who married Manna Newel and 
settled" at IJnion, Broome Co., N. Y. In 1796 William Saltmarsh and wife came from Canaan, 
Columbia Co., N. Y., to live with their daughter, and in 1801 they came to Athens to live with 
their sons. They were earnest Christian people, connected with the church at Richmond, 

397 




398 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Welles in Connecticut, and his deed to them, of property extending 
from present Tioga Street to the Herrick property, is the earliest 
Pennsylvania deed found. They built a pretentious public house, still 
standing. On the east side of Main, on the cross street, is the ])ublic 
house of David Alexander, built by Samuel Hepburn. A short dis- 
tance above (on present Perkins property) was Dr. Hopkins' hospitable 
home, ever open to travelers ; his large and far more pretentious house, 
built in 1802, was farther up the street. Next to Hopkins' was Elisha 
Matthewson's "Red Tavern," and of course, opposite it was Hollen- 
back's. This was now kept by a son-in-law of Matthias Hollenback, 

Stephen Tuttle,- who came to 
Tioga Point in 1798. While 



/^ Jlf^yj! ^ V ,X/> :y^5 > ^ his residence only lasted ten 

y tively concerned with afifairs 

here, and his letters to Matthias Hollenback, still preserved, are 
a great source of information. Therefore the silhouettes are here 
given of himself and wife. Associated with Tuttle at this time was 





Mary Ann Tuttle Stf. 

William Prentice,'* acting as postmaster and having an office in Hollen- 
back's store. Previous to this letters came to town from Wilkes-Barre 
postoffice by boatmen or chance travelers. Wm. Prentice was ad- 
mitted to the bar of Luzerne County in 1799, therefore he was the first 
lawyer, as well as postmaster. His house was the farthest north of 
any known at this time, located near the Tioga River, west of R. F. 

Mass., just over the line from Canaan. Elizabeth Saltmarsh was greatly beloved in Athens; 
she and her husband lie in the old burying ground. Further information of Pattersons to be 
found in Patterson Genealogy. Doubtless the Saltmarshes could be easily traced at Water- 
town or in Bond's History of Watertown. Nothing is known of Elijah Saltmarsh. John was 
a graduate of Yale college, ni. Rhoda Beach and had two children born in Weston, Conn., 
D'Alanson and Orlando; and dau. Eliza, b. 1802 at Athens. John Saltmarsh was a merchant, 
taverner, justice of the jieace and general lawyer for the settlement. He was an intelligent and 
useful citizen. D'Alanson m. Esther White of Connecticut, and had Caroline. Eliza and 
Orlando. Caroline m. Dr. Jno. Fretwill; Eliza m. George H. Welles; Orlando m. Mary Red- 
ington and lives in Troy, Pa. Orlando 1st m. Sarah Goodrich from an Owego family, and had 
John, Goodrich and Louise, who m. Walter Comstock, now living in New York. Eliza m. 
William H. Overton. The Saltmarsh brothers moved to the South about 1835, and remained 
many years, establishing post routes under the Government in Georgia and Texas; Orlando 
dying there in 18.52. "Squire" John Saltmarsh died Nov., 1815, greatly lamented. 

- Stephen Tuttle was the son of Capt. Stephen Tuttle of Fishkill, N. Y., who in 1785 
purchased a half share right from Franklin, and settled at Wilkes-Barre. Little is known of 
either man in early days. Soon after leaving Tioga Point, Stephen Tuttle settled at E|mira 
permanently; he was an active business man, social and witty. His wife was an extraordinary 
woman with great executive ability, and esteemed as a "sensible, noble. Godly woman." 

» William Prentice was the son of Dr. Prentice of Milltown. See sketch in later 
chapter. 



HARD TIMES AT TIOGA POINT 399 

Page's on a cross street named Welles Street. But we have passed 
several by. Just above the Academy was George Welles' public house 
and store, to be seen in a later picture of Main Street, and across the 
way the Paine house, now kept as a public house by Samuel Avery, 
brother-in-law of Obadiah Gore, and later of Owego. John Shepard also 
was a "licensed taverner," though it is not known where he kept open 
house. Thus it will be observed that there were at this date about 
seven or eight houses open to travelers. The Academy was not fin- 
ished, owing to the unsettled feeling due to the enforcement of In- 
trusion Law. With the exception of the Hendy cabin next "burying 
ground lot," no other houses are known at this period below Mile Hill, 
unless Joseph Tyler's, already mentioned. 

The Paines, although alive to their individual interests, and fast 
amassing property, were now most active in promoting the interests 
of the town, and from this time on were instrumental in opening streets, 
etc. Both men had a great love for trees, shrubs and flowers, and not 
only adorned their own grounds, but suggested and aided in the plant- 
ing of shade trees (locusts and lombardy poplars) along Main Street 
and in front of the Academy ; the poplar near the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road station being the only one now standing.''* Clement writes of 
spending two years in introducing fruit trees of most valuable varieties ; 
obtaining them from the famous English nurseries of Dr. Priestley at 
Northumberland, and even importing some himself, until he had 100 
varieties. "Old Clem Paine's apples" are still spoken of by the older 
boys as luscious, but forbidden fruit, whose fame was so great that 
even the high board fence and the owner's shotgun could not keep the 
boys out. 

About 1799, Clement was inclined to start a newspaper at Tioga, 
being an excellent printer, and urged by many sanguine friends in 
New York and Pennsylvania. He found the particular obstacles were 
the scarcity of money and the great difficulty of procuring regular 
supplies of paper, "which I should be obliged to transport 200 miles 
through a very bad road, and where there is at times hardly a possibil- 
ity of going with any kind of carriage." With an eye to thrift, at this 
time, having rented "the best and most elegant house in the country," 
he went to Philadelphia, and "resumed his profession," as printer, 
temporarily. He thus describes the situation at Tioga Point : 

"The times with us are very distressing, many persons are hardly able to 
keep their heads above water, especially those who have dealt in lands * * =^ 
A most incalculable event has happened, which may reduce me to bankruptcy. 
The judicial courts in several of the eastern states have declared null and void 
all notes given for Susquehannah lands, (adding in lighter vein) Am most 
eggregiously in want of a wife. David has been commisssoned Justice of the 
Peace." 

Another letter, bearing on the history of this period, was written 
by C. A. Carpenter, unknown to us, from Sterling, Ct., May, 1800, 
addressed to the Susquehanna Company Committee. It reports a 
large number of respectable men ready to move to Tioga Point or 
vicinity if Capt. Levi Thayer, who had gone on with a company. 

^* Since writing, this tree also has died, 1907. 



400 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



should return quickly and report favorably, etc. The indorsement on 
the letter shows that there were still traitors in the camp and inter- 
cepted letters ; here it is : 

"Respected Worthy Repiihlican, tlie within 1 sealed and dehvered to Joseph 
Biles, as he told nie he was going emcdiately to your house, 1 found him 3 or 4 
days after at Isaac Cs (Cash) whom I know to be equal, and if possible superior 
in wickedness to Slocum — the letter was broke as you may see by the blue seal. 
From the Lover of God and man — Chester Bingham."'' 

llic Ulster Grants. 

Considerable mention has already been made of the various g^rants 
of Lister Township, the subject appearing several times chronolog- 
ically. In view of the fact that the location of the original grant is 
somewhat disputed, it seems best to review the whole matter, in con- 
nection with the enabling and corrective legislation of Pennsylvania 
from 1795 to 1812, from Archives." It has not seemed necessary 
to this history to give that of all the seventeen townships, even as to- 
definite location. The maps known to us are, that found in Miner's 
history, apparently made after 1787, and that made by Col. Jenkins, 
the acknowledged surveyor of the Susquehanna Company, from which 
a copy was made by Steuben Jenkins for Mr. Craft in 1874, the whole 
of which is to be found in Craft's "History of Bradford County." 
From this map we have had copied the portion showing the sev- 
enteenth and eighteenth townships ; explained by an extract from Col. 
Jenkins' notes. We have found no reason to discredit this map, ac- 
cording to the commissioners' decisions. But our attention has been 




"The Susquehanna Com 
pany's grant of the Township 
Ulster was in 1775 and is laid out 
on the map by the lines first dot 

then dash . The first alte 

ation was in 1785 marked on th 

map by the lines . Th 

second alteration was in 1786 (a 
it now stands), marked by continuous lines as 
the other Townships. It received the present 
form for the accommodation of the Township 
of Athens, which extends from its northern 
boundary as now acknowledged, to, or near to 
the State line. 

"Copied from Col. Jenkins Notes and Sur- 
veys in 1S74 by Steuben Jenkins." 

* Chester Bingham, already mentioned, was an extensive specuhitor in lands, located at 
Ulster on the property now occupied by Mr. Mather. By the failure of the Connecticut title, 
he lost his means and returned to Connecticut in 1803. 

° The records may be found in \'ol. XX'III, second series, the information coming 
under work of the commissioners of 1801 and 1810, and the correspondence resultant there- 
from, though, unfortunately, this volume has no consecutive or chronological arrangement. 



SUCCESSIVE GRANTS OF ULSTER 401 

directed to another map of the seventeen townships in the collections 
of the American Philosophical Society, which we have also examined. 
This has no date and no surveyor's name ; it has endorsed on it, "Re- 
ceived from Judge Gibson, 11 May 1819." It is noted on the face of 
the map that "The white townships are the surveys since the Decree 
of Trenton, and many of them since the decision of Judge Paterson 
in 1795."" This map is included in a manuscript volume, whose con- 
tents are labelled as partly copied from State records, and partly from 
reports of Judge Gibson and Judge Thos. Cooper.' 

The original grant of Ulster is generally acknowledged to have 
been made in 1775 to Asahel Buck, Lockwood Smith and others. On 
account of the "breaking out of the war it was not surveyed or al- 
lotted," although, according to family traditions. Buck and Smith were 
on the ground, chose their lots, and are supposed to have made tem- 
porary homes there. It is (|uite possible, according to family records, 
that they "made pitches" prior to the grant. Asahel Buck was killed in 
the massacre of Wyoming ; Lockwood Smith returned to his original 
location ; and both he and the Buck heirs, or their grantees, were 
granted patents on these lands in original locations, thereby verifying 
the family traditions. Also recent litigation has brought out all the 
facts connected with claims of Lockwood Smith. Both Buck and 
Smith were residents of Kingston in 1777-8-9, as shown by tax lists ; 
family tradition says they returned thither for safety at commencement 
of war. The first grant of Ulster was made in ignorance of the loca- 
tion of the New York State line, and when it was discovered that 
there was room for another township (laid out as Athens), a second 
grant was made in 1785 of Ulster, with attempt to locate it below 
Athens. After the actual survey of Athens, in 1786, the second grant 
being found to overlap the Point, a third and final survey was made 
in 1786, including the so-called Spalding settlement in New Sheshequin, 
on the east side of the river. 

Apparently, the Connecticut settlers felt no special concern about 
these several grants, even though the terms of the Intrusion Law nat- 
urally excluded both Ulster and Athens. But in 1799 the Legislature, 
hoping to end the long struggle, passed the quieting act known as the 
"Compromise Act,"^ and sometimes as the "Compensation Act." The 
benefits of the Act extending only to the "Seventeen Townships," ex- 
cluded Athens, New Ulster and all later grants, such as Burlington, 
Columbia and Murraysfield. Colonel Franklin observed that he did 
not know why onl}' seventeen were mentioned, as there were many 
more; thus ignoring the decision of Trenton. Lender the Compromise 
Act, commissioners were appointed to survey, classify and value the 
lands ; then to issue to the settlers certificates, which, upon payment 
of a small fee, could be exchanged at the land office for State patents, 
insuring a perfect title. It was, however, stipulated that the Connecti- 

* Van Home vs. Dorrance, 2 Dallas, p. 304. 

^ We are indebted to Mr. Harvey for this find, and should have left the publication 
and explanation of this map entirely to him, did it not so directly concern our history. The 
so-called white townships are Ulster and Athens. 

* See p. 715, \'o\. XVIII, second series. Pa. Archives. 



402 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

cut settlers must relinciuish all j^apers proviug" Conuecticut rig'hts be- 
fore receiving certificates. 

The benefits of this Act did not extend to the half-share men. of 
whom at this period it was said : 

"From Tunkliannock to Tioga, and along Towanda and Sugar Creeks, 
there were two or three hundred resolute daring fellows, who had come with 
the understanding that they might expect to fight for their rights, and who had 
sworn vengeance on any who attempted to dispossess them." 

They were still the "Wild Yankees" and proved the force of their 
oaths by pursuing the surveyors sent out by the commissioners and 
the Pennsylvania landholders, breaking their instrimients, shooting at 
them from ambush, etc. They could not be recognized, as they were 
generally disguised as Indians, or masked like the latter-day Ku-Klux. 

"Though often industrious men who would have made good citizens, since 
they had come solely to resist Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth had for them a 
policy not of conciliation, but of extirpation. Toward them juries were allowed 
no discretion, and courts could show no mercy." 

The mass of these men were settled near or in Burlington and 
were under the leadership or control of Franklin, Satterlee, Kingsbery 
and others along the river; therefore Athens was called the very storm 
center of opposition, far more violent after the Act of 1799. 

The first commissioners under this Act found so many difficulties 
in the way of execution that they very soon resigned or abandoned 
effort ; so also with the second set. Both found the provisions of the 
law so vague that they did not reach the people for whom it was spe- 
cially intended. The "actual settlers" under Connecticut, having lost 
some of their title papers by the repeal of the Confirming Law of 1787, 
were very distrustful, and did not come forward at all.'' It was, there- 
fore, no wonder that the commissioners "acted ineft'ectually," as had 
the seven sets appointed to enforce the various Acts since Decree of 
Trenton. However the commissioners appointed in 1801 proved equal to 
their task. Thomas Cooper was an English lawyer, living at Lan- 
caster, afterwards President Judge of the eighth judicial district of 
the State, and he proved "eminently fitted for the responsible and 
onerous position," in which he was well supported, not only by his 
co-laborers, who attended to the surveys and valuations, but also by 
Tench Coxe, Secretary of the State Board of Property. Coxe had 
long been active in land transactions, and his advice and opinions were 
of much value, although the commissioners were given such authority 

"that they constituted in effect a court clothed with competent powers for decid- 
ing questions of title to land, * * * and all the legal part of the business was 
committed to Mr. Cooper." 

Repairing to Wilkes-Barre in J^ne, 1801, to begin their duties, 
Mr. Cooper says : 

"We found no inclination among the Connecticut claimants to take the ben- 
efits of the law, and no expectation that any future commission would surmount 
the obstacles." 

" It should be noted that Judge Oliadiah Gore came forward with his relinquishment 
to the first commissioners in 1800. 



THOMAS COOPER REJECTS ATHENS TITLES 403 

All the corrective legislation distinguished broadly between set- 
tlers before and after Decree of Trenton, or, as put by Mr. Cooper, 
"those who settled by mistake, and those who settled by design." Some 
amendment or supplement to the law was obviously necessary. Much 
effort, correspondence and experiment resulted in bringing the matter 
before the Legislature of 1801-2. Thomas Cooper appeared in person, 
and doubtless hastened the passage of the amendment of 1803. His 
"Observations," addressed to the Legislature at this time, were pub- 
lished^" and give a very clear idea of the Act, its defects, and the ex- 
pected effect of proposed supplement, he remarking that the original 
Act satisfied neither the claims of justice nor policy. Further inter- 
esting "observations" of Mr. Cooper were written as a preface to the 
first volume of minutes of the commissioners, preserved until recent 
years. Previous to the passage of supplement of 1802, many letters 
passed between Cooper and various State oflScials ; Coxe was doubtful 
as to location of the seventeen townships, wished to see Indian deed, 
have new surveys, etc. Cooper thought location in or out of any pur- 
chase, of minor importance. New surveys were promised in time, but 
in the letters at hand (from Archives) there is no suggestion that a 
map was made. Cooper remarks : 

"I even suspect that the Connecticut claimants will fail in making out a 
single title in Athens, for which I am sorry." 

He does not say whether they applied under Athens or old Ulster. 
However, the law provided that the Pennsylvania claimants, whose 
surveys were made prior to the Confirming Act of 1787, were to be 
given preference to Connecticut claimants, but when a settler was on 
under a Pennsylvania claim of later date, and there was a Connecticut 
settler with a claim satisfactory to the commissioners, the certificate 
went to the Connecticut settler. According to this provision of the 
Act, the Lockhart title to the "Indian Arrow" set aside all the "actual 
settlers" of Athens township. 

Intrusion Lazv Rendered More Effective — Appoiiitmcnt of 
Colonel Home. 

Cooper and associates were not the only commissioners in the 
valley. The Philadelphia men, who had speculated wildly, now found 
themselves possessed of 1,300,000 acres, to which their title was 
somewhat disputed by those Connecticut settlers after the Decree 
oif Trenton, which the Intrusion Law had not reached as intended. 
Therefore they organized as the Pennsylvania Landholders' Associa- 
tion and sent a memorial to Legislature in January, 1801, praying for 
more effective measures. ^^ The result was the passage of a supplement 

1" See Luzerne Federalist, March 29, 1802; also full copy in Craft Collection. 

Memorial. 

" "IT has been the insulting boast of the Connecticut Claimants, that the Laws of Penn- 
sylvania have not been carried into execution; a hope that such laws would be permitted to 
remain a dead letter, and a reliance on the inattention of the holders of land under Pennsyl- 
vania, have induced a number of people to intrude themselves into Pennsylvania, under the 
pretence of grants from the Susquehanna and Delaware Companies. 

"There can however be no doubt entertained, at this time, that the laws will be punct- 
ually and vigorously carried into execution. 



404 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

to what the half-share men called "the Fire and Brimstone Lmv." 
Said supplement providing for enforcement of the law in various ways 
and for the appointment of a special commissioner, with a salary of 
$1,200, power to appoint sub-agents, etc. Col. Abraham Home, of 
Easton, was appointed in June, 1801, and at once took the field; he 
has been called "a legaHced inquisitor, treated as a hated enemy, and 
shunned like the plague." His efforts were to be specially directed 
against the half-share men. His appointment and approach being 
known, a letter was written to him by Rev. Thomas Smiley, who 
"lived up Towandee," a preacher, who was meddlesome and much dis- 
liked by the half-share men. As he offered assistance and promised 
compliance of himself and some neighbors. Col. Home appointed him 
sub-agent and arranged to meet him at Asylum. However, Home first 
went farther north, being reported at Tioga Point in July, and he wrote 
that he regretted having visited that neighborhood, "as the people there 
exert themselves to prevent compliance with the law." He issued a 
sort of circular letter to the half-share men,^- evidently looking out 
for his own welfare, while Smiley, to whose hand it was committed, 
worked among his neighbors. The result was not eminently satisfac- 
tory, for hearing that Smiley was collecting signatures, the Wild 
Yankees rose in their wrath, disguised themselves, followed Smiley 's 
tracks and overtook him in the night at a friend's house. They en- 
tered, dragged the offending preacher from his bed, burned his papers, 
tarred and feathered him, and invited him to leave the country. Sev- 
eral of this party were arrested and brought to trial ; but all were boldly 
acquitted by a friendly jury, some of whom, it was said, had been 

"The Governor is well known to be decidedly in favor of the measure, not only from 
his duty as a public officer, but also from his private opinions. 

"An Agent has been appointed on the part of the public, with a handsome salary, for 
the express purpose. 

"The holders of lands under Pennsylvania, and within the Connecticut claim, have en- 
tered into an association and appointed a committee 'in order to obtain the beneficial effects 
which may be expected to result from those laws.' " 

"The Associators are highly respectable in number and character. 

"The property they have at stake is immense. 

"Their Committee is active and industrious. 

"Council of Eminence in the law have been applied to, for the support of prosecutions 
against offenders, and advice to the Agent and his deputies. 

"Gentlemen of Integrity and Ability will be employed by the associators and deputed 
by the Agent, whenever he may deem it expedient — one has been already spoken to — 

"From this association the government will have every assistance and support it may 
become the one to offer, or the other to accept, and it cannot be doubted that the evils these 
wholesome laws are intended to remove, will very soon be entirely done away." 

^- "L , June 24th 1801. — To the Sellers of Luzern & Lycoming County who have 

Setled on Lands Contrary to the Laws of this State and since the 11th of Aprile 1795, &c. 
Gentlemen I have come into these Parts of the Country in order to make it Convenient for 
you to Come forward and comploy with the proposals made by the Land holders, for your 
own Safety and the publick Good in General. 

"I would wish to inform you that I am your Real friend therefore have taken pains 
to have this don for you: now it Lays with you to Consider well and ujiderstand the True 
meaning of the declaration Presented to you for your signature; after which you will be en- 
titled to your improvement, and prevent Suits being Brought against you, for which you will 
have Refference to a Letter signed by the Committee of the Landholders. I would also wish 
you to understand that this will answer me all the purposes of my appointment with them that 
do Comploy, my instructions positively are to put the I^aw in force against all those that Re- 
main obstinate — but signing the declaration will be Considered as a Comployance with the 
Law and will be a satisfaction to myself in behalf of Government; you may also depend that 
the Governor is your friend, and that the Landholders are disposed to sell you the Land upon 
Reasonable Terms & a Reasonable prize, but they cannot set a prize pr. .-Xcre, for you all 
know that the Greater part of the Country is \'ery Rough and worth but Little, but having 
Refference to their own Letter you will find that they can ask you no more for the Land you 
have settled on then what they can get for The Rough Lands around you, as soon as you have 
Submitted you make yourself a Pennsylvania Possessor and become a Party, so that you have 



FERMENT CAUSED BY INTRUSION LAW 405 

among the raiders. A full account of this is among the Smiley^"^ 
papers in Tioga Point Museum. 

The passage of the Intrusion Law had so inflamed Col. Franklin 
that, forgetting his promised allegiance to the State, he once more 
became actively aggressive, not only in speech and private letters, but 
he flooded the press with his writings. He openly maintained the 
validity of the Connecticut title on the plea of the right of soil. Al- 
though almost continuously in the Legislature, he violated his obliga- 
tions', both as a member and as a citizen. Cooper, as commissioner, 
became so exasperated by him and his associates that he frankly wrote 
to Governor McKean, denouncing Franklin as dangerous, and saying 
that he "zvould expel him out of the State the instant the township 
business zvas settled." Naturally, the supplement of 1801, with the 
appointment of Col. Home, did not improve the situation. The fol- 
lowing group of letters show the result of the "corrective legislation," 
as well as the agitation caused by Franklin and his friends at this 
period, and the attempt to quiet them : 

"March 1801.— Richard Caton— Sir : Your letter rec'd. Is it not strange 
that the legislature should take so sudden a start on the subject of intrusion as 
to decline erecting a county district. I believe there was no reasonable occasion 
for it. The controversy is of ancient date. I believe there has been a period 
when the state, by adopting a liberal policy might easily have settled the dispute 
to the advantage of the public, and satisfaction of settlers. But, possibly by in- 
fluence of interested individuals, cruel and offensive measures have been adopted. 
* * * I am told it is a truth easily proven, that at an early period of Connecticut 
settlement, the legislature of this state passed a law that any person settling 
under Connecticut title should suffer death !" After giving details of Wyoming 
troubles he continues : "The remembrance of these transactions have to this day 
a very powerful impression on the minds of those against whom they were exer- 
cised, as well as their posterity. Notwithstanding all this they have become a 
numerous people, industrious and persevering, who have from the beginning 
firmly believed in the equity of their title" (of which he then gives derivation, 
it being evident that he thought Richard Caton might not be well informed as 
to the Connecticut claim). After giving detail of Trenton decree, right of soil 
&c. he says "Does it not appear ilHberal and wrong in the state to interfere in so 
pointed a manner? Though I hold some valuable property under both claims. 
I do not consider myself essentially interested in the result * * * But I have 
thought the claim of the people is founded in equity, and that they have been 
grossly abused and oppressed by government of this state. Would not the best 

a Right to adobt some mate (mode) of Getting at the Value either by Chusing men between 
you and the Landholders or otherwise. Some to be sure may think that their Lands are worth 
more than what the are but as soon as you becom a party by the Landholders own Stipulation 
— if you cannot agree you must leave it to men. I hope none of you will persuade yourselves, 
as I hear some do, that the Landholders are sensible of the Connecticut Claim being of some 
Value, or els they would not want further abandonment to be made, for if I had not got this 
set on foot my agency would have obliged me to have Prosecuted every Seller emedeatly who 
had setled since the intrusion Law passed in 1795, so I hope that non will plaim me if the do 
suffer on account of their obstinacy. 

"As it is impossible for me to atend to all this Buisniss myself without Assistance, I 
have inquired to my satisfaction into the Character of your Naibaur Mr. Thomas Smiley and 
hereby impower him to act for me with you in my stead as if I was Personly Present. 

"It gives me great Pleasure to Hear by Mr. Smiley that you are generly disposed to 
offer yourselves to become Citizens of Pennsylvania, which may add to your being very 
Fxeasonably delt with by the Landholders — as to your getting good titles I again Refer you 
to the Landholders Letter — for the put it into your hands to stipulate for a good title, and not 
pay anything till you can satisfy yourselves - - for further particulars Aploy to Mr. Thos. 
Smiley." * ♦ * (The remainder of the letter or circular is torn off and lost; it is undoubtedly 
Col. Home's original writing.) 

i^The "Smiley papers," several of which are in the Craft Collection, include Col. 
Home's letters, Smiley's own copies of his deposition, etc. They were found by Mr. Craft 
under a table top in the house of the late C. L. Ward and given to him by the Ward heirs. 



406 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

method of terminating the controversy be by some Hberal act on the part of the 
state? * * * Or might not the titles in many instances be united to advantage; 
can measures too coercive have a desirable effect? You will take no offence at 
the freedom of my enquiries. I wish to entertain sentiments right and just. 
Having resided among Connecticut people, I may have imbibed erroneous ideas. 
It is probably in your power to inform me, a letter from you will give much 
satisfaction. "With respect 

"Clement Paine." 

In Alarch, 1801, Jo.seph Kingsbery wrote to John Jenkins con- 
cerning the Intrusion Law, which Jenkins called "the Swindling Act," 
saying : 

"I believe we have as good a right to get together and pass laws against 
the Pennsylvania claimants, as they have to pass laws against us. We are pretty 
generally united in this quarter, a few scape goats excepted, led astray by a cer- 
tain old ram, a fifty-two pounder." 

He is very severe in this letter against Obadiah Gore, whom he 
denounces as "one of those old office catchers, horn Yankees, and de- 
serters of their cause." In June he writes again : 

"The Pennsylvania agent (commissioner) is at Loomises, picking up now and 
then a poor devil to abandon that Title which he never had. We have agreed on 
this side of river not to suffer them (Commissioners) to come into our homes 
or to oblige them with the least thing to support life; but entirely discard them 
as traitors unworthy to live among full blooded Yankees. One has already de- 
clared he can not live among such people, he shall quit the place & move into the 
state of New York. Old Chester (Bingham.) seems to be the most sanguine. 
His spirit in the Yankee cause is full as large as his belly. Our greatest effort 
must be to keep united, &c. Your sincere friend, Joseph Kingsbery."" 

"Ulster 16 April 1801. — Col. Jenkins — Sir: Received yours of 13 inst — have 
consulted Cols. Franklin and Satterly on the subject of our Righteous cause 
* * * on Monday next they with Esq Murray (Noah) and some other true 
Yankees have agreed to meet at this place * * * Bingham has got your letter & 
is to be present with Simmons, Cash, and Tracy who seem to be gaining courage 
by the late Terror Act — the inconsistency, unconstitutionality and rascality of 
that act begins to open the eyes of some who were winking at duplicity. 1 cant 
see why we should tamely submit to such nefarious encroachments on the rights 
of man, on the rights of Yankees inherited from the oldest Proprietor, — / mean 
the great Architect of Heaven and Earth — Such passive conduct is beneath the 
spirit of Yankees. I wish the proprietors would meet and pass some resolves 
equally as pointed, observing propriety notwithstanding. It would sooner bring 
the matter to a focus — if we have got to fight, the sooner the better — this being 
continually in jeopardy is extremely disagreeable. You will hear from us after 
our meeting, in the mean time consider me a full blooded Yankee. 

"Joseph Kingsbery."" 

According to Kingsbery's suggestion, the proprietors met May 
22, 1801, at Springfield (now Wyalusing) "to consult and advise on 
the most safe, prudent, legal and constitutional method of defense 
against any suits pending or hereafter brought against settlers under the 

1* It has been said that Col. Kingsbery turned against Franklin and "the Cause." But 
these letters are sufficient evidence in themselves to refute such an assertion. Obadiah Gore, 
weary of the strife, had acknowledged Pennsylvania's rights and was, therefore, in bad repute 
with his neighbors. 

1^ This letter enclosed 15 resolutions with leference to Intrusion Law, called "The 
Terror Act," which it was proposed to publish "to circulate our course and sentiment through- 
out Pennsylvania and the United States." They were indorsed as drawn by Jonas Ingham, 
and read in the meeting of the committee at Mr. Paine's office. Jonas Ingham, a settler near 
Wyalusing, wrote "after the repeal of the confirming law, the Pennsylvania title was little 
thought of, and there were frequent meetings at Tioga Point, at one of which I expressed my- 
self with so much spirit that I was chosen director." He was sent to the Legislature in 1804 
and exerted his efforts to have the obnoxious laws repealed. 



INDICTMENT OF YANKEE LEADERS 407 

Connecticut title." Various resolutions were passed; and ere long, re- 
ports having been spread of these, Franklin, Satterlee, Jenkins and 
Biles^^ were indicted for conspiracy in opposing the Intrusion Law by 
granting townships under a pretended title. An arrest of judgment was 
the result. They were, however, brought to trial at Wilkes-Barre, May 
-t, 1802. According to the depositions of James Irwin, David Paine 
and others, Franklin and Satterlee had acknowledged that in laying 
out and granting townships after the passage of Intrusion Law, they 
had purposely antedated them. The story of this suit can best be told 
by extracts from a letter of Thomas Duncan to Edward Tilghman,^^ 

i*" Joseph Biles was surveyor of the Susquehanna Co. at this date. 

1^ Northumberland 8th May, 1802. — Dear Sir: Having a moment's leisure on my pass- 
age from Luzerne to Center I have appropriated it to giving you a short relation of the oc- 
currences at Wilkesbarre. The indictment for Conspiracy vs. Franklin, Jenkins, Satterlee & 
Biles came on for trial on Tuesday. * * * The testimony on the part of the Prosecution being 
concluded, the Defendant's council did not then open their defence, but gave some Testimony 
not in any way material, & then addressed the Court on the Constitutionality of the Intrusion 
Act. The Court said they would hear them with great pleasure and patience on this question, 
but that no long speeches must be made on the part of the State. * * * 

The objections to the Act on constitutional grounds were: 

"1. That this law was e.x post facto. 

2. That it was a law impairing contracts. 

3. That it was an exercise of judicial power by the Legislature. 

4. That it was the V^iolation of the Right of or over Property. 

5. That it destroyed or impaired the Trial of the Right secured to persons claiming 

lands under different states in the Courts of the U. S. 

6. That it was against the equality of Rights." 

To this it was answered very briefly — that this was an offence at Common Law — an 
attack on the Sovereignty of the State. That long before the existence of the Susquehanna 
Company it was made an indictable offence by Act of Assembly to enter on Lands not under 
the authority of Pennsylvania not under a contract expressed or implied with the Proprietors. 

That the right of Internal Regulation of self government and every other right, not ex- 
pressly relinquished were reserved: that this Power was not given up. 

That it was not a law impairing contracts, for here no contract had an existence. It 
was a law forbidding persons to conspire, to enter into contracts for the purpose of invading 
the Rights of the State. That it was an Exercise of Judicial Power was denied — every law 
regulating property — descents — ,\cts for Relief of Insolvent debtors — Limit: Acts — might as 
well be said to be Judicial Acts, & to impair contracts. 

The objection principally relied on was that it impaired the Right to a Trial in the 
Courts of the U. S. That the right of Entry was taken away or suspended. To this it was 
answered that the Courts of the LT. S. had no cognizance of the criminal law of the States — 
that there could be no appeal — That the party claiming land under a different state had his 
Right of trial secured to him in the Courts of the U. S., that this was not touched by this 
Law. 

That if in possession before the passing of the Intrusion Act, the person claiming the 
land under Penn'a must bring his Ejectment that he might remove into the Courts of the 
U. S., that if he was not in possession he might seal a lease and proceed as in the case of a 
vacant possession, when he would obtain possession under the authority of the law & could 
not be punishable. That the Constitution of the LT. S. granted the Trial of the Title. That 
this Act did not deprive the foreign claimant of this trial, but that the State in the Exercise 
of their Sovereign Power said — until it is decided that you have just Title we forbid you to 
enter and take possession of our Lands under a hostile Right. 

These matters were barely stated to the Court. * * * I understood that Judge Brecken- 
ridge was wavering. This gave much uneasiness and alarm. On enquiring I found that dis- 
tinct charges would be delivered by the Judges — but that both would declare the law to be 
constitutional. 

Judge of my surprise, astonishment and dismay when Judge Breckenridge declared his 
decided opinion that the 1st section of the act was unconstitutional, that as to the 2nd. he 
had greater doubts, but inclined to the opinion that it likewise was contrary to the constitu- 
tion — as it suspended the Right of Entry. Judge Yeates delivered his opinion that both were 
clearly constitutional, but left the matter to the jury to determine. B. expressly stated that 
the jury had the Right to judge of the constitutionality of any law though they ought to pay 
gieat respect to the opinion of the Judges. I gave up the matter as lost, satisfied as the 
Judges differed in opinion the Jury would not hesitate to pronounce the Defendants not 
guilty. * * * The jury remained out some time, returned and asked the opinion of the Court 
whether they were to judge and pronounce on the Constitutionality of the Law. I had before 
suggested to the Judges the propriety of a special verdict. This opportunity was seized by 
tliem to state to the Jury that tho' they might give a general verdict, yet under all circum- 
stances it would be best in this case to have a special one. The jury withdrew and I drew 
up a special verdict in form, finding the facts as stated in the indictment. They shortly after 
returned, agreed to return a special verdict. I then delivered to them the special verdict, in 
a form which with hesitation they signed. This tho' accompanied with a division of the 
Judges seems to have made a strong impression on the half share men and exhibits the first 
proof of the determination of the People of the 17 Townships to support the Laws of the 



408 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

which elicited from Tilghman to Judge Yeates a letter of protest and 
unbelief in the report of the Judge's decision. Miner, alluding to this, 
says : 

"The matter slept, and the prosecution was lost sight of from the favorable 
progress of the compromise law and the rapid decline of the new claims under 
the Susquehanna and Delaware Companies." 

In June, 1801, Tench Coxe wrote to Mr. Cooper that twenty men 
from "Tyoga" had applied to the land office in person, evidently with- 
out certificates, as Coxe wrote he had referred them to the commis- 
sioner, who was at Loomis's, just below town. 

It having been thought necessary to see the records of the Sus- 
quehanna Company, application was made to Col. Franklin, who was 
reported to have them in his keeping,^^ although doubt was expressed 
as to transactions of the later meetings, as the clerk (David Paine) 
was supposed not to- have been sworn into office. Coxe claimed that 
the ininutes submitted zvere not the original, although Franklin had 
agreed to produce them.^^ Coxe also wrote : 

"It appears to me that the 17 townships were confined to the old purchase 
of 1768 (meaning Penn's) and that the old town of Ulster was originally so 
laid, and that they afterwards carried it in part over the West side of Susque- 
hannah in the purchase of 1785." 

This is the only allusion found by author as to the location of 
Ulster cast of the river, hut it is so located on the map in the American 
Philosophical Society. 

The correspondence of the commissioners at this time indicated 
that, until obtaining the minutes, they had not been fully aware of 
Franklin's continued opposition, and the hostile meetings after the 
Decree of Trenton. Now Cooper and associates wrote, suggesting to 
the Governor : 

"The apprehension of Franklin, Spalding and another or two upon good 
ground would go near to terminate the dispute." 

State. And to punish on proper proof every infraction of them. It likewise is the first solemn 
act of renunciation of the Connecticut claim and a declaration that it is a pretended title. 
The argument comes on before all the Judges to be assembled during the September term. 
I hope it will be considered by the Penn'a Landholders as a most fortunate event, 
affording evidence that juries will carry those Laws into effect if they are deemed constitu- 
tional by the judges. For my own part I felt a relief from the unexpected issue. The mill 
stone that was weighing me down to the earth removed by the very manly and greatly to be 
applauded Integrity of the Jury. * * • Franklin and Jenkins are found guilty. Satterlee and 
Biles acquitted. For the verdict is a bare verdict of guilty, subject to the opinion of the 
Court whether it is an offence or not. They are bound over to appear at the next Circuit 
Court in large sums and to their good behavior. — Thos. Duncan. 

'^ The record books of the Susquehanna Company remained in the keeping of Colonel 
Franklin. About 30 years after his death they were found in the attic of his old home. Again 
they disappeared, and their whereabouts was generally unknown. A letter among the papers 
of Edward Herrick, Jr., revealed the fact that he had sent them in October, 1862, to the 
Connecticut Historical Society, where they ivere entered and acknowledged as a gift from 
him. The following year, at Mr. Herrick's instigation, D. W. Patterson, the eminent geneal- 
ogist, sent to the same repository the index which had fallen into his hands. They were so 
little valued even then that they lay long unheeded in the shop of the Recording Secretary. 
Some years later Mr. Craft spent a month in Hartford, and made copious notes, to which we 
have had access. The Franklin heirs, through the Tioga Point Historical Society, made un- 
availing effort to obtain these volumes. They should be in Ilarrisburg in the Land Oflfice. 

1^ As to the authenticity of the copy furnished Cooper makes this observation: "The 
Commissioners procured * * * from Col. John Franklin, the known clerk of the company, a 
copy of those rules and regulations from 1754 to 1786 attested by Mr. Gray, the former clerk, 
whose handwriting was known, and which bore evident marks of authenticity internally, and 
were ofiicially transmitted by Col. Franklin, and acknowledged by the above mentioned gen- 
tleman, as the rules and regulations of the Susquehanna Company." 



THE SUSQUEHANNA CO. AGAIN ASSEMBLES 409 

They divided the Connecticut claimants into four classes, placing- 
in the first, Franklin and associates, classed as "principal supporters 
and speculators in Connt. title, by whom the spirit of actual oppo- 
sition is perpetually Kept up." They seemed to deplore the attempts 
of Col. Home, praising- the half -share people as for the most part a 
very orderly set, industrious cultivators, remarking that if they were 
driven off, the country would "become a desert, and a desert it would 
remain." Cooper and Coxe finally disagreed along these lines, as Coxe 
was absolutely intolerant toward the Connecticut settlers, and Cooper 
being in their midst, wisely saw that a policy of conciliation would 
be most effective. The following letter indicates the need : 

"Athens July 1.5, 1801. — David Paine to Col. Jenkins, — Dear Friend : Re- 
venge, malice, envy & hatred still continue to reveal their tales of dishonor at me 
by inventing & propagating dark & sly insinuations derogatory to my character, by 
which means they hope to make me obnoxious to 'the powers that be.' I fear the 
times are near at hand when men's souls are to be more severely tried than they 
have ever yet been in the past. The 'furnace seems to be heating seven times hotter 
than it was wont to be heat.' Perhaps the Lord may look down with compassion 
upon the righteous and shield them as in times of old He did Shadrach, Meshach 
and Abednego. , 

"I regret the foolish transactions of a mob at Towanda. Conformity to 
law is necessary." 

This alludes to the attack on Rev. Thomas Smiley. 

In Aug-ust, 1801, the proprietors of the Susquehanna Company 
were notified that a meeting would be held "in Athens on Tioga Point" 
October 20, at the dwelling house of Stephen Tuttle, Jr., publication 
being requested in New England and New York. A number of the 
proprietors met, and notice was given of adjournment for two days 
to accommodate Luzerne proprietors, who were evidently doubtful or 
tardy. On the 2?d they met again and appointed a committee to ar- 
range and prepare business to be acted upon, and adjourned one day. 
October 23 met pursuant to adjournment. The resolutions passed-^ 
show a strong inclination to end the controversy, and a committee of 
five were appointed to attempt a compromise with Pennsylvania claim- 
ants ; but, if they were unsuccessful, another resolution showed all 
ready to defend their claims. In Mr. Craft's notes are found further 
resolutions not published in the xA-rchives. also an account of a meet- 
ing the ensuing year, as follows : 

"Resolved that the Sus. Co. do hereby strongly recommend to the Pro- 
prietors of the Delaware purchase to unite with us in bringing into effect an ami- 
cable compromise, or in defending the title and claim to the lands aforesaid. 

"Resolved that the Commissioners of this Co. be and they are hereby di- 
rected to make an estimate of the sum of money that may be necessary to be 
collected from the Co. for the purpose of carrying the foregoing resolutions fully 
into effect, and to proportion the same amongst the proprietors and settlers in 
the several twps. as well as amongst the non-resident Proprietors in proportion 
to the property they respectively claim in the lands and to appoint such suitable 
persons as they shall judge proper to collect the same to be paid over to the 
Treasurer of this Co.— Resolved that the standing Committee of the Co. afore sd 
be & they are hereby directed to audit and settle all accts. with any monies or 
property of this Co., or who may have any demand or unsettled accts vs. this Co. 
—Resolved that the foregoing Res's be signed by Chairman & Clerk & published 
in the public papers printed in Wilkes-Barre. Res. that this meeting be adjourned 

2" Pp. 121 and 122, Penn. Archives, 2nd series, Vol. XVIII. 



410 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

to the 2nd Monday in May 1802 at 10-o-clock A. M. to be held at the dwelling 
house of Maj. Elisha Matthewson in Athens on Tioga Pt., and that the clerk of 
this Co. give notice thereof in one or more of the public papers in the states of 
Pa., N. Y., Ct., Mass.. R. I.. N. 1 1. and Vt. at least 6 weeks previous to the time 
of sd. Meeting. 

"Truly recorded, attest, John Fkanki.in, Clerk." 

"At a meeting of Sus. Co. held by adj't. May 17, 3 802 Saml Avery Chair- 
man J. Franklin clerk, adj'd until to-morrow 10 A. M. — Met the IS & adj'd 
until to-morrow. May 10 Met pursuant to ag't. — The commissioners, appointed 
by the Co. 22nd of Oct last to treat with Commissioners or agts. of Pa. land 
claimants, to receive or make propositions in behalf of Sus. Co. Report. That in 
pursuance of their appointment & instructions they addressed the Com. of Pa. 
landholding as follows : 

"Athens, 24th October — 1801. — Gentlemen: Having been advised that the 
Pennsylvania Land holders were disposed to offer an easy compromise to the 
Settlers in Luzerne, claiming Lands under the Connecticut title — And that the 
Committee on the part of said Land holders had expressed a wish 'that the 
Claimants under Connecticut in a general meeting for that purpose constitute 
and empower Commissioners to treat with them on the proposed accommoda- 
tion.' In pursuance thereto notice has been given and a general meeting of the 
Connecticut Susquelianna Company of purchasers and Settlers has been con- 
vened and lield the present week in this village, and the proposed accommoda- 
tion taken under consideration and the undersigned appointed commissioners on 
the part of the Company and Settlers, with instructions and power to treat with 
Commissioners or Agents that are or may be appointed and properly authorized 
on the part of the Pennsylvania Claimants, to receive and make propositions and 
to endeavor to bring into effect a reconciliation of the contested Claim by an 
amicable Compromise. 

"Having an ardent desire on our p:irt to prevent Litigation, to put an end 
to a contest that has been of long duration, and to promote and cidtivaty peace 
and harmony with our fellow citizens. We the undersigned take the earliest op- 
portunity to advertise our appointment, and to inform you that we are ready, on 
our part" to open a Conference on that subject, to receive propositions respecting 
the mode of proceeding and to receive consider of and answer any propositions 
that may be made on our part which may have a tendency to bring about a re- 
conciliation of the contested titles. We would however, suggest as a preliminary 
in this business that no manner of advantage shall be taken against either party 
in any future mode of settling the controversy in consequence of any proposi- 
tions that shall be made for an accommodation provided that our attempts to 
compromise should prove unsuccessful. * * * 

"We are gentlemen with due respect, your most obedient and humble 
servants. "John Franklin. 

Sami'Rl AvIvRY. 
John Jknkins. 
EzKKiEL Hyde. 
Samuel Baldwin. 

"To the Gentlemen Conmiittec of Pennsylvania Land Holders." 

No response to this is found ; probably it was ignored. 

January, 1802, David Paine writes: 

"The Governor as usual in addressing legislature recommends strenuous 
proceedings against the Yankees of Luzerne.""' 

This serious ]>rospect did not seem to dismay the young- i)eople of 
Tioga Point, who David writes, "are prei)aring for a general fandaiigo 
at the Doctor's Hotle." A later letter tells ''we had a general collection 
of the boys and girls of our neighborhood 30 or 40 couples at Doctor's 

21 Gov. McKcan's message was very forceful, one passage being as follows: "The en- 
croachments upon the soil & sovereignty of Pennsylvania in that quarter contmue to afford 
cause for indignation and alarm. vShould the judicial authority be defeated m its legitimate 
endeavors to punish the delinquent intruders and protect the rights of property; I shall rely 
implicitly upon your support," etc. 



THE CONNECTICUT INTRUDERS PURvSUED 411 

Hotle, had one of our right old fandango's, and passed the eve in social 
glee." 

A law was now passed "against Yankees sitting as jurymen to try 
Yankees on intrusion law." Many suits of ejectment were instituted, 
and in April Stephen Tuttle reports, "All the Yankees are going to 
court to meet their fate." 

He quotes from the answer of the House of Representatives to 
the Governor's speech : 

"We hear with indignation and regret that repeated efforts made to prevent 
encroachments on the soil and sovereignty of Pennsylvania have not produced 
the desired effect. We agree with you tliat the fame and lionor of the govern- 
ment have heen too long violated and insulted by the lawless and arrogant com- 
binations of Conn't Intruders, and should the judicial authority be defeated, 
* * * you may rely on our support in the decisive measures which it will be your 
duty to pursue." 

David Paine's comment is : 

"This is the work of Democrats, the supreme court have pronounced the In- 
trusion Law Constitutional. * * * I am not at all surprised that the Demo's hold 
up their heads so bravely. The late importation of so many Paddas who well 
understand the use of the shalaly, the acquisition of the sober, moral and 
religious F — P — the bosom friend of the President, who by his letters to the 
public has done the cause he espouses so much credit, must be matters of real 
gratification and encouragement to the adherents of the cause (Democratic) you 
have espoused. But remember you rise to fall again and that shortly. The 
term Federalist, agreeable to my construction and application of the word, means 
a firm steady friend and supporter of the Government of the United States, 
agreeable to the Constitution — Jiot the offspring of the old tory party, but the 
true patriots of '76, (and their descendants) who fought and bled in the cause 
of liberty. I have none of these people 'cowed down' for they are assured the 
Lord never forsaketh the righteous." 

While these last observations do not pertain to Tioga Point his- 
tory, they seem of such general historical value that we cannot forbear 
inserting them as the observations of an intelligent man of that period. 
Watching the legislative proceedings closely, a month later, he wrote : 

"There is yet a great deal said about the wild Yankees and a mighty fuss 
as usual at Lancaster. 'Tis said the Gov'r has ordered out 2000 militia who are 
to march in the spring, and put an end to this business — fudge — " 

In spite of the emphatic "fudge," causes for disquietude at the 
Point are here easily apparent. 

The applications of the inhabitants of Athens and Ulster were 
now under Cooper's observation. Among the Herrick papers was 
found a letter from Cooper to Obadiah Gore and Elijah Buck, from 
which extracts are given : 

"Gentlemen, I have perused and considered depositions respecting the 
grants of Township of Ulster, and the documents accompanying them, and have 
compared them with the original (grant) obtained from Col. John Franklin. I 
am fully persuaded, not only from depositions, but from other circumstances, 
that you and the claimants of Ulster have suffered, and are likely to suffer from 
an adherence to the laws and jurisdictions of Pennsylvania. Indeed I regard 
applicants from this township peculiarly entitled to consideration, * * * and 
recommend a petition to next session. * * * But I can not conceive myself 
authorized to establish the Grant of the Township of Ulster. Not the first, 
because it seems to have been abandoned voluntarily, however praiseworthy the 



412 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

motive. Altho' it appears to have been settled within the Bovmds of the loca- 
tion," agreeably to the Spirit and Equity, if not within the letter of the rules 
and regulations of the Susqu'a Co. Not the Second, or Third, because the 
lands herein granted, were granted and settled after the decree of Trenton. 
No pretence of mistake could exist after that time, nor can I bring these grants 
within act of 1799. I sincerely wish the circumstances would have authorized 
me to do so.'"' 

It will be observed that Athens or Tioga Point is not mentioned, 
and it is evident that the inhaliitants of Athens all applied under first 
grant of Ulster. But all the applications were rejected, as shown in the 
following extracts from Cooper's report to the Governor in October, 
1802. The whole of this report is interesting as bearing on Athens 
history : 

"The Townships of Bedford and Ulster were not able to make out a title 
to my satisfaction, under the Susque'a Company, and the law of 1799. I rejected 
therefore, every applicant within those Townships. The case of Ulster I was 
very sorry for, as the applicants deserve far more for their Submission to the 
terms of the Law of 1799 than in any other Township. Ulster is the very focus 
of opposition, and the applicants have had to encounter much rancour and 
ridicule from their opponents. * * * In that Township, and there alone will op- 
position arise, if at all. * * * 

"* * * I cannot be far wrong, when I state the utmost force of the wild 
Yankees, as they are called, at 200 men. Tliese are for the most part poor and 
ignorant, but industrious Settlers, thinly scattered over a wild country, incited 
and misled by about a half dozen Leaders, living chiefly in the Township of 
Ulster, viz : Franklin, Satterlee, Spalding, Bingham, Flower, Kingsbury, John 
Jenkins of Exeter, and Ezekiel Hyde. In fact all of the active opposition is 
confined to 3 or 4 miles above and so much below Tioga Point, and about a 
dozen miles East and West of it. * * *I mention all this because I lived in the 
heart of the opposition. * * * Our success alarmed the Half Share men, they 
held two meetings * * * It is my opinion if violent measures are adopted now 
force will be necessary, wait a twelve month, and it will not be so. The party 
is splitting and the breach will not close. * * * 

"Indeed I know of no way of making the County of Luzerne permanently 
useful to the State but by encouraging New England Settlers under the Penn- 
sylvania title. The Pennsylvanians will never settle such a country. The 
Philad'a Land holders who are infatuated as to the value of the Lands, may 
induce the Legislature to make the Country a desart & keep it so; but less 
time, less trouble, less Expence w'd make it a Garden. Yet if measures of con- 
ciliation do not produce the Efifect within a 12 mo., better it were that the 
Country should be a Desart than a continual hot bed of lawless opposition and 
Insurrection." Pp. 487-492 Pa. Archives 2 series Vol. XVIII History of Ulster 
herewith submitted." 

-- The location here mentioned was entirely west of the river, as sliown in Cooper's 
annexed History of Ulster, taken from Archives. 

"•'' Cooper's ref|uirements were, 1st, Application for township to committee authorized to 
grant townships; 2n(i, Location; ."^rd, List of applicants; 4th, List of settlers, and evidence on 
oatli of their settlement in sufficient number; 5th, The survey of the township; 6th, The 
draught of the lots. 

2* In accordance with Thos. Cooper's suggestion, (luring the session of 1802-3 Rosewell 
Welles presented to the IvCgislature a petition of inhabitants of Ulster township, accompanied 
by documents, stating their desire of conforming to the law of 1799, that they had presented 
their claims, etc., which, for reasons stated by Mr. Cooper, had not been acknowledged; they 
therefore prayed to be admitted to the benefit of the Law. Referred to "Committee on Wyo- 
ming Controversy," who reported adversely, and petition and documents were withdrawn 
(see Journal H. R., 1802 and 180:^!, p. 63). One petition or application presented by residents 
in final grant of Ulster, called the people on Tioga Point "a hostile party, who had crowded 
them out," which referred to the third grant, asked for by Athens settlers. 



DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF ULSTER 413 

History of the Township of Ulster 

September 22. 1802. — Before me. Thomas Cooper, Esqr., Commissioner 
under the Act of April 4, 1799, "for offering compensation to the Pennsylvania 
claimants of Lands within the seventeen Townships in the County of Luzerne, 
and for other purposes therein mentioned," personally appeared Obediah Gore, 
Esq.. associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the said county, and 
Elijah Buck. Esquire, of Tioga County, in the State of New York, who upon their 
oaths do severally depose and say, that on the 28th of August, 1775, on the ap- 
plication of persons (proprietors in what was called the Susquehanna Company) 
whose names are mentioned in the Document A and B hereto annexed, a grant 
was regularly made according to the rules and regulations of the said Company 
for a Township containing 2.5 Square miles, called "Ulster," located on the 
west side of the north east branch of the River Susquehanna, a true copy 
whereof is hereto annexed in the Document C. That the war breaking out soon 
afterwards with the British and Indians, no effectual settlement was made in 
the said Township under the said Grant of 177."). the generality of the proprietors 
and settlers, claimants under the said Grant of 177.5 being called to the common 
defence of Wyoming and the Neighborhood, or having joined the army of the 
United States. 

That on the close of the war, and during the fall of 1784, and the Spring 
of 1785, these deponents, together with upwards of thirty persons settled and 
resided within the Township of "Ulster." as located in the said Grant of 1775, 
and being weary of the contest of Pennsylvania respecting the Susquehanna 
Company's claim, and desirous of living in peace and conformabl}' to the Laws 
of the State in which they were placed by the decision at Trenton, they, with 
the generality of the proprietors and settlers aforesaid, were and have continued 
supporters of the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania. 

That the sentiments of the undersigned Deponents and others, settlers in 
the old town of "Ulster." being commonly known, they were violently opposed 
on many occasions, and their Interests thwarted by many leading proprietors 
in the Susquehanna Company then and now resident in the County of Luzerne, 
and who were and have continued, universally hostile to the pretensions of 
Pennsylvania, in respect of the Susquehanna purchase, and opposers of every 
plan to compromise, hitherto held out under the authority of the 5^tate. 

That being overpowered by the numbers of their opponents in the Susque- 
hanna purchase, and unwilling to embark in any further contention and dispute, 
the undersigned, with other settlers of the old town of "LUster," acquiesced in 
the claims of an interfering Township, laid out by and under the patronage of 
their opponents of the description aforesaid, under the name of Athens, still 
existing and settled as a half share Tov/nship, and not recognized as one of 
the 17 Townships in the County of Luzerne under the Act of April 4, 1799, or 
the supplement thereto. In lieu, therefore.^ of the old town of "Ulster," which 
zi<as entirely on the zvest side of the river (North East branch of the Susque- 
hanna), these deponents and other claimants in said township acquiesced and 
accepted a new Grant of a Township of "Ulster," the Northern bounds whereof 
commenced at the South part of Tioga Point, and. extended on both sides of the 
River Susquehanna ; a copy of this second Grant, so far as it remains perfect, 
is contained in the annexed document D. 

Document E. is a list of the proprietors applying for the said Grant in 
conformity to the rules and regulations of the Susquehanna Company. 

The boundaries of the Town of "Ulster," according to the location of the 
2nd Grant, were not yet agreeable to the claimants and settlers of the town of 
Athens, who, having the guidance of the affairs of the Susquehanna Company 
entirely among themselves and their adherents, insisted that the town of "Ulster" 
should be placed still lower down the river, and this was again consented to by 
the undersigned deponents and other settlers in "Ulster." and a .3rd Grant was 
accepted in the year 1786, a copy whereof is contained in Document F. 

Of the Old Town of "Ulster" no regular survey was ever made, owing to 
the circumstances of the War immediately succeeding the original Grant, nor was 
any survey completed under the second location, as the third was granted 
about 9 months only after the second. 



414 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

A copy of the survey under the Srd Grant is herewith presented, being 
Document G."° If the old location of "Ulster," under the Grant of 1775 be estab- 
lished, it will include but few comparatively of the applicants under the law of 
April 4, 1799. The second will include all those who have applied under the said 
law. (Obcdiah Gore. Elijah Buck.) 

The last grant was regularly surveyed and allotted, and the lots distributed 
among the proprietors of the township. 

As Ulster was included in the purchase of 1784, we find no Pennsylvania 
surveys prior to that date. The title however, was vested in Charles Carroll, 
and in Pickering, Hodgdon and Company, whose agent, Thomas Overton, sold 
to the settlers after it was decided by the Commissioners that Ulster could not 
be embraced in the Compromise law. 

In 1803 and 1803, according to David Paine's letters, a strange 
epidemic, called the "Shesheqnin fever," swept over the territory from 
the State line to Wysox and "baffled the art of our great Physician 
Dr. H." November, 1801, Dr. Hopkins having raised an abundance 
of produce, concluded to dispose of the surplus by tavernkeeping, and 
took out a license : " 'Tis very still times among us, no dancing, no 

"5 Document A. — A list of the proprietors of the Township of Mr. Asael Buck, Agent, 
August 28, 1775. 

Catharine Draper, yii share, 1 right certified by receipts. 

Elijah Phelps, " " 2 

Jonathan Buck, " " 1 by certificate 

IvOckwood Smith, " " 1 do. 

Thomas Millard, " do. 1 do. by receipt 

Aholiab Buck, " do. 1 do. by certificate 

Jos. Easton, " do. 1 do. 

Elijah Buck, " do. 1 do. 

Daniel Kellogg, 1 do. 2 do. 

Abraham Brockaw, J^ do. 1 do. by receipt. 

N. B. — On another List Exhibited (evidently B), the following names appear to have 
been added : 

Stephen Shepard, J/ share, 1 

Joseph Spalding, " do. 1 

William Buck, 2 5^ do. 5 

Obadiah Gore, yi do. 1 

M. Hollenback, yi do. 1 

J. Jenkins requests the favour of being admitted. 

.\sael Buck, 1 do. 2 

Thomas McClure, 1 do. 2. 

Document E. — List of proprietors for Ulster, July 21, 178fi: 

Capt. Simon Spalding, Capt. Thomas Baldwin, Obadiah Gore, William Buck, Elijah 
Buck, Henry Baldwin, Joseph Kinney, Joseph Kinney Jr., Capt. Joseph Spalding, John Spald- 
ing, Reuben Fuller, Widow Hannah Gore, Samuel Gore, Abraham Brockaw, Avery Gore, 
Capt. Joseph Eaton, Capt. Joshua Dunlap, Lockwood Smith, Heirs of Aholiab Buck, John 
Shepard, Stephen Shepard, Col. Nathan Denison, Joshua Jewel, Hugh Forsman, Isaac Bald- 
win, Chester Bingham, .\driel Simons, Nehemiah l^eFries, Abner Kelly, Benjamin Clark, Maj. 
William Judd, Capt. Timothy Hosmer, Silas Gore's heirs, Asa Gore's heirs, Zerah Beach, 
Lebbeus Hammond. Benjamin Bailey, Laurence & Sarah Myers. 

Documents C and D, evidently surveys, have not been found. The following list of 
proprietors of Ulster is evidently of second grant, to wit: EHsha Satterlee, Stephen Hopkins, 
LTriah Stephens, Oliver Bigalow, Lockwood Smith, William Buck, Elijah Buck, John Frank- 
lin, Benjamin Allen, Thomas McClure, Elisha Mattliewson, John Patrick, Matthias Hollenback, 
Abel Yarrington, John Jenkins, Christopher Hurlbut, William Jones, Benjamin Smith, Nathan 

Carey, Hageman, John McKinstrey, Ishmael Bennett, Asahel Buck, Thomas Duane. 

Document F. — Pursuant to a vote of the Susquehanna company, appointing a com- 
mittee to grant townships to such proprietors as appear authorized to take up the same, I 
have, with the leave and approbation of said conunitlee, located and surveyed a town on the 
North branch of the Susquehanna River, beginning on the West side of the Susquehanna River, 
opposite the head of an island, about three-fourths of a mile below the Junction of the Tioga and 
Susquehanna, thence West two (2) miles to a corner, thence South five (5) miles, thence 
East five (o) miles, thence North five (.5) miles, thence West three C?) miles to the place of 
beginning, which survey is made at the request of Capt. Simon Spalding, Lieut. William 
Buck, and others, a list of whom is herewith delivered to the committee aforesaid. 

(Signed) Obadiah Gore, Agent. 
The above survey of a township called and known by the name of Ulster is accepted 
and approved by us, the subscribers, to be and belong to the said Simon Spalding etc. 
etc. and others — their associates, as part of their general rights in the Susquehanna com- 
pany's purchase and the same is hereby granted and confirmed to them, their heirs and 
assigns, agreeable to the votes of the Susquehanna Company. In testimony whereof, we have 
signed these presents this 21st day of July .\. 1). 1786.— Zebulon Butler — John Franklin 
(Committee). 



COMPROMISE WITH PENN'A LANDHOLDERS 415 

social parties, Prentice gone to court, Ross in the dumps, Henry Welles 
the only cheerful lad about the streets."' Nevertheless, Stephen Tuttle 
reported a horse race in November, 1802. Shortly after this, David 
consoled himself by marrying Miss Phoel^e Lindsley, and straightway 
became intensely domestic and devoted to horticulture. He sold his 
half of their house to Clement, and purchased the property now owned 
by C. S. Maurice, which he laid out in lawns and gardens. He built 
a "neat cottage," wdiich stood until 1875. In January he wrote of con- 
tinued sickness and death "in consequence of our uncommon fever; 
that the 'Doctor's Hotel" was very popular, that a number of families 
were moving over the State line to obtain good titles, that the land 
business was uncertain, and he calculated to establish a nail factory." 
In April he reported : 

"Fifteen Yankees condemned in last Court for a riot ; to 3 months imprison- 
ment, fine & costs, a heavy amount. (These must have been 'Wild Yankees.') 
Brother Hopkins dashes away in his Tavern. Neighbor Pratt has purchased 
patent rights, a new invented mode of distilHng, and is gone a speculating." 

Again, on December 6, 1802, the Pennsylvania Landholders are 
addressed by Franklin and Avery, who stated they had been appointed 
by the President and Board of Directors to meet a committee for com- 
promise. After submitting the letter to the Governor, the Landholders 
declined to meet them. 

"February 14, 180o, some delegates of the settlers of Luzerne 
convened at Wyalusing for the sake of peace." Franklin was at this 
time in the Legislature, where much pressure (called "imprudent" by 
Cooper) was brought to bear upon him. Doubtless this meeting, 
knoivn to us first from Mr. Craft's iwtes,~^ was due to a conference 
or conversation with Cooper as per appended letter,-' published in 
Luzerne Federalist April 4. The committee appointed at this meet- 
ing once more addressed a letter, proposing compromise : 

"Ulster. Feb. 23, 1803.— To the Penna. Land Claimants — Gentlemen: The 
undersigned transmit you by the hand of James Ralston Esq. the propositions 
of the settlers in the county of Luzerne, claiming land under title derived from 
the State of Connecticut, for a settlement of the dispute which has so long un- 

=" A full account of this meeting may be found in Mss., Vol. II, Connecticut Claims, 
pp. 4-9, in the library of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, where also may be found 
the letters to and from Dr. Rose herinafter quoted. 

-"Letter from Cooper to ;i friend in Wilkes-Barre : 

Lancaster, March 20, 1803. — Dear Sir: In a conversation with Col. Franklin at which 
Mr. (Rosewell?) W'elles was present, I stated to him that Mr. Catlin and others had re- 
quested I would lend assistance in promoting the proposals many times mentioned to me on 
behalf of the settlers, of purchasing of the Penna. land-holders their lands on a valuation to 
be fixed by arbitrators mutually appointed, who shd. decide sum to be pd. quantity to be 
purchased, and periods of instalment. Or, if the landholders rather choose to pay for the 
improvements made by the actual settlers, that the arbitrators shd. fix their value, and, on 
payment made by Penna. landholders, the settlers shd. go off peaceably. Whether such pro- 
posals wd. be acceded to by the Pa. land-owners I know not; but for the pence of the country 
they ought to be made without delay by the settlers, they ought to be drawn up & signed in 
every twp. by such half-share holders as approve them, and then published with the signatures 
in the public newspaper. .\11 I can do to give time to this before a force is sent i:p I shall 
do. I most sincerely deprecate the employm.ent of the military while there is a prospect of 
amicable settlement. — But the half-share holders must not deceive themselves. Unless the pro- 
posals made by them are such as carry fairness on the face, and go at once to a settlement 
of the whole contest, this summer will not pass over without their having to contend with a 
body of men now contemplated at 2000. For my own part I shall advise peace till our twp. 
business is settled, and to give some time for the people to reflect on their own situation, — 
but there is no time to be lost. Nothing short of this will be effectual. Make use of this 
advice & information in the best way you can for the common good of the country. The 
House of Representatives are growing quite weary of this business, and the settlers will be 
mistaken, if they think they can dally on as heretofore. Yours. Thom.\s Cooper. 



416 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

happily been in agitation. The settlers wish you to lay them before the land- 
claimants at large, and hope their answer will be such as will terminate the 
dispute. We deem them sufficiently explicit; but if you think they require a 
more particular explanation, you will be pleased to direct your communications 
to the subscribers, to be left at the P. O. in Sheshequin, and due attention shall 
be paid thereto. 

"From, Gentlemen, your most obedient & Humble Servts., 

"Samuel Avery 
Joseph Kingsbery 
John Spalding 
"Agents for the Settlers." 

"We, the delegates of the settlers in the county of Luzerne settled under 
a title as derived from the state of Connecticut, in a meeting convened at the 
house of Daniel Sterling in Wyalusing, on Monday the 14th of February 1803, 
for the sake of peace, and to promote an amicable settlement of the long & un- 
happy dispute subsisting between us the Connecticut claimants aforesaid. & the 
Fenna. land-claimants, do agree the matter may be settled in or by either of the 
following propositions : 

"FIRST, Provided no advantage will be taken in any after mode of trial, 
if anything we offer should not be accepted, we will agree to pay the Pa. land 
claimants who have had patents from the State that cover our lands, the pur- 
chase money for all the lands we claim under title as derived from the State of 
Ct., i. e., the state price, & also the interest from the time the interest was paid 
or became due to the State, with an addition of 4% on the principal, together 
with reasonable expenses for surveying fees, & refund back to the Penna. land- 
claimants aforesaid, all the taxes they have pd. on sd. lands. The payments to 
be made in 5 equal annual instalments, the first in not less than 2 years from the 
time the agreement may be entered into between the parties. 

"SECOND : We will agree to refer the controversy to a court of disinterested 
commissioners, not less than 7 to be appointed by mutual consent of the parties ; 
or otherwise for each party to nominate 7. the judges of the Supreme Court of 
the U. S. to nominate 7 ; each party to strike off one, until the whole number 
is reduced to 7 ; who shall compose the Court, and shall have power to hear and 
determine the controversy, taking into consideration the various circumstances, 
& to decide what ought to be done ; such decision to be final and conclusive ; or — 

"THIRD: We will agree tO' unite with the Penna. land-claimants in an 
application to the Congress of the U. S. for a law authorizing the Judges of the 
Supreme Court of the U. S. to change the venire in the trials of causes between 
citizens of the same state, claiming lands under grants of a different state, into 
some other than those in which the land in controversy is claimed. Or other- 
wise, that the Pa. land-claimants unite with us in an application to the Legis- 
lature of this state for their aid and interposition in obtaining of the Legislature 
of the U. S. for the purpose aforesaid, that a trial may be had before a disinter- 
ested jury. 

"RESOLVED, that the foregoing proposals be sent to the Pa. land-claim- 
ants for their consideration and answer on the subject, & that Messrs. Samuel 
Avery, Joseph Kingsl)ery & John Spalding be & they are hereby appointed 
agents to do & transact all the business relative to the propositions aforesaid, in 
way and manner as they may deem most expedient. 

"Signed: Daniel Kinney, Chairman"^ 

"Wyalusing, Feb. 15, 1803." Joseph Kingsbery, Clerk. 

This letter seems to have been sent about the same time. 

-8 Gentlemen, Anxious to promote the prosperity of the Country in which we live, and 
of the Commonwealth to which we belong, we have recently addressed the Connecticut Settlers 
out of the Seventeen Townships, and have endeavoured to impress on their minds the ex- 
pediency and necessity of terminating the existing Dispute by purchasing their Lands of the 
Pennsylvania Claimants. In that address we pledged ourselves to use all our influence and 
exertions in assisting the Settlers to obtain their Lands on the most reasonable terms. In 
conformity to that assurance we now solicit your attention for a few moments, and hope that 
the reasons above suggested will operate as an apology for our troubling you on this occasion, 
and save us from the imputation of officious interference. We particular request that the 
Interference may not be considered as evidential of a disposition to encourage any opposition 



SETTLERS' COMPROMISE SCORNED 417 

Their proposals were declined with scorn in a private letter, 
ending : 

"We cannot in any way expressedly or impliedly agree to any propositions 
respecting a title supposed to be derived directly or indirectly from the State of 
Connecticut." 

In response to both of these a public letter was printed in the 
Luzerne Federalist for March 21, for all the world to read, as follows: 

"Phila, March 8, 1803 — Gentlemen: We rec'd your favor of 26 Feb. enclosing 
yr. address to the Penn'a landholders from a number of gentlemen in the county 
of Luzerne & within the old townships. 

"We by no means impute to the signers of that address any officious inter- 
ference ; on the contrary we cannot but be gratified by your frank and unqualified 
declaration 'that whenever an opposition to the laws of the commonwealth shall 
exist, you will feel it your duty as citizens of the state, and as friends to order, 
to meet it with united and strenuous disapprobation.' 

"Be assured gentlemen that the Pennsylvania claimants are disposed to sell 
lands on reasonable terms, that they are not inclined to reap the fruit of any 
man's labor, and feel a disposition to contract with those, who from whatever 
motive are seated on their lands. (So said) in letter of May 18, ISOl to E. Bow- 
man which has been made public. 

"Our sentiments as committee & landholders generally are the same. We 
wish the Penn. landholder & the actual settler could get together, & lament that 
settlers did not long ago act for themselves & purchase which was certainly in- 
cumbent on them to do, as readiest means of obtaining favor of government.* * * 

"Should the settlers fear arrest if they go to Phila to purchase, we declare, 
if they really mean to purchase they will not be molested by Penn. landholders 
or government. But wdiile we assure you of our disposition to sell lands on 
reasonable terms to actual settlers, understand clearly, it is not as a compromise 
or acknowledgement of title derived directly or indirectly from Conn. IVc knozv 
that no such title does exist, and as citizens of Pennsylvania, cannot admit it to 
be brought into consideration. * * * Actual settlers ought to come forward & 
show desire to purchase. They may easily find the owner under Pa. Until they 
find, & purchase from him they can never expect to live in peace and security. 

"We heartily wish your good dispositions may be attended to, & yr neighbors 
wld. deliberately weigh yr. good advice & warnings immediately, for in a short 
time they may be useless. «^g ^^^e with great respect 

Edward Tilghman 
Samuel Hodgdon." 

to the laws of Pennsylvania. W'henever such an opposition may exist, we shall feel it to be 
our duty as citizens of Pennsylvania, and as friends of Order, to meet it with our united and 
strenuous disapprobation. 

We address you in favor of the Actual Settlers on the disputed Lands, — Men who have 
generally expended their all for the purpose of removing into that country; who have settled 
there under the influence of a conscientious belief in the equity of their claim; who by the 
efforts of unwearied Industry have converted the rugged wilderness into comfortable abodes 
for themselves and families, and who by their Industry have not only improved their indi- 
vidual possessions, but have also rendered the neighboring wild lands of much more value. 
Under these considerations we confidently hope, that Humanity and benevolence as well as 
the suggestions of Interest will induce you to deal generously with these People, and to 
quiet them in their possessions on terms that will not dishearten but encourage Industry. 
Should you adopt such liberal measures for the determination of the dispute, you would 
change the settlers from being determined Enemies to cordial and useful friends; not only 
would the price of the wild lands be greatly enhanced, but they would find a more ready 
market, from the rapid influx of industrious and respectable Settlers from the adjacent States. 
On the other hand should the Dispute continue to rage, and the Settlers be finally expelled 
by arms, or the rigors of the L,aw, the Country would be again reduced to a Wilderness, and 
half a Century would probably elapse before it would regain its present state of Improvement. 
In the meantime the lands would be productive of nothing but expense, and the respectable 
emigrant from the neighboring States would avoid the Country as a land devoted to litiga- 
tion and bloodshed. 

Believing that a disposition to purchase on reasonable terms is now generally pre- 
valent among the Actual Settlers, which if properly encouraged might soon ripen into a Com- 
promise beneficial to all parties, we have taken the liberty to offer to you the above sugges- 
tions; hereby assuring you of our sincere co-operation in any reasonable measures that yoi:r 
wisdom may suggest for the termination of the unhappy dispute. — Nath.\n W.\lker, Timothy 
Eekbe, Thom.\s Wright, Jesse Fell. 



418 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Probably the following was in connection with this correspondence 
sent by a member of Legislature to a friend in Luzerne : 

"Lancaster, March 21. Sir, The following was put into my hands by Mr. 
Cooper this A. M. — 'Sir, Mr. Ralston and I called yesterday on the governor, 
and on the Wyoming dispute represented to him that if the commissioners were 
not interfered with by legislative interruption, — there was great probability that 
not only the dispute within 17 twps. would be settled in the course of the year, 
but that the half share settlers would gladly come forward with reasonable pro- 
posals, and throw off the few speculators who have hitherto misled them. The 
Governor declared that he much doubted whether this would be the case ; that 
the people of the country deceived us, that they've done nothing yet to evince 
such a disposition ; that he should be very glad to find the case as we stated it, 
but that the dispute should be settled this snvinier; that he would no longer 
permit the rights of the state to be settled by those Intruders, but that on the 
first day of June next he would send a force there of at least 2000 men. This 
was the material substance of the conversation which you should know, that the 
people of your country may know their real situation and act accordingly.' — 

"Thos. Cooper." 

June came and went, and, fortunately for the half-share men, the 
Governor did not carry out his threat. In July, finding that the work 
at Wilkes-Barre required full attention, Dr. Rose was sent to Tioga 
Point as agent of the commissioner. Mr. Cooper instructed him to go 
first to Judge Gore (Obadiah), saying: 

"Who, tho' certainly a former friend to the Count, claim, holding ostensibly 
under it, and tho' on many occasions he has trimmed between the two parties, is 
anxious to have an end put to the controversy, and to have title of this state pre- 
dominant, as also his son-in-law Capt. Cash; but, another son-in-law Col. Spalding 
(John) is among the most inveterate opposers of Pa. title. Between Gore's and 
Tioga, and a little above live the Spaldings, Satterlees, Kingsburys, Franklin, and 
all the most violent of the half share party. * * *" 

"The omissions of Supreme Court of this year are a victory for half share 
men ; they think the Judges are afraid of determining as to Territorial Law etc., 
and it will send Franklin again into the Assembly. * * * At Tioga Point put up 
at Stephen Tuttle's, he is of no side. Go with my note to Mr. Welles (George) 
on whose good sense and good intentions you may implicitly rely; he knows all 
these people and their movements better than any man not of party, he lives among 
them. * * * About two miles from Tioga is a Mr. Loomis on old Sheshequin flats 
who bought Penna. title from George Lattimore, Saml. Pleasants or both, who 
has the best improvements there, and who sets his half share neighbors at de- 
fiance. I regret that I was compelled to reject the twp. of Ulster, and that the 
Legislature did not grant it, for it would have made a schism among the leaders 
of half share men. and in the very focus of all their opposition." 

Having arrived at the Point, Dr. Rose wrote voluminous letters, 
most of which were addressed to S. Hodgdon, Chairman of the Penn- 
sylvania Landholders' Committee, who had made Rose agent for their 
lands. August 10 there was a meeting of half-share men at Joseph 
Ballard's, of which Rose writes the next day : 

"A town meeting held on Sugar Creek, at which the Connecticut Committee 
Kingsbery, Spalding and Satterlee were present. Whiskj'^ flowed freely and the 
meeting became very tumultuous. Those present passed a vote that they con- 
sidered their title as holy as the God of nature could make it and that they 
would stand or fall by it, with much more of the same sort. At last when too 
drunk to know what they were about, they wrote me an amusing letter, closing 
by begging me not to lose my temper over it." (Sept. 17 he writes) "On Sugar 
Creek, and in Old and New Sheshequin, where we have met so much opposi- 
tion, and which, especially the latter, may be considered as the nest of the spec- 
ulators, I recommend resurveys of land, biU probably not possible without 
violence or blood shed." 



DOCTOR ROSE AT TIOGA POINT 419 

The following year he had a surveyor working in Sheshequin 
and opposite Tioga Point, but without being able to discover either 
boundary or corner. Zephon Flower at this period decided it was 
more profitable to affiliate with the Pennsylvania people. He became 
surveyor for Rose and dififerent agents, and naturally incurred the 
odium of his Connecticut friends. They shaved his horse's mane and 
tail, shot at him from ambush, and threatened violence again and 
again; but he was never injured, and his notes and surveys are among 
the most reliable records. 

Rose made this plaint : 

"I do not know the reason, but Pennsylvanians who have been among the 
Intruders appear to turn no small bias to their side." 

In November, 1803, Cooper wrote to Rose from Wilkes-Barre, 
regretting that Supreme Court had not sat there, as "their omission 
gii'es strength and credit to the Half share men, zvho zvould feel the 
zveight of a decision against the delinquents :" alluding to the indict- 
ments against Franklin and Jenkins, which he "hopes will hold water." 
Also says the most effectual way of getting rid of the half-share men 
is by ejectments, which he earnestly advises, suggesting that a dozen 
scattered settlers should be selected, who would not feel a common 
interest in resistance. He mentions as a cause of delay in adjusting 
claims that "half the lands are claimed under the state by contending 
claimants, in some places three or four deep." Closes by saying he 
doubts propriety of exasperating measures before the Commissioners 
have completed their work. But ere long it appears that the Com- 
missioners themselves were subjected to "exasperating measures" on 
the part of Andrew Ellicott, the new secretary of the land office, or 
Board of Property, for which he acted ; patents being refused to the 
Connecticut claimants, on account of some petty technicality. Cooper 
wrote a long and indignant protest,-^ mentioning that "this will be most 
grateful news to the half share men * * * who begin to revive, to sneer 
at our proceedings &c. * '^■' * You know not the extent of the mischief 
you are planning, your conduct may hurt the state," and much more 
of same sort. Several months later, the matter still being unsettled, 
Cooper made another protest, in which he said : 

"The half share men sneer at the Compromisers, and say 'we told you at 
first that you would never get a title.' " 

Cooper was surely justly indignant. 

Seeing no other way to rid themselves of Col. Franklin, the Legis- 
lature decided in 1804 to once more divide the county. Accordingly, 
in a session when Franklin was present, the Act was brought forward, 
setting ofif a small part of Luzerne (now Bradford) to Lycoming 
County. In ignorance of Franklin's exact location, they at first ar- 
ranged the division so that his home was still included in Luzerne. 
Whereupon the bold man rose in his seat, and announced that such 
was the case, to the chagrin of his enemies. However, it was finally 
adjusted as desired. This caused great indignation at Tioga Point 

-" See p. 506, \'ol. XVIII, Pa. .Archives, second series. 



420 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

and vicinity, which can best be told by a letter from the heart of the 
half-share country, on Sugar Creek, which is as remarkable in spelling 
as in spirit. The legislators, however, deceived themselves in think- 
ing Franklin's constituents were in lower Luzerne ; for at the next 
election the old story was repeated. Colonel Franklin was chosen a 
representative from Lycoming, and once more took his seat at Lan- 
caster. 

He was, therefore, in the Legislature almost continually for ten 
years ; first in 1795-1796, then from 1799-1803. In 1801 he received 
every vote in the Tioga district. In 1802 every vote but three in the 
three upper districts ; in 1803 every vote but ten. In the session of 
1802-1803 an attempt was made to expel him on account of his in- 
dictment under the Intrusion Law ; when, curiously enough, for polit- 
ical reasons, the landholders took his part and saved the day. It is 
said his election from Lycoming was his last triumph ; that henceforth 
his ardor cooled, and he craved no further honors. But of course, 
he saw the waning of his beloved Connecticut claim. 

To have the county seat on the West Branch was very trying 
for the people in this locality. The sentiments of the half-share men 
are well told in the following amusing letter, already alluded to : 

"Burlington, June 25th 1804. — Col. Jinkins — Dear Sir : I must appolegis 
for not Answering Your Letter from Lancaster Sooner then I have but it wass 
not for the want of Friendship, but I had nothing wothey of Troubling you with, 
but now comes news we are Set of to another County without any authorety 
nearer then the West Branch, the experiment I think will not prove advantage- 
ous to the land jobers as they intended, there is a perfect union with the 
people & Settlers here though without Law except the dictates of Consceance 
which In so good a Cause is Sufficeant to keep peace and order. I have been 
lookin and expectin Som project from the Land jobers but have heard nor seen 
of none excepet a Surveying party that came from the West Branch they 
was out in the w,oods a week before any one in this Settlement new of it there 
was three partys, sent in quest of them but they had left their work and gone 
off. Before this reaches you I expect to hear of Somthing that will make a 
Nois. Mr. Gillet has been over (is now on his way home) with the inteligeance 
that Henery Donal Esq'r Came Last Tuesday Debetised as a Dist. Marshal with 
a Writ to Disposes Dornian Bloss, who is on a farm of Gillets at the Camp. 
Bloss with som help that Gillet got to assest, Capturd them they had a good 
deal of hard work. I expect the matter will become Serious for Donal has 
Come with a Commission as justice of the piece as agent for the Land jobers 
with a Determination to Survey Disposes Sel & turn the world upsidedown. _ In 
this way I think his Rase will be short as to Such Business. While I wright 
this I expect Som thing will be in Operation that will witness tO' him that 
though Yankees are wilde they will not thus be taimed. The Minds of the 
people are much agetated at the proceading of the Legislative land jobers. but 
are firm in the good old cause and are better united than they have been Since 
I have ben in the Country & are determined that Agents, Surveyors, & Such Im- 
esaryes Shal not infest our peaceful abodes, there has ben two Meetings of 
the Settlers on the Creek which was to try the minds of the people which they 
Manefested to be firm & Stedfast. And determined to share an equal fate. The 
Result of som things now in agitation I shal be likely to know and if it wil aford 
you any Satisfaction I will enform you by the earliest Opertunety. & as this 
season bids fare to be a trying one, your Councel will be of great wait with us 
espetialy with myself; for there is som little confidence placed in me by this 
Settlement they often make enquirery of me about our Affaires I am many times 
hurt that I Cant give them more Satisfaction then I do. 



ANNALS OF THE SETTLEMENT 421 

"I fear I have already tryed your paitence with my unconnected Scrible 
and mus beg leave to Subscribe myself with Sentiments of high Esteem. Your 
Friend and Humble Serv't, Natha'l AllEN. 

"I expect that even a hint is unnessary as to secrecy of som things herein 
stated." 

Nathaniel Allen was an original proprietor of Biu'lington ; origin 
and later history imknown to writer. 

And how g'oes on the settlement meanwhile? 

The most important village happening of this period was the 
building of Dr. Hopkins' house, the most pretentions in the village. 
It stood on the lot north of present stone church, surrounded 'by many 
acres, for there was no Hopkins Street then. The Doctor was pros- 
perous ; his "hotle" having probably helped him to make money. The 
large house torn down but a few years since was only the main body ; 
on each end were large wings, which were later detached, moved and 
converted into separate houses. There was a wondrous bow window 
in the front of the upper hall, very elaborate in detail, and an unusual 
"painted front;" paint was not often used. Altogether, the Paine 
house was quite dwarfed by its new neighbor. 

New comers were shy of appearance from 1801 to 1S05, but there 
was great admiration of the country, and some thought of new 
settlers, as shown by two amusing letters of Dr. Joseph Speed, of 
Virginia, addressed to George Welles in 1803 and 1805. In the first 
he had just visited Tioga Point, was loud in his praises, and proposed 
to move "spring after next," and had got several of his friends in the 
humor of going. In the latter he and his company were about to start, 
and numerous questions were put. He wrote : 

"I am afraid we have concluded to bring an imprudent number of negroes 
to your parts. I should still be fond of your opinion on the subject." 

He then anxiously inquires the price of various provisions, the 
possibility of obtaining furniture, feathers, etc., "in your very fine part 
of the globe;" intimates that he may bring a large company with him, 
and that permanent location may be at head of Owego Creek, over 
the line. 

According to David Paine. Vincent IMathews, later a lawyer of 
Elmira, had residence in Tioga Point in 1802. John Reddington, 
blacksmith, apparently lived on the lot now occupied by M. P. Murray ; 
if so, he was the only resident on that property before 1885. 

The earliest town meeting of which record is preserved was in 
]\Iarch, 1805, and was called "a meeting of the inhabitants of the 
toivnship of Tioga, for purpose of choosing town officers ;" Dr. Amos 
Prentice and George Welles chosen judges of election, Clement Paine 
clerk. Constables, Overseers of the Poor, Fence Viewers, and Super- 
visors were chosen, two of each : and it was voted "that all rams 
shall be rescued from running at large, and that any so found shall 
be forfeited to the person taking up the same." Another account is 
preserved of a town meeting held "at the house of Stephen Tuttle, Jr., 
in the township of Tioga (alias Athens), on March 18th, 1808," John 
Franklin and David Paine in charge. About the same officers were 
chosen. 



422 



OLD TIOGA POINT AXD EARLY ATHENS 



In June, 1807, Henry Welles wrote to Richard Caton concerninj^ 
a lot desired, which plainly shows that in l'nni])elly's survey a street 
was planned from river to river, as in Lockhart's sketch, just where 
unfinished Academy huilding' then stood. 

"My particular object in writing to you to-day is to ask you for what you 
would dispose of six rods of land south of Irwin's store, which now is left out 
in Commons. You talked of laying out a lot there when you was up, but did 
not, at least our plot does not show any. If it should be agreeable to you to sell 
it, and at reasonable rate, I will undertake to sell it to a young man who will 
build a house on it, although there will be some opposition made by the neigh- 
bors. As it was not considered in the division of the Point, and there will be 
considerable trouble attending it, perhaps you will not think it improper to allow 
me one third, but I will leave it to yourself to judge whether it is proper or not. 
I write this at the desire of Mr. Satterlee. the young man who would bargain 
for the lot, if reasonable, and will thank you for an answer as soon as con- 
venient." 

Mr. Caton replied as follows : 

"I am hardly enough advised 1)y you of Mr. Satterlee's wishes for a lot 
on Academy Square, to be able to answer. The front of that square on Union 
St. is 160 ft. and the front of Academy St. is 60 ft wide fronting the centre of 
the square ; consequently there are 50 ft. on each side. I suppose it is one of 
these 50 ft lots about which Mr. Satterlee inquires. / consider it as public prop- 
erty, but how far it may legally be so I do not know, however I am of opinion 
it might expose us to some trouble. I have virtually given a legal title to the 
public; it would be inexpedient to authorize Mr. S. to improve there * * * it 
might expose him to much vexation. 1 hope he can be otherwise accommodated." 

In 1807 the little town had a new excitement, a law suit between a 
brother and sister. It -will be remembered that Matthewson and Satterlee 
had contiguous lots on the Point farm, also east of the Susquehanna, the 
latter were 42, 43 and 11 ; location shown in accompanying picture. The 





Upper Athens, from Rorxn Top 

two latter were ]\Iatthewson's. To avoid so mtich ferriage, they worked 
each other's lots ; but within a few years that was not found satisfac- 



MATTHEWSON VS. SATTERLEE 423 

tory. so they talked of "szvapping lands." Both OAvned lands in 
Palmyra, which were considered in exchange, but no agreement was 
reached. The general testimony being that in Matthewson's lifetime, 
while they had made the exchange in work mentioned, M. refused 
to make any permanent agreement, always saying, when he wanted 
to build or improve on lots adjoining S., he should have the privilege. 
Satterlee found Matthewson's lots superior tO' his own for farming, 
and tried in vain to obtain them by exchange. Matthewson thought 
them better than the lots on the Point, and no doubt wished to hold 
them in case of ejectment by Carroll or Welles. The matter was still 
unsettled at Matthewson's death in 1805. In 1807 Mrs. Matthewson 
served on Col. Satterlee a writ to quit possession, and a suit was in- 
stituted thereupon. In xA.ugust, 1813, she and Dr. Elias Satterlee, as 
executors, brought a second suit, and a writ of restitution was awarded. 

Whereupon, in November, John F. Satterlee issued a summons 
in ejectment against Mrs. Matthewson and his father, doubtless by 
consent of Col. Satterlee. The case was struck from the docket, but 
the same day the Matthewson executors brought another ; result, writ 
of re-restitution issued. In 1817 Mrs. Matthhewson tried it again by 
serving ejectment on the Satterlees, father and son ; judgment rendered 
for plaintiff ; whereupon the Satterlees carried the case to the Supreme 
Court, and in September, 1821, judgment was reversed, and restitution 
of land and money ordered. Thus, after fourteen years' litigation, 
the Matthewsons were defeated, the eminent Judge Huston making 
the final decision. 

This was a strange case, the parties being alternately moved by 
their own interests, and again influenced by their relationship. The 
depositions throughout are a valuable source of historical information. 
In the commencement Mrs. Matthewson was heard to demand her land 
over the river, and to tell Mr. Satterlee to- take his on the Point ; doubt- 
less hoping thus to shift her difficulties with Henry Welles onto her 
brother. Mr. Satterlee was a man of "violent passion," said he would 
stick to the land till it cost him all he had, saying, "It is my living and 
/ zvont give it up." Later he claimed that his sister had sold his lands 
on the Point, therefore she could not claim hers over the river. Other 
witnesses testified that when he asked — in connection with Mr. Car- 
roll's suit — "do you defend my land with yours?" she replied "no 
brother, I have enough," bursting into tears. Another witness testified 
to asking Mr. Satterlee if it was not a hard case to be lawing with a 
sister. " Tears fell from his eyes, but said he. the land I must keep, 
if I give it up I am ruined." He further said he knew the land be- 
longed to the Matthezvson heirs and was willing to make restitution, 
meaning to give them property in New York State. In this suit both 
parties made use of the complicated titles to assist themselves. This 
was not Col. Satterlee's first trial over title. Joseph Kinney testifies 
that in 1789, when the confirming law was in operation, 

"Wm. Miller, the early trader, brot a claim against both Satterlee and 
Matthewson, covering lots 42, 43 & 44. Miller's claim was possession in exclusion 
and opposition to Connt. title. Matthewson made similar claim. Esq'r Carpenter 



424 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

came from Kingston to hold trial, referred to arbitrators, of whom I was one. 
An award was made. Satterlee and Matthcwson being in possession, and both 
Miller and Hurlburt setting up prior claims. Hurlburt's deed described his 
as 'extending to the creek opposite Sullivan's fort and back to the hills.' " 

After some operation of the confirming and compensation laws, 
it became well understood that there were conflicting claims prior to 
those of Connecticut : and many clever devices were resorted to by 
the Yankees. Ignioring the Connecticut Claim, strong as was their 
pretended faith in it, they applied for the Pennsylvania title, claiming 
right of possession. It will be remembered that Thomas Overton 
came to Tioga as agent for Joseph Wharton, who had purchased lands 
east of the river "from Alashawpen Creek to vicinity of Tioga." The 
Satterlees now conceived the bright idea of purchasing this Pennsyl- 
vania title, and applied to Thomas Overton, who later deposes as 
follows : 

"The deed from Joseph Wharton was first made out to Col. (Elisha) Sat- 
terlee. When it came he swore * * * he had never taken a deed from Pennsyl- 
vania, and never n'oiild. But said he had made an agreement with his son to 
take the deed, and it might be given to him (J. Franklin Satterlee). Therefore 
the name 'Elisha' was erased, and 'John F.' substituted ; this was done before 
a notary." 

The deed was given by Caleb Foulke, assignee of Jos. Wharton, 
J. F. Satterlee giving bonds and mortgage. This deed w^as given in 
1812, covering lots 43, 43 and 44 ; and thereafter Col. Satterlee posed 
as the tenant of his own son ; first, however, having his son bring an 
ejectment suit against him. which was thrown out of court. But 
INIrs. Matthewson proved more clever. Early in the following year 
(1813) she applied for. and obtained the State patent to the lands. In 
the final suit, Satterlee's deed from Foulke was thrown out by reason 
of the erasures, and the Matthewson heirs held the land (now known 
as Wheaton proi^erty) until sold by them in 1836. While this suit 
was not settled until 1821, it has here been carried to the end to make 
the whole matter clear to those interested. Records may be found 
in 1807, 1813 and 1820, the last being No. 60 of December term Special 
Court. The most definite knowledge concerning dates of early settle- 
ment, survey and allotment of Athens and like matters has been ob- 
tained from the depositions of witnesses in this final suit, a full copy 
being in the possession of C. H. Satterlee. For further details see 
Appendix A. 

Narrative of Isaac Morley, V'd. 
In 1807 the first of the Morley^*' family came to Tioga Point, 
where they have ever since continued actively concerned in all the 

^ The Morleys were originally from England. Isaac (son of Isaac, son of Thomas") 
came to Tioga Point from Springfield, Mass. His wife was Beulah Harmon, dau. of Gad 
Harmon of SufField, and granddaughter of John Hastings, a preacher. They had nine children, 
the sons were Isaac, 3rd, Gad Harmon and Alvin, who settled on the farm purchased by 
their father from Joseph Spalding; Jacob and Justin. Isaac 3rd had the homestead, he m. 
Celestia Spalding and had Isaac 4th, Annie, Abraham, Simon, Nancy, Job, Huldah, Reuben 
Seth; Celestia m. John Ovenshire, still living, also Job; Alvin built the house still standing 
at Morley's Crossing. Gad H. lived in the old Joseph Spalding house. This family built 
about 1823 the first Morley's mill on same spot where their descendants have a mill to-day. 
Alvin went to Owego to learn a trade and found a wife, dau. of Stephen Parmenter, 
and had five children: George, Jane, Cornelia, Adaline and Frank S. 

Gad H. m. Experience, dau. of John Green, and had seven children: Beulah, John G., 
Justin, Hester, Harriet, Gad H. Jr., Welthia. 

Isaac Morley 3rd d. 1882, aet. 94 years; he was a respected and worthy citizen. 



MORLEY AXD MURRAY FAMILIES 



425 




Jia^e^ ^cr?"^ 



interests of the valley. Some inci- 
dents in connection with their com- 
ing, and some conditions in the vil- 
lage can best be told in the words 
of Isaac Morley, 3rd, taken by W. 
A. Plummer from the lips of Mr. 
Alorley when he was ninety-three 
years old, but with a clear mind 
and retentive memory : 

"In 1807 father sold his place in 
West Springfield (Mass.) and moved to 
Tioga Point as this place was then called. 
We were 1(5 days coming through and 
got here in October and bought the three 
lots'" [property near Morley's Mill, still 
in possession of family, purchased from 
Joseph Spalding], 

They occupied a small log 
house, built for Howard Spalding, 
until they could build. Isaac con- 
tinues : 

"The next spring we raised a barn 
and so did Mr. John Spalding. He 
was sheriff. There were several dr}^ goods stores on the Point then, none others 
nearer than Elmira or Owego. Esquire Saltmarsh was lawyer for the section, 
and everything was left to him. We crossed the river at Bainbridge when we 
came out; on the only bridge there was at that time anywhere on the (upper) 
Susquehanna. I was nineteen years old, and taught school that winter in an old 
house. * * * I taught the first school in the old log school house at Greene's 
landing in 1813. Some scholars came from Sheshequin and some from the 
'Point.' I was offered the Academy on the Point, but I did not think I was 
properly qualified * * *teaching district school is not much of a business." 

Isaac was evidently considered a teacher above the average, and 
he showed his industry as he worked at his trade in the summer, but 
taught every winter until he was married. His account of the famous 
Morley Mill and some other mills, distilleries, etc., will be given in a 
later chapter. 

"I cleared the stumps off that field (in front of the mill) they were mostly 
oak, I cut off all the pine, but have trees over two feet through that have 
grown since. The hills were bald and bare then, owing to hunters' ring fires. 
The river flats were not all cleared off, and no settlers lived back, except some 
in Smithfield. Old Wright Loomis owned land from Buck's Creek at Milan to 
Reddington Creek. He lived a little way from where Watkins' house stands. 
We used to go there to elections, the only place in this valley for elections. 
Green's Landing was open to the commons. * * * This valley was heavily tim- 
bered. Mr. Murray^^ had two distilleries. We had plenty of hotels along 
the river." 

21 Abner Murray, oldest son of Noah, was one of the most active and energetic business 
men of the valley. He was a prosperous farmer and inn-keeper, distiller, merchant and lum- 
berman as well. Dec. 25, 1797, he married Dorothea Harris and had a goodly family of sons 
and daughters, some of whom remained in the valley. Their son Harris settled near the state 
line, m. Eleanor Gordon, became as active and prosperous as his father, and built a fine 
stone house still standing; part of his homestead property is now occupied by his grandson 
John, son of John. Abner's daughter Eliza m. Simon Spalding and lived and died at 
Milltown. His daughter Mary Ann had the grandest wedding the country ever knew, and 
removed to Ohio. There were other children, who made homes elsewhere. After the death 
of Dorothea, Abner m. Nancy Ely fWhite) of Owego. They had but one child, Edward A, 
Murray, who m. Marianne, dau. of Thomas Page, and inherited the homestead, where he lived 



42 (J 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 




About this time 
(18UT or 1809) Ab- 
ncr Murray built a 
Cdiiiniodious house 
for pubhc as well as 
family use. The 
frame is still stand- 
ing, though it has 
been so altered that 
few of its early ac- 
(juaintances would 
recognize in the 
present house the 
one of long ago. It 
was called the best 
built house in Brad- 
ford County when 
completed. The pic- 
ture does not show the elaborate hand work in cornice, doors, etc. ; 

nor the eight great fireplaces with hand-carved mantels ; nor the 

winding stairs leading to the second story, which could be quickly 

converted into a great ball room, 

with two roomy fireplaces in the 

center. For the wooden partitions 

were all swinging ones, hinged at 

the top, and capable of being hooked 

up to the ceiling, leaving a fine 

dancing floor. While all around 

the outer walls were hinged seats 

against the wainscoting, and the 

room was lighted by quaint wall 

candlesticks, one of which has 

come down to present days, as ha^ 

the old sign that once hung between 

the tall posts of the gateway, and. 

creaking to and fro, proclaimed 

to every passer-by that this was 

Murray's Inn. For many years it 

was known as one of the public- 
private houses, open to travelers 

and lumbermen. Indeed, it was a 

favorite resort for those who ran 

the river, for in the great shed 

and died, which is now owned by his children, Millard P. Murray and Henrietta ^Murray 
(\andike). Abner had much inventive genius and there are many rude but useful household 
implements preserved of his manufacture. Edward Murray had other children, h. tly Mur- 
ray. Charles F. Murray and Anna P. Murray. Noah Murray's daughter Elizabeth rn. John 
McConnel, and their son Murray McConnel, one of the most promment pioneers ot Ulinois, 
was reared in Abner's home on account of his mother's death. Noah Murray, Jr brother ot 
Abner, lived in Athens until 1831 and was Justice of the Peace many years. lie moved to 
Ohio, where many descendants may be found. His wife was a widow, Mrs. DutiUi ot riiua- 
delphia, who had two daughters, one of whom, Marion, m. Warren K. Jenkins, a well known 
newspaper man, who had a temporary residence in Athens. A full genealogy of descendants 
of Noah Murray, Sr., has been compiled Ijy the author. 




COOPER'S REJECTIOX OF ATHENS AND ULSTER 427 

at the rear was a huge fireplace and brick oven, so that the lumbermen 
could stop here and do their own baking, as did the canal men later. 
Unfortunately, this beautiful old house was remodelled sixty years 
after its erection, and all its pristine glories annihilated ; a most lamen- 
table occvirrence. Some of the hand-carved mantels have been pre- 
served and are set in the houses of Abner's descendants. The picture 
shows the exterior as it was first built, with little suggestion of detail. 

The Compensation Lcnv in Operation. 

Even with the amendments already noted, the compensation law 
did not reach all the applicants; and in April, 180T, a further supple- 
ment was added, hoping to close the whole matter. But alas ! for 
Athens and Ulster, only fifteen townships were included! Great must 
have been the dissatisfaction when the Connecticut people in these 
upper towns read the second section, viz. : 

"The Commissioner shall not require the Lands within the said 15 Town- 
ships to have been occupied prior to the decree of Trenton, but the same lands 
certify to the several applicants ; if under the rules & regulations of the Susqu'a 
Compy. at any time they should otherwise be entitled." 

Hope was almost abandoned ; and it was evident that at last Col- 
onel Franklin was giving up the fight. But never did he express a 
reason ; whether exhausted by his efforts, as age advanced, or whether 
convinced of the fallibility of the Connecticut Claim. Yet he was 
willing, as long as life lasted, to gather around him his old friends 
or the younger generation, and tell the whole story, and fight the battles 
over again. Indeed, it is supposed to have been Franklin who inspired 
a youthful poet of Athens to sit up all night in a cold room, and write 
a poem based on the thrilling tale of the old settler, as follows : 

"I have fought for this land, and now ask but a grave : 
I have fought for this land and am wronged by its laws; 
Though old. I remember the wounds of the brave — 
Though old, I am ready again in the cause." 

The cause for which he fought in this instance being that of his 
country against the British and Indians, but the lines are quite as ap- 
plicable to the cause of Connecticut. 

The coming of Dr. Rose to Tioga Point, late in 1807, has been 
mentioned. He exerted every effort to advance the interests under 
his agency. About February 1, 1808, he invited the inhabitants of 
Ulster, Sheshequin and Athens to meet with him at Dr. Hopkins'. 
He then proposed to them to make another application to the Legisr 
lature for an extension of the compromise system to Athens and 
Ulster; promising the strong support of the Board of Pennsylvania 
Landholders. This suggestion was eagerly caught at by many of those 
concerned : but, as just at this time the Legislature was becoming 
alarmed over the amount of appropriation necessary to carry out the 
supplement of 1807, the matter was laid over until the following year. 
It was a clever bit of policy that Henry Welles was nominated for 
the Legislature and was elected ; the Connecticut settlers voting for 
him because he was a Pennsvlvania owner, and therefore more likely 



428 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

to have influence in the Legislature. It is worthy of remark that he 
received an ahiiost unanimous vote, although it was but a short time 
after the ejectment of the Alatthewsons. Henry Welles knew that the 
proposed bill would be difficult. The subject had become an obnoxious 
one to the Legislature. "Their departure from the decision of Trenton, 
as shown in supplement to compromise law, passed in 1807, had been 
looked upon as a general abandonment of the principle of the decree, 
subjecting them to severe criticism, and rejoicing the Connecticut in- 
truders. Added to this, the expense attending enactment very soon 
became alarming, and March 28, 1808, an act was passed suspending 
the whole compromise system."' In spite of this sentiment Henry Welles 
was loyal to his constituents, and made every effort possible. Although 
it has been generally attributed to the Attorney-General, it is evident 
from recently discovered letters of Henry Welles, as shown in previous 
chapter, that he actually framed the well-know^n Bedford and Ulster 
Act himself, and that, too, under adverse circumstances. For though 
he appealed to his constituents for instructions, he received no replies, 
an'i was obliged to rely on his own judgment, wdiile anticipating cen- 
sure, because his own interests already involved were in direct oppo- 
sition to those of most of his constituents. Yet, since they were under 
the Pennsylvania Claim, he was practically assured of his title by the 
very terms of the act. 

According to his letters, the act as first framed included Athens, 
also the last grant of Ulster; but during the debate in the House, 
Athens was struck out and consideration given to the first gratit of 
Ulster only, as stated in Sec. 1, "the township of Ulster as originally 
surveyed." Mr. Welles' perseverance and exertions having effected 
the final passage of the Act, the Governor at once appointed commis- 
sioners to put it into execution. Their journal is in Pennsylvania 
Archives, from wdiich some extracts are here made. They commenced 
their business "June 11, 1810, at LUster," this name being used instead 
of Athens throughout their minutes, except that they announced "Head- 
quarters at the house of Dr. Hopkins in the town of Athens." Joseph 
Kingsbery, the redoubtable, was appointed clerk, William Wilson sur- 
veyor, with Neal and Daniel McDuffee and Francis Tyler as assistants. 
Wm. Wilson w-as reported as a resident of Athens. He may have been 
Cooper's associate. 

Manifestly the first duty of the commissioners was to obtain the 
original survey ; they report as follows : 

"The claimants not being able to procure the old grant of the town of 
Ulster at this time, by reason of it being heretofore debvered to Thomas Cooper 
one of the former Commissioners ; the present Commissioners proceeded to 
ascertain the boundary line of said township as originally granted by the Sus- 
quehannah company on the best information that could be obtained ; several of 
the inhabitants attended and declared &c. [given in depositions] The surveyor 
by direction of the commissioners proceeded to run the boundary hnes accord- 
ingly. Having fixed the above mentioned bounds, or exterior lines of the old 
township of Ulster, the commissioners proceeded to give public notice that they 
were ready to receive applications and evidence of title from the several claim- 
ants." 



COMMISSIONERS' REPORT ON OLD ULSTER 429 

On completion of their work they reported as follows : 

"The Commissioners having this day completed the surveying, classing and 
valuing all the lands applied for by the Connecticut claimants in the township 
of Ulster in Lycoming county, which comes within the provisions of the law, 
deferred Issuing Certificates to the settlers in consequence of their not having 
procured the original grant. The Committee on the part of the claimants having 
failed in their endeavours to procure original grant, the Commissioners in con- 
sequence thereof agreed to take the next best evidence the nature of the case 
would admit of (viz) : The testimony of the oldest and most respectable char- 
acters living nigh the place, possessing a correct knowledge of the facts." 

TJic foUoiving depositions go to establish fully and satisfactorily 
those facts: 

"Obadiah Gore, of Sheshequin, on oath said : I was one of the committee 
of grants for granting land under the Connecticut Susquehanna Company. That 
about the year 1774 or 5 Asahel Buck applied for and obtained a grant of a 
township called Ulster, and according to the best of my recollections it was 
bounded as follows, viz : Beginning on the ivest side of the Susquehanna river 
two miles below the junction of the Tioga with the main branch, and extending 
west five miles, thence north five miles, thence east five miles to the main river, 
thence down the river to the place of beginning; the above mentioned grant was 
in the hands of Thomas Cooper, Esq., when a Commissioner, carrying into effect 
the compromising law ; he had it at my house. Further saith not. 

"Obadiah Gore. 
"attested before Joseph Kinney Justice of the peace." 

It may be observed that Obadiah Gore, living on the east side of 
the river, cotild have no object in misrepresentation. Indeed, he was 
in opposition to the Connecticut people, having obtained the Penn- 
sylvania title. 

"Lycoming County .y.y. Personally appeared Lockwood Smith, who on oath 
declared that the boundaries of Old Ulster (as it is called) were in the original 
grant thereof as is described in the depositions signed and sworn to by Obadiah 

^°''^' ^^^- Lockwood Smith 

"Sworn and subscribed before me, witness my hand and seal 

"Joseph Kinney 
"Aug. 6th 1810 Justice Peace" 

"These certify that the township of Ulster (commonly called old LTlster) 
as granted by the committee to Asahel Buck and others, in the year 1775, was 
bounded east on the Susquehanna river, and to my best recollection and belief 
extended two miles south and three miles north of the Junction of the Tioga 
river with the Susquehanna, including Tioga point and extending west from the 
Susquehanna five miles. 

"That the grant of said township was lodged with me as clerk of the 
Susqu'a Co. about the year 1785 or 6, after a new grant had been issued ; that 
it was in my care until the Commissioners appointed under the compromising 
law were ascertaining the claims of the settlers in the township of Claverack. 
when Thomas Cooper Esq. called on me for the grant by a written request from 
Obadiah Gore Esq'r, as it was then contemplated to have the township of Ulster 
embraced under the compromising law. That I delivered the said old grant to 
the said Thomas Cooper Esq'r. and it has not been since returned, and the said 
grant has never been recorded in any of the books in my care or in any other 
to my knowledge. Certified at Athens August 6th 1810. John Franklin." 

Attested by John Saltmarsh. 

"The foregoing depositions of Obadiah Gore, Col. John Franklin and Lock- 
wood Smith going fully to establish the bounds of old Ulster to the satisfaction 
of the Commissioners, they proceeded on the Eleventh day of Aug. A. D. 1810 



430 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

to issue certificates'''-' to all the claimants who had established their titles." 
Wonder of wonders, the first application was made by Elisha Satterlee for lot 
No. 17 third division, just south of Snell's location. 

This property has not g-enerally been assigned to Satterlee ; it 
seems to be a part of present State lot. The minutes prove that the 
fiery Colonel did after all apply for a Pennsylvania title, not only for 
said lot, but for two others ; one of which was found in possession of 
a Pennsylvania claimant. Lockwood Smith's claim, as an old proprie- 
tor, was fully established for lots 4 and 5 in old Ulster; as also those 
of his neighbors, William Curry and Daniel Minier, who derived their 
title from the Buck heirs, original proprietors. This grant of Ulster 
being acknowledged to cover Tioga Point, applications were made, re- 
gardless of the occupation by Pennsylvania claimants; the stand. being 
taken that the Connecticut people were "actual settlers" before the 
confirming law, and the Pennsylvania people were not. However, 
when Betsy Matthewson made application for all the lands orig- 
inally claimed by her husband, Henry Welles entered a protest and was 
granted a hearing as a Pennsylvania claimant in possession. 

The lines were drawn pretty fine ; and there was much sharp 
practice tried on the commissioners. Elisha Satterlee applied for the 
lots on the Point which had been in Matthewson's use ; but they were 
left to the possession of Henry Welles. Mrs. Matthewson and Henry 
W^elles being given a hearing before the commissioners, Mrs. Matthew- 
son admitted that Charles Carroll was the owner of the land in ques- 
tion under a Pennsylvania title, and it was decided that, according to 
a section of the law, this case could not come under the cognizance 
or powers delegated to the commissioners. By this decision Welles 
scored a victory, and Mrs. Matthewson's high hopes were once more 
downed. It was ever after claimed that Henry Welles introduced that 
5th section for his own benefit, and it must be acknowledged that his 
letters indicate that such may have been the case.^^ 

The application of Erastus Loomis for the property held by his 
father on Queen Esther's flats since 1T92 showed not only that Wright 
Loomis hacl purchased the Pennsylvania title of George Lattimer, a 
lottery warrant of 1785 ; but that Uriah Stephens and Solomon Bennet 
were in possession of this land prior to 1/8^; lived on the premises 
six years, and sold their right to Samuel Swift, and he to Loomis. This 
warrant is of assistance as proving the location of Queen Esther's 
Town. Abel Yarrington claimed this same land, or a part of it. as a 
half-share proprietor in 1787. 

These particular cases bear directly on certain points of our his- 
tory. The whole journal, however, is of great value to various families 
whose ancestors at this time settled their titles by proving their deriva- 
tion. One other much disputed claim is here given. Jacob Snell's 
possessory right was covered by Oliver Bigelow's claim under Sus- 
quehanna grant of Athens. Bigelow sold the same to Noah Murray. 

^- Patents were granted on these certificates without dispute, and many are still pre- 
served. Isaac Morley relates that he went on foot to Ilarrisburg and Philadelphia and ob- 
tained the patents for himself and many of his neighbors, the cost being about $14 apiece. 

^ This section provided that no certificate should be issued for lands where a Pennsyl- 
vania claimant was in actual possession or occupancy. 



SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT CLAIMS 431 

Jacob Snell having died without making good his Pennsylvania title, 
as had been his intention, his widow, "out of the personal property 
of said Jacob," for the benefit of the heirs, purchased lot No. 18, and 
also a fourth division "lot north and adjoining," of Noah Murray, 
February 19, 1793. Upon her marriage with Joseph Spalding she 
released her right of dower to one son, on promised payment of £31 
per annum, and from the two other sons she took a certain number of 
acres in full satisfaction. In 1809 David Paine laid claim to some of 
this property, having purchased lottery warrant No. 40 at tax sale : 
wherein David showed pretty sharp practice. No doubt the Snells 
were frightened. The widow, now Mrs. Spalding, sold her share to 
David Paine for $200 ; and John Snell his share for $200. Two days 
later Paine resold to John for $100. On the deed is written by Paine, 
"assigned back;" altogether a curious complication. 

Eventually, what w^as left of the original Snell property passed into 
possession of John Spalding, partially by purchase, and partially by 
means of a State patent taken out by him in virtue of another early 
warrant : further instance of the overlapping Pennsylvania claims. 
The work of the commissioners in granting certificates to settlers in 
Ulster was completed July 6, 1810. These certificates were every one 
granted under "Old Ulster," the grant of 1775 ; and the location of 
lots patented on these certificates is entirely west of the Susquehanna. 
No certificate was called in question, and thus was forever settled 
the Connecticut claims, with one exception, the Matthewson's. The 
third grant of Ulster w'as divided in December, 1819, and its original 
name, Sheshequin, given to the town east of the river. 

Condition of Trade — J'^arious Merchants and Shops of Old Tioga Point. 
At the opening of the century the condition of trade, which had 
suffered from the smart French shops at iVsylum (1794-1796), was 
somewhat improved, and the Point became and continued the trade 
center of a large region, extending into New York State. The Welles 
and Caton store carried a different class of goods from HoUenback's ; 
its reign was brief and brilliant, and its account books, still preserved, 
give as faithful a list of settlers as a tax list, also an estimate of finan- 
cial standing. George Welles was a minute accountant, and his re- 
ceipt book is not only an autograph album, but accounts for every 
dime paid. Wages were 50 cents a day, or $10 a month. The re- 
sources of the country were peltries, com, whisky, wheat, lumber and 
cattle. Corn was 50 cents per bushel ; wheat rose and fell, $1 being 
highest price. Henry Welles' account book from 1804 to 1813 shows 
that at the first date he purchased his father's business outright. Other 
account books show mercantile trade until his death, and his sense of 
wit in his recorded characteristics of his customers."* Daniel Moore. 

^ (Extracts from Account Books of Henry Welles, from 1804 to 1833): 
1804 Tan. 1. "Purchased of Father 275 acres in Twp. 10, Tioga County: 

"Purchased of J. Pumpelly 40 acres, Wm. Johnson's land. Paid $1830.00" 
" (Jan. 1) " of Father stock, grain and the distillery, Orlando Mack in charge. 

" (July) Purchased sheep in Vermont: (minute account of farm work.) 
" " Completed payments to Jas. Irwin of Painted Post. 

(Customers and business accounts noted, with observations.) 
Stephen Tuttle, 180 4: Andrew Harris, Mrs. Matthewson, from 1806 to 1809. 
Gilson, Cabinet Maker, Towanda: Noah Comstock, Distiller. 



432 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Robert Alexander and Orlando Mack were in charge of Welles' dis- 
tillery from 1800 to 1805. Mrs. Matthewson was friendly enough to 
trade' from 180G to 1809. These books show residence of settlers 
known only by tradition. Joel Alurray, brother of Noah, and I'olly 
Stowe being noticeable from their large accounts, running to 1828. 
At this period Stephen Tuttle's letters are a faithful source of informa- 
tion. In 1803 M. Hollenback built a large store house on the river 
bank of his property ,^'^ also a wharf. James Irwin built one back of 
his store and tavern on the Susquehanna bank ; the lane leading to this 
was open for fifty years. David Alexander built one on northeast 
corner of present Maurice property. These were used to store produce 
awaiting high water to be shipped to market, also for the goods of 
emigrants and merchants awaiting transportation to the "lake coun- 
try." The Academy begun in 1797, unfinished because of unsettled 
titles, was long used as a store house, and the two public squares were 
piled with lumber and shingles even as late as 1825. As in Indian 
times, this was the point for loading and unloading boats, rafts, etc. 
A little later the manufacture of potash became a profitable business : 
"carried on amid the native forests of Bradford County, it involved a 
destruction of lumber that would now be looked upon as deplorable, 
great numbers of trees being cut, piled and burned, merely to gather 
the ashes for potash and pearlash." The mills at Cayuta Creek were 
successfully conducted by John Shepard and others, and later woolen 

Dr. Chandler, lumberman, on the East Hill, a clever man. 

Charles Mott, a travelling Gentleman. 

\'ernell, an English travelling Sadler. 

Thomas Ellis, the real old one; Ira H. Stephens, merchant. 

Porter, the Canadian, here to-day & gone to-morrow; Run away, in full. 

Zenos Thomas, hatter; Wm. Wright, an English machinist. 

Wm. Parry, the English joiner; Daniel Snell, timber-merchant. 

Capt. John Redington, blacksmith; Gleason, a rascally shoemaker. 

Erastus Wolcott, the distiller at Isaac Shepard's. 

Richard Johnson, a black convict whom I was fool enough to trust: run away to balance, and 

I was glad to let him go with the sheep he stole from me. — Wm. May the brick-maker. 
C'ld Uncle Levi Fox of Litchfield. George Simmons, a scoundrelly traveller. 
Radnor, the mean shoemaker; Bush, the grist-mill builder. 
Peter Carlisle, 1817. Ogden the joiner, who built the Boardman house. 
Noah Murray Jr., IMurraysfield, 1818. Jacob Johnson, ferryman. 
Capt. Nathaniel Talcott, 1814. Elijah Saltmarsh, Sheshequin. 
Solomon Everts, weaver. Johnson Chase, a runaway. 
Thomas Wilson, the son of the old man of all. 
Nathaniel Ketcham. By profit and loss to balance, 60c; as the good man has gone to one of 

the bournes whence very few pilgrims return to pay their bills — -Ohio. 
John Pierce, Dr. $;?.00: — Dead, and so settled. 
Corneby, an Englishman, Queen Esther's Flats, 1831. 
James Fabun^ who lives at the Cove. 

Thomas R. Davis, blacksmith; .'\pril 1829 purchased land. 
John Moore Jr., son of John, and he son of Daniel. 
Gaylord, the Sadler, 18.31. McCall, wagon-maker. 
Creelman, and McCullough, Irishmen; 1831. 
Tom Rinehart, or some other man; a rogue, however. 
James Calkin, Merchant, 1821. Robb the schoolmaster. 
Silas Cole, a travelling character. 
Tyson Roberts, related to John Griffin. 
E. & E. W. Pelton, called Cabinet-makers. 
Beigle, cabinet-maker. W. S. Murthouse, cabinet-maker. 
.Alexander Brooks, Chemung; this account not closed in harmony, he is a rascal, and as such 

I have his name recorded. 
Land for the Presbyterian meeting-house, valued at $100.00: cash $4.5: and tw^o cows sold for 

$30: (1827). 

3^ The door-stone is still in place at the foot of the Hunsiker garden, a favorite resort at 
sunset. From this stone was photographed the view up the Chemung, illustrating Jenkins' sur- 
vey, Chap. XIV. 



MERCANTILE ENTERPRISES 433 

mills were added, the industries giving the name of Milltown to the 
surrounding settlement. 

When Guy Maxwell left, in 1795, Hollenback's store knew hard 
times for a few years. John Hollenback, Jr., afterwards the hus- 
band of Susan Welles, was in charge, or, as Alatthias Hollenback 
records it, "John Hollenback went there to destroy the shop and let 
the goods be stolen." Then came John Alexander, Jr., whom we can- 
not place, perhaps the husband of Hannah- Hibbard. At this time 
there were large receipts of cash, and much business done with Charles 
W'illiamson, the English pioneer in Steuben County. In 1798, feeling 
the necessity of competing with Welles and Caton, Stephen Tuttle 
was employed ; he was to have half the profits and the svipport of his 
family, and to order such goods as he thought fit. His first invoice 
was i300, the order being for "tea, brimstone, sewing-silk, penknives, 
nankeens and fustians." Soon he reports he "can do no business with- 
out a sine," and has ordered one from Newtown. Then he writes, 
"there is no rum, gin or brandy on the Point but what I have." It is 
observable that cofifee was not in any of these bills of goods until 1808. 

Although Maxwell was no longer clerk, he seems to have had 
some interest in Mr. Hollenback's affairs, as evinced in letters from 
1797-1805. In 1798 he reports the store at Newtown as the only place 
where cash is received, since there is a good supply of such articles as 
people cannot properly do without. But both he and James Irwin had 
opened separate stores there, and in 1801 Tuttle reports "trade here 
is likely to be overdone as at Newtown, there is a storekeeper on his 
way from the Owegee by the name of Saltmarsh, Rosett and Doil (?) 
in old Sheshequin, Pierce in New Sheshequin, the country is full of 
goods as can be." Maxwell, who went down the river just then, re- 
ported a Mr. Ross from Maryland as on his way to Newtown or Painted 
Post with a large stock of goods, but adds that "as he is with the 
boat himself and will be tired when he reaches Tioga he will probably 
be persuaded by Mr. Welles to open in his store ; he is a decent gen- 
tleman, there will not be so much wind puffed from him as from 
Goldsberry." The latter was a Baltimore man, just opening a store at 
Newtown. Maxwell says of him later, "Our great Gun from Balti- 
more is not dashing as heavy as we expected" — assortment far from 
good — Blankets and lampblack — has given offence to many — declares 
against giving more than 6.6 for wheat — The other Newtown mer- 
chants at once combined to run the risk of oft'ering $1 for wheat to defeat 
this man's calculations." Goldsberry sold the best Bohea tea for 3/3 
York money. As he offered toi take even potatoes in exchange, Tuttle 
decided it would be cheaper to purchase of him and save carriage. 
Trade at Tioga now became as serious as at Newtown. Tuttle had 
been the only merchant since Welles & Caton closed, but now, with 
the coming of Mr. Saltmarsh and his goods, he reports "trade very 
dull, expect to shut windows and lie at ease." It was a most curious 
thing that every new store opened in these frontier settlements at once 
gained all the trade, like a new patent medicine, every one eager to try, 
forgetting their old friends. ]\Ir. Ross, following upon the heels of 



434 OLD TIOCxA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Saltmarsh, decided the Point was desirable; one opened in Irwin's, 
next the Academy, and one in Welles & Caton's building just over 
the way. Tuttle reports "close times here for trade," and Maxwell 
also to Hollenback, "you have more to fear at Tioga than here — so 
many strange things will turn up in the trading business in this coun- 
try 1 will Keep you posted." The new merchants at Tioga were de- 
termined to sell goods very low. Tuttle says : "Mr. Ross is one of your 
Close Tite fellows and is Determined to Establish his name here for 
selling cheap, has taken the whole run of trade — John and I — Poor 
Devils have to stand by and keep Tally — trade is a poor business in 
this country — tavern trade all we have." The competition stirred the 
farmers to activity; in the winter of 1HU2 they refused to pay their 
debts or buy new goods unless they were given $1 for wheat, this price 
seeming to be always their desired standard. Maxwell says of them : 
"Republicanism prevails here to such an extent that they conceive the 
Storekeepers a greater nuisance than the Stamp Act or the Alien & 
Sedition Laws — -I believe many of them think it is tyranny and op- 
pression for us to secure it at as low a price as $1." However, it was 
an open winter, with rain and heavy roads preventing the usual trans- 
portation by sleighs to Newtown and Tioga Point, where all the wheat 
crop of the lake country and Genesee Valley was marketed in winter, 
ready to be run down the river in spring freshets. A new industry 
was now started at the Point. Christian Schrider, an expert rope 
maker, had settled there and made of hemp, sugar twine, bed cords, 
trace ropes, plow^ lines ; and of hetcheled flax, seine twine. The Snells 
were expert weavers and hat makers, their fine beaver hats often 
selling for $5 apiece. 

In spite of the competition this year the Paines decided to open a 
store, purchasing large quantities of goods in Baltimore, to be sold 
very low. Tuttle's trade was dead, and Saltmarsh selling ofif his goods 
at half price. Tuttle reports "trade very bad at Newtown — they are 
all in the fidgets. — planning to move to other localities — a new tavern 
to be opened here, want to leave — titles are so precarious on both sides 
that there is nothing to be done in land, and the dispute in this end 
of the country will eternally prevent prosperity." 

Continued epidemics of fever swept over the country from She- 
shequin to Newtown, evidently malarial. Tuttle's only important order 
in 1803 was for two cases of Dr. Rawson's Bilious Bitters. To eke out 
profits, Tuttle became interested in building the Cayuga turnpike, bvit 
found it so unprofitable that he was violent in denunciation of delin- 
quent subscribers. In the winter of 1(S(H he reported Lake country 
wheat coming by thousands of bushels in sleighs, but not enough goods 
selling to pay for making a fire in the store. In 1805 John Miller 
opened a store, and Tuttle writes he thinks Miller and Paine had 
"bought pretty much all there was to be sold in Philadelphia, and will 
drive all before them." In 180G Miller was reported as a "large Battery 
dashing out his goods, trusting, etc. — keeping the best store in town, 
the farmers struggling for their $1 for wheat again, it was only 6s., 
but," said Tuttle, "expect every day that it will be raised to a dollar as 



THE EMBARGO— WAR OF 1813 435 

the devil is always in some of our people and not enough righteous to 
save the city." 

In 1808 the whole trade of the country was paralyzed by the 
threatened war embargo. Stephen Tuttle, never very successful, and 
hampered by the bad management of his predecessor, decided to leave 
the Point. Apparently Hollenback's store was not in operation for 
several years. It was rented to Drake and to Mr. Keene for a short per- 
iod in 1813, and in 1814 Jeremiah Decker was in charge as agent of Hol- 
lenback, and may have been earlier. He proved very far from trust- 
worthy, and gave a great deal of trouble, and Air. Hollenback aban- 
doned business at Tioga Point under his own name about 1818. Horace 
Williston rented the house part, and the store was closed. In later 
years it was occupied by Ellsworth, Tozer and Clapp, and finally by 
successive milliners of early days, Matilda Smith, Lovisa Nichols and 
others. The old buildings disappeared or were demolished ; but the prop- 
erty continued in the Hollenback name until 1861, when it was purchased 
by F. N. Page, who erected the fine residence now occupied by family of 
Cornelius Hunsiker. In connection with trade in early days, imprison- 
ment for debt was enforced by Alatthias Hollenback, two notices being 
found of 1790 and 1803, to "any constable to levy on the goods and chat- 
tels, and for want of them to take the body to the gaol." The second was 
for only $4.55 against Joseph Spalding. We are in ignorance as to 
the imprisonment, but the account was not paid until three years later, 
a curious circumstance. The early merchants were much bothered by 
the "hawkers and tin peddlers,"' and in 1818 those of this region pe- 
titioned the Legislature through Henry Welles to enact some law 
against the competitors. In this connection, Stephen Tuttle wrote, 
suggesting that nothing short of total prohibition would avail, since 

"the hawkers themselves are not afraid of all the laws that the legislature can 
pass, as they are sure no law can be passed but what they can find a hole in 
it large enough to drive their wagon and horses through and escape — if a 
license so much the better, as everyone could not find funds, and sO' less com- 
petition — if an exception in favor of disabled people, surely for a dollar they 
can get some fool of a surgeon to certify to their disability &c." 

IVar of i8i2. 

The war of 1812 agitated the people of this neighborhood con- 
siderably, although the only information is from stra}' bits found in 
letters. The first is written July 4, 1812, by Clement Paine to Col. 
Samuel Satterlee, intimating that there was to be a meeting the fol- 
lowing day to attempt to secure volunteers from Col. Satterlee's 
(Militia) Regiment. Capt. AIoss, or Morse, and Lieut. Watrous were 
the recruiting officers, and to them Mr. Paine made the following 
generous promise: "I will make a gratuity of a new rifle, 1 canister 
with bottle powder, six best flints and five dollars, to be disposed of 
by the officers of such volunteers for their general benefit, in any mode 
to be agreed on by the company at large." Apparently no company 
was raised until May, 1814, when it has always been said that Julius 
Tozer raised a company, of which he was made captain, "most of the 



436 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

men enlisting from Athens." From the Paine papers comes a sub- 
scription list, dated Smithfield, 17 May, 1814: 

"We the subscribers agree to pay as a gratuity to the men who shall vol- 
unteer their services to join the militia of New York at this time, agreeably to 
the request of Genl. Porter and Gcnl. Swift thro' Capt. Micajah llarding & 
squire Wells (Judge Wells of Wellsborough) the sum of money annexed to our 
names respectively — to be equally divided among tliose who may thus volunteer 
not however to exceed $;"), each man.'' 

The list, in the subscribers handwriting, includes Clement Paine, 
Julius Tozer, Wanton Rice, John Spalding 2nd, Vine Baldwin, Samuel 
IMcKean, Thos. T. Huston, John and Abraham Minier, Erastus and 
Theodortts Loomis, John Harkness, John Watkins, Henry Welles, 
Charles Wood worth, Francis Tyler. While some of the funds thus 
raised were sent to Judge Wells, to be used however for Bradford 
County volunteers, some were paid to Col. Tozer, showing as well as 
his signature on list that Tozer's company was raised about this time. 
This has been verified by application to War Department, whence 
comes the information that Julius Tozer (Sr. ) enlisted 3Iay 1, 1814, 
serving as "captain of company which bore his name in Swift's and 
Dobbin's Regiment New York Volunteers." No wonder it bore the 
Tozer name, for the old Revolutionary herO' had the proud distinction 
of commanding sons, nephews and relatives. It is against the rules 
of the War Department to furnish complete roll of names. But it is 
known that Julius Tozer, Jr., Guy Tozer, Samuel Tozer. Elishaina 
Tozer and their cousin, Jonathan F. Conkling, were enrolled. Also 
W'illiam Van Gordon. Solomon Westbrook. John Brown, William 
Drown, Daniel Satterlee, Samuel Baldwin, and several Ellises. Captain 
Micajah Harding commanded another company in the same regi- 
ment. May 21, 1814, the volunteers received from Clement Paine 
cash, flints, powder, etc., as promised, all being made to sign receipts, 
in which it was stipulated that if they failed to give six months' service, 
unless they could show a regular discharge, they were "accountable to 
said Paine for the same." an amusing showing of Clement's bttsiness 
methods. Apparently they all saw active service, except Julius Tozer, 
Jr., who was detained at home by illness, which is not now tO' be re- 
gretted, because thereby he received a letter which has been preserved 
to this day : 

Headquarters fort Eric August loth 1814 

Dear Brother, I must tell you that Brother Guy and cousin Elisha (Eh- 
shama) arrived here one day since, who fetches good news from home, they 
tell me that Polly Holbrook is married to Mr. Willson ; you must wish them 
much joy for me, you mtist tell Moses Vangordon that his cousin William is 
here and is well, and you must tell Elias Wesbrook that Solomon is here and 
is well I have nothing more of to write excepting giving you an account of the 
battle that was fought here yesterday morning, the enemy attackted our fort on 
both wings, they attackted our fort without flints in their guns to take us by 
the point of the bayonet the enemy entered one bastion of the fort with about 
three hundred men, which was instantly blew up and they were Killed and made 
prisoners, our loss was small when compared with the enemy, our loss was about 
twenty men Killed and wound (ed) while the enemy lost about eight hundred 
or a thousand men in Killed wounded and prisoners, this is all I have to write 
at present excepting that we are all well Captain Harding sends his re- 



A LETTER FROM FORT ERIE, 1814 437 

spects to you all and says I must tell you he has not lost but two men out of 
his company. I am with great respect your brother 

Julius Tozer Samuel Tozer 

Note. — This letter is addressed to Mr. Julius Tozer, Athens, Bradford County, Penn- 
sylvania. Julius Tozer was the father of Mrs. Mary Tozer Corbin, who loaned the original 
to the Tioga Point Museum, where it was long on exhibition. 

Capt. Tozer was woimded in the service, and later in life received 
a pension. Their service was supposed to be for six months only, and 
Capt. Tozer's is recorded at Washington as closing November 1. Some 
extracts from a letter of 1813, written by David Paine, show that 
feeling ran very high in this war, although David, the sprightly letter 
writer, must have his fun. After telling of the reported evacuation 
of Fort George and subsequent destruction in December, 1813, and 
that the exasperated British and Indians had surprised and destroyed 
Lewiston, also the fort at Niagara, killing about 200 invalids who were 
left in charge there, he adds : 

"I hope it is not true — I fear very much fear — our army encamped on the 
northern frontier will be cut off before the winter end — Thus you see I am 
perhaps conjuring up Ghosts and Goblins to fret my Gizzard so mote it be — But 
reflections on the dreadful situation of thousands of our fellow mortals, hungry, 
naked, sick and wounded exposed to all the wintry blasts of the North — makes 
my heart sick and sad." 

Alilitia. 

For many years after the close of the War for Independence the 
militia was kept properly organized. Brigade Inspectors were ap- 
pointed, whose duty it was to see that "every able bodied white male 
citizen between ages of eighteen and forty-five years" was enrolled. 
The only exemptions were for all public officers, from Members of 
Congress to school teachers ; a curious list, found in an Inspector's letter 
of 1793. Members of the militia were expected to equip themselves, 
and were heavily fined for non-attendance at the drills, which at first 
were held once a week and later at longer intervals. 

After Luzerne County was established, its militia was divided 
into several battalions for convenience. In this region the men 
were included in what was called "the Upper Battalion." In August, 
1788, John Jenkins was Lieut. Colonel ; John Swift, Major. Evidently 
by common consent, Franklin was to be Colonel, but at this time he 
was in prison. There were eight companies of this battalion, Tioga 
and Sheshequin including the men of these settlements. Little seems 
to be known about the number of men or appointment of officers. Com- 
pany drills were held once a month, and later quarterly, and battalion 
drills at longer intervals. A little information is gleaned from Frank- 
lin's diaries, according to which there was neither a monthly nor quar- 
terly meeting. In 1798, fearing war with France, Governor Mifflin 
issued a circular to all militia officers to see that their men were put 
into condition for active service, and when the call was made for 
volunteers, a company was raised of 75 men, with several recrtiits from 
Tioga Point, and attached to the Eleventh Regiment U. S. ; disbanded 
after Jefiferson was elected. In 1807 the militia of Bradford County 
was included in the Fifty-seventh Regiment. John Spalding became 



438 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



Colonel of this regiment, which met at Asylum for drill in April and 
September, 1808. In 1820, according to a Militia roll yet in existence, 

"The men of Athens composed the 6th Company. 15 Regt 2nd Brigade. 9th Div. 
Penn'a Militia ; Capt. Elias S. Matthewson ; Lieuts. Charles L. Hopkins and 
Isaac Tompkins ; Ensign Julius Tozer, Jr. ; Sergeants, John Snell, Guy Tozer, 
Wm. Briggs. Harris Murray, Harry R. Backus; Corporals Obad'h Spalding and 
George R. Stephens; Drummer Orrin Ballard; Fifer Lockwood Smith." 

There is also mention of a Roll of the Athens and Sheshequin 
Rifle Co., 1825, Jabez Fish, Capt., and Julius Tozer, 2d Lieut. 

Very little is known nowadays of the ways of the militia. "Gen- 
eral training day" was looked forward to as a great event, when 
"exercise in the manual of arms and manouvres" was indulged in, or 
enforced. It is said in later years the exercise was more of a farce 
than a drill. The Athens and Sheshequin Company evidently issued 



has equipU joined and »errrd, the f till length of I 
time regit iredbt/ Ihcattofthr Grcnernl .Isgrmblij 
of the Commonwenlth of Pennsylvaiiiti, as a 
member of the Athena &, Shesheqrriii RJI'^LE \ 
Compantj, attached to the I5th Reg., in the 2d \ 
\ Brigade, of the 9th Diriginii of Penn. Jifaliiia^ '^ 

Z^ '5KSS2SCSSf? WSSLSwl? ' ha*e hereunto set my hand P 
i and seal, this //'Ainj oi .-/''•««'/.*> 1S29 -, ^ 

\ Sheshequin Mmj \\l^,\6l^- ^ 




certificates to their men, but whether as a discharge or exonera- 
tion from further service is not known. The accompanying cut is 
made from the only one ever seen by author. This company was uni- 
formed, and their last general parade was held in Litchfield Center 
about 1836. There was, however, a later company or battalion in this 
locality, of which Horace Williston, Jr., was General, and Charles F. 
Welles, Jr., Colonel. In 1841, through the medium of the Athens 
Scribe, "Horace Williston offers himself to Volunteers and Militia 
of 2nd Brigade 9th Div. Penna. Militia as candidate for Brigade 
General." This looks as though the officers were chosen by vote of 
the men, although Col. Welles also had an appointment from the 
Governor, as had General Henry Welles after the reorganization of 
the militia according to an Act of 1811 to 1812. This battalion was 
equipped, according to accompanying cut, with a continental uniform 
of dark blue with scarlet facings. The portrait of General Williston 
(Chap. XIV) is taken in his uniform. The last meeting of this bat- 
talion was at Athens about 1850. The rendezvous was at ]\Ir. Le 
Dioyts, who occupied the old Hollenback house. The drills and ma- 
noeuvres were partly on the green and partly up and down the village 
street on horseback, where the gay tmiforms, flashing swords and 
waving plumes made a brave sight, still enthusiastically described by 



THE LAST ''TRAINING DAY" 



439 



those who saw it with appreciative childish eyes. ^Irs. Perkins tells 
of a "light horse company uniformed in blue and red with flowing 
sashes and nodding plumes making a fine appearance on their noble 
steeds." Z. F. Walker, who was present at the last general training, 
tells of a false officer "generalissimo," who led the van mounted on 
horseback, with gay regimentals and gorgeous tin spurs. 




Coat and Hat of Col. C. F. Welles 



CHAPTER XVIII 

1810-1837. 

SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS 

Caton's Interest and Its Adjustment — Many Propositio)is for the Indian 
Arroiv — Erection of Bradford County — Politics and Parties in 
New Bradford — The IVashingtonian and Its Career — Renewal of 
W elles-Matthetvson Controversy as a Party Issue — Seven Years 
Before the Legislature — The Final Settlement in 182/ — Disposition 
of Caton's Lands 

Having settled the claims of the Connecticut settlers for the pres- 
ent, let us return to the Pennsylvania claimants. While Richard 
Caton's letters of this period have not been preserved, there are a num- 
ber of copies of answers to his from different persons. From these we 
glean that he had been on the alert for the possibility of compensation, 
according to the various new Acts of the State. Lockhart had never been 
paid the full price of the land, nor had he fulfilled his promise to make 
good the Welles and Caton title. Lockhart might have pushed his claim, 
but it could have been easily met by citing the fact that the State had 
recognized the Connecticut title instead of his. All this is suggested by 
Henry Welles' letter of 31st August, 1810, as well as the fact that Caton 
evidently proposed to sue Lockhart's estate for his losses, Lockhart 
having died in 1808 : 

"Dear Sir, I have omitted writing lo you until this late clay that I might be 
able to inform you of the progress of the Commissioners, who adjust the titles, 
under the Act for the purpose. They have got tlirough and all the lands we ex- 
pected are certified, except a strip on the north end of the Lockhart purchase. 
Contrary to the expectations of all the N. Line of the Township of Old LTlster 
only run to the big hill, (Mile Hill) as it is called. The laws passed at the last 
session of our Assembly are now printed and published, so that it is now un- 
necessary for me to transmit a copy, even if I had one ; and indeed, I have none 
that is fully intelligible. As you want to consult a Pa. Lawyer on the subject 
of a recovery from Mr. Lockhart, you can of course desire him to examine the 
Act, which is now in every one's reach. The people of the towns of Athens and 
Ulster who have not been embraced in the present Act will petition for its ex- 
tension over them, and I think it much easier to succeed than it was to get the 
first object effected. If it should be the. case, the rest of your land will be certi- 
fied. Mrs. M. made an attempt to recover the lands taken from her by the suit, 
but did not succeed. I should have been glad to have arranged with her to 
allow her to procure Certificates for the lots, but it was totally impracticable on 
many accounts. She did not accept the deed which you sent to me for the lot 
on which she lives, and by the first convenient opportunity, * * * I will return 
it to you." 

Mr. Caton's next move was to employ an agent to go on the 
ground. It has been impossible to decide whether Edmund Lockwood 
came to this country as the agent of Carroll or of Caton. The letters 
suggest that it was only the latter, but Carroll had a large tract west of 

440 



CATON EMPLOYS SPECIAL AGENT 441 

the Tioga, and Mr. Craft says Lockwood came to look after that, and 
first settled in Smithfield. However that may be. Col. Lockwood was a 
Connecticut man, coming from Fairfield County; but his commissions 
show that he had residence in Pennsylvania from 1797 to 1810. From 
1811 he was a resident of Lester until his death in 1834, and his de- 
scendants are still living there. He married a daughter of Isaac Cash 
(an early settler tirst on the Point at Athens, and later at Ulster), the 
young widow of Dr. Robert Russell. The following letter not only 
shows that his coming had been announced, but gives an excellent idea 
of the condition of the Caton lands : 

"Tioga Point 1st, January 1811. — Richard Caton. Esq. — Dear Sir: I rec'd 
your letter of ,3 Dec. Maj. Lockwood has not reached here. I had hoped to have 
learnt from you what the prospect of a recovery from Mr. Lockhart's estate is. 

"You mentioned in your last letter that the urgency of settling your acc'ts 
with my father was daily becoming greater. * * * It appears to me that an ad- 
justment ought to take place before the trial of the case against Mr. Lockhart 
so that father may assign over his interest, and disinterest himself in all the 
business relating to Tioga Point, so that if necessary he may appear as a witness 
in the suit. 

"He is willing to give up all in his power, and throw into your hands what- 
ever you may recover from Lockhart's estate. In doing this he of course is a 
compleat insolvent in property, beside losing upwards of twelve years living in 
a country which every man who is competent to judge of its manj' comparative 
disadvantages dislikes extremely, and where very few make any money. My 
father has always felt himself an exile here; for myself I declare that the pur- 
chase of the 1/3 of the pt. as I made it was no object and if at this moment I 
had not engaged in it I certainlj' never should. I could get a much more com- 
fortable living m many other places. The disadvantages of this place are very 
great, and not to be overcome. Its crampt confined situation will, it is the gen- 
eral opinion, hinder the growth. No mechanic or other person has an induce- 
ment to settle liimself in this neck of land where it is so narrow as to afford no 
room for lots for cultivating grass or wood, while almost any other place has 
every advantage that we have and those that we have not. What little land there 
is, is poor, and held quite above what is thought to be its value. Every family 
wants a cow and some other stock. As things are, and for what I see must be, 
these must run hungry in the comn^ons, and are always ready to break into the 
fields and flats and if the cattle cannot break in, the owners help them sometimes, 
in the night. Our flats are a scene of constant pillage. There we cannot make 
strong permanent fences owing to the frequent freshets, so we must be forever 
subject to these troubles. There have been freshets most every month these 
two years that have done more or less damage. When I think of the encroach- 
ments of the river in the different places, I am filled with alarm and uneasiness. 
It is very doubtful whether it can be stopt and if not it will ruin the flats. 

"I am the more induced to speak of the disadvantages of the point, that 
you may the more correctly value your interest in it. Year after year passes 
away and no alteration is for the better, and I am quite tired of fencing the thing. 
By taking pains and assisting new comers very much. I generally lose money 
and friendship by it. 

"I suppose you have by this time got the opinion of Mr. Hopkinson. I 
don't see that it will answer any material purpose to give the exact lines of the 
lots which are certified on the Lockhart purchase. They cannot be made in- 
telligible without a map, zvliicli I cannot procure. The lots are just about of an 
average value with the whole tract. The quantity as I before stated is about 31.5 
acres. However in order to give all the information in my power I will subjoin 
a list of the certified lots and will also make out a rough account or estimate 
of Connecticut purchases and disbursements made on the L. Purchase by G. 
Welles, and the purchases I have made since, with some remarks relating to the 
subject. Henrv Welles." 



442 OLD TIOGA POINT AXD EARLY ATHENS 

L'nfortunatelv. the promised lists were not preserved with this 
copy. 

It seems strange that he cannot procure tlie map made by James 
Pumpelly for George Welles in 1802. 

Very soon after Mr. Lockwood's arrival, Stephen Tuttle, who had 
started "trading establishments" at Elmira and Painted Post, concluded 
that Wilkes-Barre was too far away, and that he would prefer to live 
once more at Tioga Point. Therefore, he made a proposition to Richard 
Caton to buy his share of the Point "below the forks of the road," evi- 
dently meaning lower end of Elmira Street. Considerable intrigue was 
the result. Tuttle proposed to exchange for the land some wild lands 
in New York State, as Welles had done ; indeed, the tracts were con- 
tiguous. Caton held his lands very high, asking in exchange 1,000 
acres more than Tuttle proposed to give ; both were capable of driving 
a sharp bargain. Mr. Lock wood decided that he would like to purchase 
the same land, and proceeded to approach Caton unknown to Tuttle or 
Welles, making what he thought a better offer. As the property was in 
"eight pieces," Tuttle thought it not so valuable as did Caton. His 
letters to Charles and Henry Welles, whom he made his mediums with 
Caton, are very amusing. He is anxious, but not willing to appear too 
anxious, having other property in view as shown in the following ex- 
tracts from a letter to Caton, written August 11, 1811, by C. F. Welles, 
in Tuttle's behalf, Lockwood having purposely neglected to send on the 
proposition. Mr. Welles thinks Mr. Tuttle's offer of 3,000 acres a fair 
one, and adds the following discouraging comments: 

"The land remaining to you alx)ut and below Tioga Village lies in no less 
than nine disjointed lots (composing 103 acres), the best of which is threatened 
with rapid desolation on the river side, and requiring an immediate disbursement 
of several hundred dollars to defend it, and at last doubtful of safety. Of the 
other lots a part is an ungrateful gravel. The remainder can be made good, but 
is naturally unproductive, and until these tracts fall into the hands of a resident 
proprietor who will cultivate the soil with an owner's care, or render it ac- 
cessible to purchasers on accommodating terms, the whole will continue un- 
productive and detrimental to the prosperity of the village. 

"The farm, which Mr. Tuttle intends to purchase, if the arrangements with 
you fail, is situated in Wyoming Valley, contains ;!()() acres, 60 of which are 
alluvial, 70 good upland, house, barn, orchard etc., for $4,000. Undoubtedly a 
better bargain than the Tioga Lots, but as the terms of payment may be less 
liberal, and deducting a much larger sum from active capital, and as Mr. Tuttle 
has been long an inhabitant of Tioga and is concerned in two trading establish- 
ments in this vicinity, he inclines to purchase here at the price offered, provided 
he can receive favourable intelligence before expiration of the six weeks." 

Mr. Tuttle, being somewhat impatient, did not wait for an answer 
from Charles Welles, but a week later wrote to his brother Henry to 
intercede with Caton also. He had discovered or fancied that the 
Paines were negotiating for the same land (which was true), and w^as 
anxious to have the matter settled. A month later no answer had yet 
been received, and the resolution was soon taken to apply to the owner 
in person. On his return from the "long and tedious journey," he 
writes another amusing letter to Henry Welles. Mr. Caton held to a 
high price, stating "tlic advantages that there was in the place and wJiat 
a great place it zvoiild be at some fntnre period when it should become 



CROSS PURPOSES 443 

the scat of Legislation for some great State that should be formed in 
the country:" Truly amazing that such a man should still be expecting 
the erection of a new state, when all Connecticut hopes were blighted. 
However, he made some conciliatory proposals for which, said Tuttle : 

"I thanked him kindly and came away sorry, tired, mad ; next cursed my fate 
and so came on the way rejoicing; thus ended my long but fruitless journey. But 
I have not given up Tioga so yet * * * N. B. You need not excuse this scrall, 
but when you are tired reading burn it and gess at what you leave. S^ — T — ." 

Now, Mr. Caton seems to have tied up all his matters at the Point 
by setting too high a price on lots and giving Mr. Tuttle an option. 
Whereupon Henry Welles writes the following explanatory letter : 

"Dear Sir: Your refusal to sell has been the immediate cause of a family 
removing to Ohio for which you have the very hearty thanks of the whole 
neighborhood, and as there is and has been a negotiation by Mr. Tuttle for a 
purchase of your interest in and about the village, we have been prevented from 
trying to give the small spot that is necessary to accommodate us about the 
house, and there is no person who wants to buy who can pay directly for any 
lot. * * * Pray, Sir, be good enough to write Mr. Lockwood or myself and di- 
rect us what to do. We wait with impatience for your answer. * * * 

"Mr. Lockwood was speaking to me this day about buying or leasing your 
land on the Point, and observed that he would write you on the subject of his 
offer for a purchase. You, Sir, are better qualified to judge, than myself, as to 
his offer of leasing, which is to clear 56 acres and fence that and the other lots 
completely and to deliver it up at the end of three years. I think it is not far 
from what is right and reasonable." 

There was still another offer for the Caton interest, made by Mr. 
John Hollenback of Owego. This anxiety to purchase shows how cer- 
tain all felt now about titles ; and naturally, in Mr. Caton's mind, prop- 
erty for which there were four or five applicants increased in value. 

Mr. Lock wood's proposition follows intact by reason of its quaint 
spelling and barter offered : 

".Athens, 6 Nov. 1811.— Mr. Caton — Sir: I have made up my mind that if 
you and I can agree in the prise for the land on the point, all except the 200 
acres (above Big Hill) on the North end of the Lockard tract, I will purches, 
If Such articles of pay as I Shall State Sutes you — Neat Cattle, Wheat, lumber. 
Pork & Whisky, to be Delivered at Baltimore. I think I can give you more than 
Mr. Welles & Tuttle has offered or will offer. The land is under very poor cul- 
tivation. I have stated to Mr. Welles that I will take the land for three years 
& put it in good repare. He thinks that would be about rite. I will give you 
Fore Thousand Dollars in such pay as heretofore stated, Without Interest. 2 
years, and he Says that It is a better offer than there has been or Will be maid — 
for the land. I wish j^our answer as soon as possible. I shall Wait for it before 
I Return to Connecticut. If you should agree to my proposal, I should want 
the Lenth of payment to be Six years, the first Payment in Three years & so on. 
I wrote some time since and had no answer. Your Abedent Servant, 

"Edmund Lockwood." 

Tuttle continued in correspondence and negotiation with Caton, 
and not long after wrote a long, intricate letter to Henry Welles, full of 
repetition, etc., closing thus : "This is a dreadful mess of stuff and I 
think that you may as well burn it, its neither ledgable or clear." He 
feared that Lockwood and Caton were playing him a Yankee trick. A 
few months later he again visited Baltimore, but did not even see Mr. 
Caton, and remarks that "this has been one of the most perplexing d — 
things that ever I was concerned in, the embargo excepted." The affair 



444 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

drag-ged along- another three months when Tuttle writes: "I dont know 
what to do with Mr. Caton." A httlc later he writes that everybody 
seems to have something to do with it ; or want the property, and that 
James Irwin was negotiating for the same. Henry Welles now writes 
to tell Mr. Caton it is the best sale he can ever expect to make, and that 
Tuttle seemed determined to go on. 

The proposed purchase was to include land near the Welles home, 
and Henry begs that if Tuttle does not purchase he may be notified 
before any other sale, saying: 

"I would be sorry to be in the hands of Mr. Lockwood. I beg you will 
spare me that embarassment — I have reason to suppose I should be very op- 
pressively dealt with." 

For some reason now unknown Mr. Caton did not sell to any one, 
although the negotiations with Tuttle were continued some time, for 
February 20, 1813, Richard Caton- writes to Henry Welles : "The ar- 
rangement with Mr. Tuttle is not returned because the land ofifered in 
exchange has not been examined ; if a favorable representation is given 
of it, the bargain will be confirmed." 

Mr. Tuttle's ambition survived a year or two, as in 1814 it was 
written : 

"Mr. Tuttle has been here and would apparently unmoor his barque with 
us * * * but complains that the town is held in mortmain, that a stranger cannot 
get a permanent resting place for the soul of his foot, * * * and talks of the 
rivalry of a town which might be laid out on Mr. Shepard's land recently pur- 
chased on which Mr. Harris^ resides, and talked with Mr. Keene on the propriety 
of investing money in such an enterprise." 

About this time the banking system was being introduced ; and 
Henry Welles, who was still in the Legislature, was anxious to have 
Athens receive some benefit from it, and wrote to David Paine to bring 
the subject before the business men of the town. The people of this 
region were greatly interested just then in the development of various 
turnpikes, especially "the Berwick," by the "Susquehanna and Tioga 
turnpike company." David's reply of December 13, 1812. indicates 
that he had interviewed the principal men of Athens, and that they 
agreed : 

"If the matter is becoming general it is best to have a hand in it * * * it may 
help to promote our road, * * * that being effected, this place will immediately 
arise to some eminence among the country villages * * * a Bank of course would 
help to build us up. * * * I am at a loss however to know how we />ocir D — Is 
can make it practicable, but you perhaps can see 'thro' the millstone' — do write 
me more explicitly on the subject and communicate all the secrets — if you dare 
* * * in particular your digested ideas of the contemplated system. Grain of 
all kinds is high price — whisky high and in great demand — the district collector 
has made his appearance among us and collected the duties on Taverns. Stills, 
merchandize &c." * * * "We go on the same dull round as usual, no holyday 
amusements, parties or merry meetings as in the 'olden time.' " 

' .Alpheus Harris, who had come as a hunter for the surveyors' party of 1786-7, was 
a son of Jonathan, already mentioned, and father of N. C. Harris — still a resident of Athens. 
Alpheus purchased the Connecticut title of several hundred acres close to the state line, in- 
cluding Spanish Hill. In 1810 Jesse L. Keene, of Philadelphia, arrived upon the scene 
armed with a Pennsylvania title to the same land. He brought a suit of ejectment against 
Harris, and of course won, though he seems to have been generous in his treatment. Accord- 
ing to letters still in existence, Mr. Keene resided in Tioga Point for some years, but finally 
left on account of ill health. The proposed new town would have had the location of present 
Waverly, or South Waverly. .Mpheus Harris v,as born at Colchester, Conn., m. first to Jerusha 
Miller and second to Elizabeth Clapp. 



JUDGE EDWARD HERRICK 



445 



Possibly this social dullness was due to the preaching of Dr. Wis- 
ner, who, in 1812, had roused some interest and established the first 
church in the community. 

In 1813 there had come to Athens a young man who became 
actively interested in the town interests, and later in the politics of the 
county. Edward Herrick, Sr.,- first came in 1806 to visit his brother 
Walter, who was engaged in mercantile business at Tioga Point, and 
later at Owego. Probably it was during this visit that Edward Herrick 
met Celestia Hopkins, for while he 
lived in Ohio for the next few years, 
he returned in 1810 to claim her as 
his bride. They returned to Ohio, 
where the brilliant young lawyer 
had many honorable appointments. 
But the wife pined for her own 
people, and in 1813 they braved 
once more the perils of the wilder- 
ness journey, returning to Athens 
in a carriage by a long and rough 
road,'' with their little son. Castle 
Hopkins. Their first residence was 
in the smaller log house on Mat- 
thias Hollenback's property, sup- 
posed to be the one built by Secord 
in 1778 or earlier. Later Mr. Her- 
rick purchased lot No. 12 (now Er- 
canbrack property), occupied bv 
Welles & Caton's store. Here he 
erected a pleasant home, which 
was occupied by himself and his son, and when it burned, another 
house was built and occupied by Edward Herrick, Jr., his grand- 
son, until 1881. Mr. Herrick had been admitted to the bar in Ohio 
in 1808, and immediately began the active practice of law in Brad- 
ford and adjoining counties. He became at once the warm friend 
of Henry Welles, of whom later he was a bitter political enemy. His 
letters to the young member of the Legislature are full of knowledge, 
and interest in the town and State, with a vein of sarcastic humor, as 
when commenting on the vote of the members to increase their own 
salary : 

"What could be more wise than to add to the fees of the worthy for their 
arduous toils for the preservation and libert}' of the repubhc. — Who more worthy 
than the sons of Confucius! and who better judges of that worth though I doubt 
the propriety of too much liberty in making such provision, you know money is 
the rock on which the heterodoxical build their pretensions and right to un- 
limited control," 




Celestia Hopkins Herrick 



- Judge Herrick's biography will be found in sketch of early lawyers. The portrait of 
his wife is crude, but of interest because it was painted by her son Curran, who had artistic 
ability which was never cultivated. 

^ Their driver was a devoted and faithful colored man, Peter Carlisle, who remained 
in this vicinity, and whose descendants are among us to this day. Peter was long the ferry- 
man over the Tioga. 



44G OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

A remark of value now even more than then. He expressed con- 
siderable anxiety among the people of A.thens, as to the better days now- 
hoped for in town and country, mentioning the delayed turnpike as the 
anchor of future hopes, and urged upon Henry Welles to persuade some 
of the great capitalists in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, etc., to speculate 
in turnpike stock; not because he had much jjersonal investment, but 
"because I feel the pride which all feel for the success of their abiding 
city." In this letter of ]^Iarch, ISl-i, he mentions "some little stir in 
the town." Jeremiah Decker, who now leased the Hollenback store, 
had purchased the Hopkins house (now part of E. H. Perkins prop- 
erty). Rev. William Wisner had purchased the lot now W. H. Minor's, 
and was erecting a small log house; and Michael Tharp, another Penn- 
sylvania land agent, lately come to town, was building the house on 
the river bank, afterwards the home of Judge Herrick for fifty-three 
years, and still occupied by his heirs. These changes Mr. Herrick notes 
as "inconsiderable movements in our Considerable Town." 

Various events of the preceding years have here been overlooked. 
For several years, beginning with 1812, a peculiar epidemic swept over 
the valley, called the "Sheshequin fever," the "cold fever," and the 
"cold plague." When it came no treatment or medicine availed ; that it 
was contagious is evinced by the fact that several in one family would 
sometimes die within a few days or even hours. The first symptoms 
were chills, or, as described at that time, "an ague which lasted for 
ten or twelve hours, followed by a peculiar exudation from abdomen or 
loins, then collapse and death." It was a notable fact that only adults 
were seized, as it is recorded that no person under fifteen years ever 
succumbed. The disease generally abated in the summer, and resumed 
its ravages in the winter. All were in fear, and devoutly gave thanks 
when it passed them by. The most severe epidemic at Tioga Point 
seems to have been in 1813, knowledge being obtained only from a let- 
ter written by one of the Tozer family to her sister in Ohio, Mrs. Hugh 
Alexander. This tells that their "friends are all well but the fever still 
rages. Mr. George Welles was buried the 21st of July, also Pam. P. 
Prentice and many more not of our acquaintance." Another tells that 
Dr. Hopkins finds himself powerless to combat the disease, a strange 
oiie, indeed. 

The death of George Welles was a serious blow to his son Henry, 
who, being the oldest of the family, seemed to feel very keenly the addi- 
tional responsibility thrown upon him ; to which he had added his own, 
as the previous year he had married Sarah, daughter of John Spalding 
of Sheshequin. His devotion to his mother and brothers and sisters 
was most unusual, as evinced in letters full of affection and concern. His 
responsibilities, however, were shared by his younger brother. Charles 
Fisher Welles,' now a promising young man, who in 1812 had been 

* Charles Fisher Welles, second son of George W'elles and Prudence Talcott, was born 
at Glastonbury, Ct., November 5, 1789. The family removed to Tioga Point August, 1799. A 
few years later Charles returned to Connecticut to attend Bacon .\cademy, where he received 
his little advantage of education under Dr. John Adams. "During his boyhood and youth he 
developed a taste for i)oetical study and composition, which apparently was not indulged beyond 
his twentieth year. .\ natural diffidence prevented Mr. Welles from pursuing the practice of 
the law, for wiiich he had prepared himself by the usual course of study. The knowledge of 
legal principles thus acquired was, however, of great service to him in the care of his estates, 



THE BEDFORD AND ULSTER SUPPLEMENT 



447 




^..^^^^i^ 



commissioned by Governor Snyder, 
Prothonotary, Register and Re- 
corder and Clerk of the Courts of 
the new county of Bradford ; offices 
held for six years, during which he 
exercised a considerable influence 
in the politics of the county. It has 
recently been said : 

"The old court records of Bradford 
Co. are easily used at present, undoubt 
edly due tO' the painstaking and consci- 
entious labors of the late Charles F. 
Welles." 

The year 1(S13 was one of con- 
siderable advance at Tioga Point. 
Henry Welles presented a petition 
to the Legislature from the mem- 
bers of the old Athens Academical 
Association, and was successful in 
procuring an appropriation of $2,- 
000, further account of which is 
given in a later cha])ter. He was be- 
coming a very ambitious member, 

and was shown considerable attention ; being placed upon important 
committees, and proving quite successful in his various legislative 
endeavors. 

It is a little difficult to understand why Lockhart's title to Tioga 
Point did not hold good to the exclusion of all Connecticut claimants, 
except those who' were the actual proprietors of old Ulster, and yet 
all the certificates granted within the confines of the Lockhart warrant, 
although claimed under old Ulster, were to people zvJiosc names have 
not been found on the list of the first proprietors, but many to those 
of the second grant, as suggested by Thos. Cooper. After the patents 
were issued, Richard Caton instructed his lawyer, Mr. Hopkinson of 
Philadelphia, to bring a suit against the state according to the law ; and 
in February, 1813, complains to Henry Welles that Hopkinson "has 
delayed to inform himself of the exact nature of my claim," possibly 
because he had never received compensation for conducting the eject- 
ment suit against Mrs. Matthewson in 18(^8. However, only a month 
later, March '^9, a supplement to the Compromise Act was passed. Not 

and it was said of him that no man in northern Pennsylvania had so extensive and accurate 
a knowledge of the nature and situation of land titles and the laws bearing on them. When 
asked the secret of his uniform success in his numerous land-suits, he replied, 'I always know 
my case before I begin.' He was a man of varied and extensive reading, fond of the natural 
sciences, geology being his favorite study." He was thoroughly conversant with the early history 
of this region, and communicated his love of it to the writer long years ago. As will be shown 
he wielded his "eagle's quill" with power when the necessity arose. Pleasant and genial, an 
instructive and delightful talker, his "old castle" at Wyalusing was a charmed spot to all the 
children of the younger generation in the family circle. Tall and of erect and dignified car- 
riage, his port was that of the old-school gentleman. To some who knew him his retirement 
from public life was a disappointment. Said one, while admitting the existence of defects, 
"but who has his power, his pathos, his tenderness, wit, humor, eloquence? * * * jf i^e had 
been forced into the world, and compelled to grapple with great questions, either literary, scien- 
tific or political, he might have been one of the first men of his time." But he chose to spend 
his life with his wife and children in comparative retirement at Wyalusing; where he died Sept. 
23, 1866, from the effects of a fall from a carriage. 



448 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

having seen. the H. R. daily procee(Hngs at this period, we do not know 
if Henry Welles was active in obtaining the passage of this law. But 
it seems an appropriate place to give some extracts from a letter of 
Caton's written when he surmised that Welles was in the Legislature : 

"If there, yon must see that the pubHc mind is precipitated liy a too great 
impetus of feehng and passion. That measures fraught with evil consequences 
are hurried into hiws that will incorporate themselves with the political exis- 
tence of the state. That the mature judgment of age which takes caution for its 
guide is silenced by the impetuous voice of schemers and speculators, and that 
the rich store of national experience drawli from the history of the old world 
is deemed trash, and inapplicable to the character of man on this side of the 
Atlantic, as if he were not governed by the same errors, the same feelings and 
the same virtues and vices. Disguise ourselves as we may, call ourselves by what 
name caprice or self love may dictate, we will find that man is the same being, 
pursuing the same objects by the same means that his forefathers did; and pain- 
ful as the catastrophe will be we shall find that we have wasted like a prodigal 
the abundance of political happiness which Providence gave us, and we shall 
transmit a curse to future generations by manifesting to the world that we have 
neither virtue nor wisdom enough to live free. Meaven grant that our days 
may be exempt from the crisis, but I do not think and dare not liope they will." 

These impassioned titterances seem worthy of a great statesman, 
and may have stirred Henry W'elles to make the telling speech already 
alluded to. The supplement of ISl;? having made the methods of 
procedure very clear, Mr. Caton employed Garrick Mallery of Wilkes- 
Barre as counsel in place of Hopkinson, and suit was brought in the 
Bradford County Court, summons being first issued June 15. 1813. The 
distance at which Mr. Caton lived proved a great hindrance to the prog- 
ress of the case, the State reqtiiring every paper in the chain of title to 
be submitted. Much as he seemed tO' desire the matter settled, having 
made a claim for damages of fifty thousand dollars, the case was put 
over again and again, awaiting the arrival of the necessary papers. Air. 
Mallery turned to Henry Welles for assistance, many of h.is letters be- 
ing still in existence. In November, 1S14, he wrote: 

"There is still some defect in the chain of title and God only knows whether 
we shall be able to obtain them from Mr. Caton * * * we must be prepared for 
trial at the next court. I despair of ever obtaining the papers * * * The deed 
from Harper to Carroll it is alleged is lost, it may be supplied by the deed of 
Harper and Carroll to Caton in 1813 &c." 

This is the only record of the retransfer of the property to Caton, 
but proves that the property did not long continue in the name of Car- 
roll. Mr. Mallery was at last successful in obtaining all necessary 
records, and the suit, which had been continued from term to term few- 
three years, was finally tried at the September court of 181 G. The jury, 
which was composed of representative men of Bradford County, ren- 
dered a verdict for the plaintifT of $7975.78, their valuation of the 319 
acres certified to Connecticut claimants under the Bedford and L'lster 
Act. On the application of Richard Caton to the Board of Property, 
January 22, 1817, the title papers were examined and the verdict ap- 
proved. Three days later Plenry Welles wrote to his brother : 

"I am glad to inform you that tiie judgment in the case of Caton vs. Com- 
monwealth has passed the ordeal of the accounting department and the money 
paid. It was done promptly and honorably by the officers of the Government. 



IMPROVERS— NOT OUTLAWS 449 

* * * This event is a very desirable one. that Mr. Caton should be paid, and the 
titles to the contested land on the Point placed on a safe footing ; they are now 
among the safest in Pennsylvania — the whole from first to last has been well 
done." 

It is noticeable that here the Commonwealth seems to have lost 
money. Lockhart had paid originally to the State about $370, and the 
patents granted to the Connecticut settlers had brought in but a small 
amount. Lockhart had received only one-fotirth of the purchase money 
from Welles and Caton, yet he had profited. Caton had paid that 
fourth, $3200 ; but he had now received more than twice as much, aside 
from his sales, and was assured of a clear title for both himself and 
Henry Welles, apparently. And yet at the very date Welles wrote : 

"It may well be questioned whether titles will be very safe and perfect in 
the state if certain people have their wills. The settlers bill has passed the H. 
R. this day after four days continual debate. In form it is very good, and freed 
from the most objectionable features of last year's bill, so that I shall support it, 
but I fear in vain, — Senate is very determined on most questions, and perhaps more 
on this than almost any other. I shall incur the odium of having defeated it 
again, but no matter, I will not trouble myself with anticipations." 

A few weeks later he writes the bill was lost by a majority of one 
vote, adding: 

"My position has produced a considerable change in favor of the principles 
of indemnity to settlers, but not enough to effect the object; indeed I very much 
doubt whether it will ever be effected." 

The Settlers Bill or Cause, as it was generally called, was at this 
period one of the most important matters tO' the Connecticut settlers, 
who had not been granted certificates ; and many of whom had later 
sufifered ejectment at the hands of the Pennsylvania Landholders' 
agents. Ninety-two such cases were listed in the "Seventeen Towns" 
in 1818, and many were in the half-share settlements of this region. 
The "Settlers plea" was for indemnification in case of ejectment. 
The petitions for this Act, sent from Bradford County, both in 1817 and 
1818 were written by C. P. Welles, said to be "zvcll and ably draivn, 
and highly spoken of among the members." They protested against 
a blind application of British forms, becatise in the British Isles the 
lands were all improved, while in Pennsylvania it had been all wild 
lands of little or no value. Here "the settler's improvement inereased 
the value of the lands fifty times zvithout any estimate of his labor." His 
so-called trespassing had been felling the trees, opening roads, building 
fences, tilling the soil ; how could he be called a wrongdoer? Moreover, 
the settlements had been made permissively, with tacit consent or even 
general encouragement. Instead of being a trespasser from the begin- 
ning, he was rather a benefactor and really had an equity from the be- 
ginning. Often these settlers had had residence for a score of years, 
yet the laws now permitted the landholder to eject him without a penny 
of remimeration for all his years of labor, and with no possible claim, 
as in English countries, for rent or damages. Under these circum- 
stances what would the settler do but appeal to the Legislature for some 
protection of his interest? Though the first bill was lost, it was by so 
small a majority that the Settlers' Cause was made an issue of the 
gubernatorial campaign of 1817. A strong point against Joseph Heis- 



450 OLD TIOGA TOIXT AND EARLY ATHENS 

ter. the Federalist candidate, was, not only that he was a landholder 
pledged to his Philadelphia supporters to defeat this movement; hut in 
ISOl, when the landholders tried to make the Legislature march 2,iH)^) 
troops into upper Luzerne to drive off the settlers, and more than L-^OO 
of the inhabitants oi Luzerne petitioned Congress to protect them, their 
own Representative, Joseph Heister, was chosen to present this petition ; 
and he refused to do so, having doubtless fairer reasons than are at- 
tributed to him. While the complications arising in those unsettled 
times are often incomprehensible, the Settlers' Cause from present view 
point would seem to include that of the half-share men, which had been 
serious since the Intrusion Law and the repeal of the Act of Limita- 
tions of 1785, so far as relates to the Seventeen Townshijis. By this 
they were practically outlawed. 

In the case of Satterlee vs. Matthewson the eminent Chief Justice 
Huston considered the Settlers' Cause as did President Judge Scott of 
Luzerne a little later. After presenting a statement of their sacrifices, 
sufferings, etc.. Judge Huston said, "Are such people outlaws — God 
forbid ! They are not to be so considered." 

The Act of Limitations was a general law passed 26th March, 1785, 
limiting the time during which actions for inheritance or possession 
would lie to twenty-one years. The so-called territorial act, suggested 
by Cooper, and passed in 1802, had for its manifest object "to cut up 
by the roots the title of Connecticut in all other parts but the seventeen 
townships." 

Findlay having been elected, the bill again came up, and was placed 
in the hands of Henrv Welles in the Senate, who wrote Februarv 6, 
1818 : 

"I entertain Init faint hope of the success of the settlers' bill in the Senate ; 
there are seventeen votes dead against it, and great talents. I cannot bear the 
thought of its failure in my hands ; it is the only measure I ever failed to carry 
when I exerted myself." 

It was presented to the House in an im])racticable form, exciting 
alarm and weakening confidence in the cause and its supporters. Henry 
Welles, though assured of its failure, went through the longest debate 
he had ever conducted in the Legislature, receiving many compliments 
as having "conducted the bill with great ability." A second debate fol- 
lowed a week later, when he again "spoke upwards of an hour — and 
then just lost the bill." How instructive and interesting must have been 
all these debates in the Legislature on cjuestions concerning the Con- 
necticut claim ; lost, alas, to history, as there were only meagre notes 
made in House journals. Among Henry Welles' papers has been found 
a long and remarkable address, no doubt one of those made at this time 
which shows not only considerable ability, but also a fair-minded atti- 
tude toward the Connecticut claimants, which has not always been at- 
tributed to him. As the paper is undated and has no heading, it is 
difficult to decide just what the measure was, so many were proposed 
at that period ; but he mentions that the proposed act is to quiet the 
IVnnsylvania claimants, whose lands were surveyed in the Connecticut 
claim between the dates of the confirming and the compromising laws. 



FIRST BRADFORD COUNTY COURTS 451 

"all others having- hcen provided for," and the Pennsylvania claimants' 
only refuge being the ejectment process. In this speech Mr. Welles 
proves that the Commonwealth has sold the land twice, and concludes 
with the remark that it would have been better to dispossess the inhab- 
itants with the bayonet and the rille, that they would have been driven 
into a state where it would have been safer to rely upon Acts of As- 
sembly. The whole speech is a scathing rebuke to Pennsylvania, as 
regards the various "quieting acts." It was doubtless this to which he 
referred in letters of February 6th, IDth, 2-l-th and '.^Sth. ISIS. The exact 
purport is not known, but in the Senate journal the l)ill under discus- 
sion at these dates is entitled "A further supplement to an act, entitled 
An Act offering Compensation," etc., plainly meaning Compromise Act 
of 17i)9. Henry Welles writes that: 

"Hill reported the same insane bill that c.\citcd such alarm last year, wholly 
impracticable and weakening the chances, and the confidence of unsettled mod- 
erate men in us and our cause. The opposite party rejoice in this development 
of our views as they maliciously call it. * * * I have just gone through the second 
debate upon the bill compensating Pennsylvania claimants, spoke upwards of an 
hour much to my own satisfaction — and then just lost the bill. Do you think it 
might be worth while to show a little vanity and insert into a newspaper a sketch 
of remarks upon the bill ; I have a mind to send you a sketch, and if you think 
worth while publish it; and if not it will not mortify me. 1 will think of it, and 
perhaps send by Mr. Sharp (bearer of letter)." 

This was written to C. F. Welles, then controlling editor of the 
Bradford Gazette. The sketch does not seem to have been ptiblished. 
( See Appendix C. ) 

It is necessary now to retrace our steps for a time and gather the 
loose threads. In ISl.'} John P)annister Gibson, afterwards considered one 
of the foremost jurists in Pennsylvania, was made President Judge of 
the Eleventh Judicial District, composed of the counties of Tioga, Brad- 
ford, Susquehanna and Wayne. He was expected to live at Tioga 
Point, but did not. He held the office for three years, and was pro- 
moted to the bench of the Supreme Court. The first court was held at 
Towanda that year, and proved a great convenience in the region which 
had known little law and order. In 1814 William Briggs, who after- 
wards built the Exchange, came to town with his brothers from Berne, 
Schenectady County, N. Y. This year David Paine lest his lovely 
wife, and it was written "the death of Mrs. Paine has darkened Tioga." 

Perhaps, because of the pending suit, Richard Caton now refused 
to sell any detached lots, a decision detrimental to the advancement of 
the town, and very trying to General Welles and Colonel Lockwood. 
(The Governor had now appointed Mr. Welles on his staff', with the 
rank of General, a title by which he was ever after known. ) They had 
found lots could be sold for higher prices, and had made several sales 
which Caton repudiated. He had some wild lands also, as Colonel 
Lockwood wrote that he could not find any surveyor that would under- 
take to run out the lands on Pine Creek, for the curious reason that 
"pork was not to be had at any price for to keep the hands on." 

In spite of these sales sufficient money was not collected to pay 
taxes on Caton 's share of the P(jint, and Colonel Lockwood had spent 
all of his means to lay out a road from Towanda, now the county seat. 



452 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



very cli 




to the State Line, and the Sheriff threatened tax sale. In 1815, in a 
lignified letter, Henry Welles intimated that he would prefer to 

have no further responsi- 
bility as to the property or 
pa])ers of Mr. Caton, but 
that they should all be un- 
der Mr. Lockwood's care. 

John Franklin Satterlee, 
son of Elisha, had now 
grown to manhood, and 
was fast becoming an in- 
fluential citizen, with active 
interest in progress of town 
and county. In 1808 he 
married Julia Prentice of 
Alilltown, and a little later 
he began mercantile busi- 
ness in the Prentice home 
Sattkrlek Homestead, 1847 

at "Spring's Corners." He 
had a keen sense of wit, as 
shown in a few of his let- 
ters that have been pre- 
served. His daily diary 
must have been excellent 
reading. Unfortunately, 
that and many other papers 
were lost in the fires which 
destroyed two successive 
Satterlee homes. Even busi- 
ness was humorously trans- 
acted by John F., as shown 
in a letter to Stephen Tut- 
tle in 1813 : 

"Dear Sir, Yours came to 
hand last mail, covering a ps 
of democratic paper on which 
I had the honor of writing a 
note for $500 — dear paper — 
which is inclosed. The other 
day had to pay only $1") for the 
privilege of retailing goods 
under the mild administration 
of King James — God and Con- 
gress only know what will 
come next." 

About 1815 he decided 
to buy the old tavern built 
by James Irwin, afterwards 
kept by George 
Welles, and later 





EARLY COUNTY POLITICS 453 

by David Paine and his brother luioch, who hved in Athens from 1808 
to his death, in 181(i, and was engaged in mercantile business with his 
brotliers, obtaining most of their goods of Orrin Day of Catskill, and 
bringing them overland. The old tavern was in Caton's share of the 
village plot ; some one must have attempted to make trouble, which 
Jesse Keene helped to settle, as per letter written from New York, Sep- 
tember, 1815: 

"Dear Frank, Good Nczi's — is liettcr than Bad at all times. I liave seen 
Mr. Caton. he told me to inform you that the Property is yours irrevocably, 
to give yourself no uneasiness; on his return to Balt'o he will confirm it to you 
by letter. How is the Mighty fallen. Believe me your friend, Keene." 

Probably Mr. Satterlee was already in the house, as he made ap- 
plication for a license in Athens that year, with many others; to wit, 
Saltmarsh, Paine, Murray. Decker, Jacobs, Dunlap, Granger, Johnston, 
and even Dr. Hopkins, of whom it has been said he never had a license. 
This list of applications is still preserved with the following message 
on it addressed to Sutterlee :"Ohscrc'e secrecy — it's the soul of business." 
The tavern changed owners again in 1828. 

Early Political History of the Nezv County. 

The political history of Tioga Point and Athens, if it could be 
completely written, would make an interesting chapter, but the mater- 
ial at hand is insufficient. However it is doubtful if politics have ever 
been as lively in Old Bradford as during the time when it was Nezv 
Bradford. The period from 1814 to 1818 was an epoch of its own. 
Much has been gleaned from letters of this period, also from such old 
newspapers as have been accessible. It is a matter of regret that there 
seem to be no complete files of the various publications of the Bradford 
County press of this period ; also that such as there are seem to be 
jealously guarded. Many inaccuracies of history are due to the fact 
that the most earnest students are refused access to necessary sources 
of information. Having delayed our work, hoping for more complete 
data, it now seems necessary to make the most of that at hand. In 
considering the politics of this q30ch, a general idea of conditions is 
essential, which in this case is drawn from Mr. Craft's introduction to 
his account of Bradford County political history : 

"On the adoption of the constitution our people were almost unanimously 
Federalists * * * the chief reason being that they thought the questions relating 
to the land controversy would be definitely settled in the federal courts. But 
after the decision of the U. S. Circuit Court in ITO.'i against the Connecticut 
claimant in the case of Van Horn vs. Dorrance, the settlers had less confidence 
in the fairness of federal courts, and became alienated from the party. In addi- 
tion several acts of the Adams' administration made the Federal party unpopular, 
and in 1800 many voted for JefTerson ; the following 4th of July was celebrated 
in many parts of the country with great Democratic rejoicing." 

It may thus be seen that the sentiment of the Connecticut settler 
was originally against the Federalists. In the election of October. 
1812, county officers were elected for the new county. This was the 
first time the people could express their vote by themselves. Curiously 
enousrh everv elective officer was a Federalist, althoucfb the Federal 



454 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

majority was not large. The previous elections, from ISOO, had shown 
that in the country of the half-share men the questions arising from 
the land controversies overshadowed all national political issues for a 
score of years or longer. Yet at this period the Connecticut settlers 
seem to have become Federalists, and the Pennsylvanians, Democrats 
(or old time Republicans). Charles F. Welles and his brother. General 
Henry Welles, were Democrats ; and in 1814, in connection with Gen- 
eral Samuel McKean and other prominent politicians, they started the 
Bradford Gazette, published at Towanda or Meansville. Burr Ridg- 
way v.as the editor, but C. F. Welles was the power behind the throne. 
While party spirit ran very high, and political writings were strongly 
tinctured with partisan animosity and hostile criticism, it was said : 

"His articles on political questions were marked by a breadth of view and 
urged by a cogency of reasoning that carried conviction to the mind of the reader, 
while the corrupt politician received scathing rebukes from his trenchant pen." 

In presenting the story of this period it will be easily seen that 
then, as now, no one's character was safe who was active in politics, 
and both parties appear corrupt. Regardless of name or fame, we 
will give both sides as far as obtainable. Having no Gazettes of earlier 
date than February, 1817, let us begin with the advent of its opponent, 
the Jl'ashingtoniaii, said to have been published for about two years, 
beginning with the issue of September 2, 181 (i. The editor was Lewis 
P. Franks, a man of keen intellect and an able but trenchant pen, sup- 
posed to be in the employ of certain "Sheshequinites," notably Simon 
Kinney, then County Treasurer ; Joseph Kingsbery, and Col. Harry 
Spalding. The following extract fromi a letter of Henry Welles to his 
brother indicates a still deeper purpose in the establishment of the scur- 
rilous sheet, whose motto was "I claim as large a charter as the winds, 
to blow on whom I please." 

"Dec. i). 1816. Harrisburg. * * * I want also, if there is anything worth 
notice in the Wash(ingtonia)n, that it should be sent to me by post regularly; 
the Bradford Gazette will come, of course. You are on the spot, and know the 
events that have taken place, and can anticipate with some certainty the inten- 
tions of our opponents : and on your opinion as to the expediency of attacking 
the supporters of the Washn I will rely, and act accordingly. I have been told 
since my arrival that that paper is established in the country up Susquehanna 
as a part of the system that is now zealously acted upon in the state generally 
by the Federalists and old-school men : I mean that of establishing presses in 
various parts for the purpose of overthrowing our party : 'tis said the W . . n 
is supported by donations in Phila. I send to you the Harrisburg Rep(ublica)n 
of this morning: you will see a mode recommended by the electors of collecting 
the opinion of the republicans in the state as to the person who shall be sup- 
ported as the candidate for the next Governor. I hope you and the other dem- 
ocrats of the county of Bradford, & perhaps Tioga if practicable, will attend to 
the business, and either elect at your court some democrats to act as delegates 
& send them down here, or if you can confide in us, authorize McKean and my- 
self to perform that service; don't omit this." 

Some old memoranda say that Thomas Overton and Michael R. 
Tharp were the real founders of this paper, these men, representing 
many Philadelphia landholders, and both at this time having acquired 
a very unenviable reputation from fraudulent dealings with settlers 
in Ulster and Smithfield. 



THE WASHIXGTOXIAN AXD ITS EDITOR 455 

But doubtless the Sheshequinites promoted it on purely political 
grounds, and since the two Welleses and McKean were in office, there- 
fore they were made the butt of all the abuse of the "Peter's Patterns," 
as the paper was called, for people loyal to Washington resented the 
use of his name. The sheet was published for at least one year, some 
say two; but probably it was only in connection with the elections of 
1816, and the campaign for Heister against Findlay, in 1817/' While 
it was supposed to be a weekly paper, not many copies are now known, 
although several numbers are proven both by letters and by the Brad- 
ford Gazette, which paper was called by Franks the "Chronicle of 
Slightness." That there was a brave fight to prevent the publication 
of this or any Federalist paper is shown in the issue of November 4, 
181(). In the first place several columns were devoted tO' "The sup- 
pression of the Mirror of the Times, a paper of which little is known 
to-day, except that it was suppressed in a most arbitrary manner, the 
whole printing outfit having been stolen in the night and carried first 
to Tioga Point and later to Newtown. C. F. Welles was said to be 
the aider and abettor, but nothing is now known of this high-handed 
robbery except what is found in the JVashingfoniaJi. In the same num- 
ber the editor accuses P)Urr Ridgway ( who was postmaster as well as 
editor ) of having suppressed Franks" letter, known to be an order for 
paper from the mill, so that none arrived and no IVashiugtonian could 
be issued October 21st or 28th. The abuse of Welles and McKean was 
open and constant ; and in a very short time a most useful weapon was 
found in the Welles-iMatthewson controversy, which had seemed to 
be abandoned after the visits of the commissioners under the Bedford 
and Ulster Act. 

^Ve have not seen the issue in which this matter was taken up, but 
it is made plain in the following extract from a letter of Henry Welles : 

Feb. 18, 1817.— "The Wash — n is at us again, and the editor has sent on a 
number of papers to members here ; the only effect so far as I know has been 
in my favor. I felt no mortification in consequence of it. Every one who speaks 
of it takes the occasion to compliment me in some way or other : they say the 
character of Franks in Phila. is infamous. I rather think, however, that that part 
of his charges relating to Mr. Caton and the Tioga settlers might be properly 
replied to. I wish however to leave it with you in this case : appearing to in- 
culpate me in a private capacity as an honest man, it is different from political 
squibbling. The Settler business is Mrs. Mathewson's affair. You know all about 
that transaction : you know I gave her $200 after all was over and paid all costs, 
let them have the land, offered a deed to the lot & house, &c. : this was after 
trying to buy. The suit was not brought until all other means had failed : the 
property was mixed up with our other lots, &c. ; and Kings-y remarked em- 
phatically when I offered the $200 that I ought not to have given her a cent ; 
that he would not, after all that had passed. I mention these items under the 
idea that perhaps it may be best to reply by way of vindication. I think it is, 
and hope you will think so too, and take the trouble for me. As to the Bedford 
& Ulster act, you know all about it : Mr. Caton acquiesced in all. 

"It has been my decided opinion that we ought to make our opponents 
fear us a little, as well as hate us a good deal. I have got over what little un- 
easiness I felt at being paragraphed in a newspaper." 

■^ Sept., 1817, a Democratic-Republican meeting convened at the house of Wm. Means, 
Jr., in Meansville, for the purpose of using all laudable measures to promote the cause. Com- 
mittees were appointed in each town. In .\thens. Col. Julius Tozer, Maj. Zephon Flower, 
Daniel Park, Johnston Miller, Noah Mtn-ray, Jr., Ludowick Green and Dr. Ozias Spring. 



456 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

The attack on Henry Welles was ])refacerl by an article in the 
lVashi)iiitoiiiaii in which he was sarcastically called "the Settler," who 
was settled for a short time only : 

"His race is nearly run, and his malicious slangwiianging &c. will be care- 
fully investigated in a future number of the Washingtouian." 

The next Gaccttc indulged in considerable scoring" of Franks and 
his backers. The editor was called "a certain flippant little English- 
man," and every previous issue of his paper reviewed in scathing and 
scornful language. As the attacks became more violent, "'Paul Thistle" 
took up the pen in the Bradford Gacette, writing a series of letters in 
which he tells : 

"Not only the regular issues, but many extras and even handl)ills iiave been 
stuck in everybody's face and dropped at everybody's door. * * * Uncle Simon 
bestrode the circuit to reel off his reflections about it, Joseph Kingsbery hawked 
it, Harry Spalding peddled it, John F. Satterlee blowed it, George Kinney twanged 
it, Thomas Overton puffed it — Sheshequin rang with acclamations, busy were all 
the lesser fry of blowers, peddlers and puffers. * * * But what a change now 
that Thistles begin to grow at last. That means us — screams Sheshequin; That 
alters the case yells Uncle Simon; That's our .store says Harry Spalding — Out 
upon the wicked thistle. How comes it that the Thistle creates so different 
sensations. This is the secret,— TRUTH is the sting of Satire and JUSTICE 
is the power of language." 

The Thi.stle also says that the U^asJiingtonian is more than abusive, 
it is insulting, and an aggression against public decency. Naturally, 
it was not silenced and the war of words continued to be waged. No 
stone was left tmturned to injure not only the Welles brothers but Sam- 
uel McKean, who was accused of pocketing $3,000 State road money, 
passing counterfeit money, etc. Mr. McKean replied at length to this 
allegation, saying he rejoiced to have the opportunity. Various other 
men of the county responded to the untruths published by Franks, who 
was denotmced as a besotted blackguard, although he claimed his ob- 
ject v/as "L^nion. Toleration and Reform." - In May, 1817, it was writ- 
ten, "the WasJungtonian has been for ten months abusive," which 
would indicate that it was first issued in July instead of September. 
July nth General Welles wrote to Paul Thistle : 

"As to the controversy in your place, the last Thistle has placed it in a 
most curious light; it is ably drawn, the language the most galling that can be 
framed * * * Although they will love you very little better for it, I think they 
will respect you fully as much. How far it may be worth while to proceed I 
leave with you ; we all know that Peace is desirable, and I am fully aware that 
we can make it if we please when we please." 

"In the Hornet (possibly an extra) allusion was made to the dead — to our 
father and other connections, who Heaven knows possessed the substance of 
qualities infinitely before the progenitors of the scamps who are our opponents — 
that being done it may be worth while to retaliate by bringing their progenitors 
into view in a glancing way." 

He then tells that one Sheshequin ite ancestor left Connecticut to 
avoid the penalty of being concerned in counterfeiting Continental 
money, and that another of great repute laid the foundation of his es- 
tate by applying military warrants entrusted to him to his own purposes, 
also that the "driving of asses (as the paper had dubbed the mule buy- 
ing of George and Ashbel Welles) is full as honorable as counterfeiting 



A HOT CAMPAIGN, 1817 457 

money or a breach of trust. Such things arc not to be tolerated, or 
palliated, but upon the ground of retaliation." 

In August the attacks became so fierce that Henry Welles pub- 
lished a card in the Gazette, addressed to the owners of the Wash in g- 
tonian, alluding to the fact that although they had several times prom- 
ised an admiring world a history of his "hooking the farm," it had 
never been given. Whereupon he challenges them — the ozvners, not 
the editor, to make out their accusations in intelligible language. Not 
only that, but to have the whole matter tried by jury, saying at close: 
'"/ assert that nothing in the zi'hole course of purchasing and paying 
for the property in question zt'as illegal, unjust or ■inconsistent zn'ith 
the nicest honor or the most scrupulous delicacy * * and I also 
assert that nearly if not all of you gentlemen knozi' it, and have knoum 
it from the first." 

With the election of Findlay and downfall of the Federalists, the 
issues of the IVashingtonian ceased. Not only so but the vSheshequin- 
ites disclaimed all part in its abusive attacks, laying all the blame on 
their editor, which the little scoundrel retaliated by offering to lash and 
expose his former employers without mercy, as they had even claimed 
that he was the means of losing the election. The whole State seems to 
have been cognizant of the matter, several distinguished Federalists of 
Philadelphia having inquired what kind of men the "Sheshequinites" 
and their friends were, to employ such a blackguard as Lewis P. Franks 
to print for them. William Petrikin of Bellefonte, wrote to C. F. Welles 
■congratulations on the election of Findlay: 

"I have received the Bradford Gazette for some weeks for which I am in- 
debted to your attention. It appears to be one of the most spirited papers in the 
state, indeed I scarcely see any to match it. The editor appears to be a gentleman 
of life, vigor, courage and intellect. He whips naked through the world the 
blackguard who conducts the Tory paper in your county." 

While Franks and his day were over, Eliphalet ]\Iason, the County 
Commissioner, seemed desirous of continuing the fight, the one idea 
now being to remove C. F. Welles from office. Indeed, Mason was 
reported as saying that to put down the Welleses was his great object. 
He bargained with Spalding and Kinney for the IVashingtonian office, 
although he never published any paper. He wanted and obtained one 
•of C. F. Welles' positions for himself. Henry wrote in the most af- 
fectionate manner that he thought Charles had been too open in the 
newspapers. Now even Colonel McKean "opposed him on principle." 
Governor Findlay frankly confessed that he did not kjiozu zuhat to do 
zi/ith the opposition against the Welleses." Colonel Samuel Satterlee 
hearing of McKean's defection wrote to General Welles expressing 
regret, etc., and paid this tribute to his brother: 

"It is a solemn fact that in our green woods (Smithfield) the people almost 
to a man were in favor of Charles, they were for supporting him in office be- 
cause he had been faithful not only in his official capacity, but in the political 
cause of our Comity, (yur State and our Common Country. Shall he at this 
period be removed for standing firm to his post in time of most imminent danger? 
No, all that is dear to patriotism forbids it." 

Nevertheless Governor Findlay yielded, the offices were divided, 
and George Scott and E. Mason were appointed successors to Charles, 



458 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATIIKXS 

July L 1S18. Xaturally he was disheartened and (Hsgusted with pubHc 
life; especially by the defection of McKean, and its accompanying cir- 
cumstances, as evinced in the following clipping from the Lycoming 
Gazette of December, 1818. Shortly after this he left Towanda and set- 
tled at Wyalusing, where he spent the remainder of his life engaged in 
agricultural ]uirsuits and in the management of large landed estates of 
Matthias Ilollenback, whose daughter Ellen he had married in 1810. 

"To the Editors of the Lycoming Gazette — Gentlemen : In the Lycoming 
Advertiser, dated October 28. an article respecting the politics of Bradford 
County appears, in which it is roundly asserted, 'that the Welles's' have been 
'discarded from the republican ranks, and have sought refuge among the fed- 
eralists!' This needs no answer in Bradford County, but as the republican in- 
tegrity of Henry and Charles F. Welles is thus attacked, it is but just that our 
republican brethren of Lycoming should know zvho has 'sought refuge among 
the federalists.' 

"All the real contest which took place, was at the township elections for 
delegates. Advertisements were posted, as usual, for the 'Democratic Repub- 
licans,' but, to the astonishment of all such, the friends of Gen. M'Kean called 
in the federalists to their assistaiice. In Athens Judge Herrick got together 
nearly every federalist in the townsliip. In Towanda, Wysox. Orwell, and 
Wyalusing, the old Washingtonian federalists, were called in by Gen. McKean's 
friends, and acted zealously in his support. But notwithstanding this desperate 
coalition, thirteen, out of the eighteen townships elected delegates supposed and 
intended to be unfavorable to Gen. M'Kean. However, the ticket was made up 
at last in full defiance of the well known will of the republican majority. The 
delegates of two townships were bought over, and the real delegates of two 
other townships were rejected to make room for others who had been elected 
by minorities, in Springfield, of 14 to 2.3, and in Athens of S to 3.3. After pub- 
lication of this fraudulent ticket, the union of M'Kean's friends and the fed- 
eralists was drawn closer. * * * 

"We can produce the name of one of the most respectable federalists in 
this county, to whom the President Judge supplicated in words almost literally 
as follows: 'We know M'Kean is done, he has run his race and he does not 
expect to appear in public life another year, but if you oppose him this time you 
help the Welles's. If you set up a ticket against M'Kean, then the Welles party 
will set up a ticket, and they will carry every thing. It is not M'Kean that has 
abused the federalists, it was the Welles's— IT WAS THEY THAT PUT YOU 
DOWN. M'Kean joined with you in getting Charles Welles out of office, and 
now it is no more than right that you should hold him up this year. If you don't, 
you know the Welles party will carry everything.' By calling his opponents 
the Welles party, M'Kean's emissaries carried their point. Respecting the fed- 
eralists of Bradford County Henry and Charles F. Welles have the honor of their 
hatred; Samuel M'Kean has the advantage of their alliance. The federalists 
had a meeting at Col. Harry Spalding's and agreed to support General M'Kean's 
ticket — and they did support it. When this Union became public no measures 
of opposition were adopted. Tlie name of ticket has great weight with repub- 
licans of Bradford County, and it was clearly useless to contend against the 
coml)ination of M'Kean and the federalists. Thomas Simpson says that Henry 
and Charles F. Welles 'have sought refuge with the federalists.' But it is as public 
as the election itself, that it is Samuel M'Kean that has sought refuge among 
the federalists, and stands indebted to their friendsliip for his re-election. — 

"Henry Welles, C. F. Welles." 

When C. F. Welles left ofifice the Bradford Gaccttc was taken by a 
company representing the AIcKean interest in politics, yet Democratic 
in a general way. It was now called the Bradford Settler, and many 
a war of words was waged between McKean and his former friends, 
culminatintr in an action for libel. 



RENEWED MATTHEVVSON ACTIVITY 459 

.A. o-eneral account of town news in I.SIS is given by a most char- 
acteristic letter of David Paine to a friend: "I have naught to say in 
regard to pohtics — fine sleighing, our road to the lake ( Cayuga and Sus- 
quehanna turnpike) is occupied, four or five hundred tons of plaster 
will be deposited here to send below — village affairs going along much 
as usual" — Then mentions that many of them talk together of emi- 
grating southerly, and of their probable enjoyment of Alabama far sur- 
passing that long anticipated but never realized in this contracted cor- 
ner of the globe. Henry Welles writes about this time: 'T have been 
considerably startled by hearing that there is a claim rising out of the 
world of waters against Lockhart's title to Tioga Point ; it would not 
be wonderful if something of the kind should throw the family into 
revolution and ruin." 

Some correspondence between the Welles brothers in 1819 shows 
that there was considerable disquietude concerning Lewis and Hun- 
ter's claim against Lockhart's title. These men brought a suit against 
Lockhart in his lifetime for some alleged services ; they were non- 
suited, etc., but evidently tried again tO' press the claim and obtain resti- 
tution from the State. It was not recorded in the rolls ofiice, and no 
record can be found to-day. At the time an attempt was made by the 
Mathewson faction to prove the Welles title void on account of this. 
By this suit Lockhart lost lands on the Cowanesque. 

While the day of the IVaslungtoniaii was over, the serpent left its 
trail. For several years previous the Welles-Matthewson controversy 
had seemed to be quiescent, but the use of it as a party weapon had 
been successful. The new'spaper attacks and Henry Welles' bold de- 
fiance of them had stirred the Matthewson family to further active 
opposition, in which they were encouraged by the politicians of Brad- 
ford Covmty. The children were now of sufficient age to join in 
the dispute. The Satterlee suit had not been settled, and the mother 
was in despair, when a strange thing happened. She had a dream in 
which she saw a young man. unknown to her, who said he had come to 
help her out of trouble ; the very next day, looking out of her window, 
she saw the same face passing by. It proved to be Horace Williston, 
Sr., a bright young lawyer, who had come from Binghamton to settle 
in Athens. He was soon established in the Hollenback house just 
across the way; and opened his law office November 27, 1819; she 
made his acquaintance and engaged him as counsel ; and // is said to 
have been by his advice that the family claims were pushed in a new 
method, ending in settlement. Accordingly, at the next session of 
Legislature, 1819-'20, the petition of Elizabeth Matthewson was pre- 
sented, praying that a special court be appointed for the trial of a cer- 
tain act of ejectment therein mentioned. This was referred to the Ju- 
dicial Committee, who later reported an act to authorize the President 
Judge of the Fourth Judicial District to try certain causes in Bradford 
County. This petition was not acted upon, and at the next session, 
1831, Simon Kinney, still the bitter political enemy of Henry Welles, 
having become a member of the Legislature, presented a second peti- 
tion, same plea, responded to in like manner. Something more effective 



460 



OLD TIOCxA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



was necessary, or in a different form ; therefore the son, Constant Ma- 
thewson," who had begun to have pohtical aspirations, decided to take 
a hand, since the Welles's opponents were now in office. Therefore, 
he prepared a petition in which, claiming undue influence over his 
mother in her transactions with Overton, which resulted in her giving 
a deed to Henry Welles; he represented that he and his coheirs had as 




much right to a commissioner's certificate as any other Connecticut 
claimant ; for which reason he prayed the Legislature : 

"That an act may be passed confirming to us such rights as we should have had, 
had our mother remained in possession to the time of granting the certificates 
by the commissioners, and authorizing us to bring a suit or suits for the recovery 
of the same. And if on trial it shall be found that our mother made a bonafide 
transfer of her rights, that the execution might be stayed, until that title should 
cease by the will of our Father, (when all heirs had attained their majority) or 
for such other relief as to the Legislature may appear proper." 

" Constant was the oldest son of Elisha Matthewson. It has been said that he was 
long before this "of sufficient age and capacity of mind to understand business," being at the 
time with Clement Paine as clerk, and acquainted with the negotiations of his mother and 
uncle. But he had been not only quiescent, but on friendly terms with Henry Welles up to 
1818, and probably never would have interfered unless influenced by the politicians. The 
portrait is from a daguerreotype furnished by his son, the late Park Mathewson. 



MATHEWSON APPEALS TO LEGISLATURE 4G1 

This petition, being presented in December, 1822, was referred to 
a special committee, before whom appeared not only Constant Mathew- 
son but Charles F. Welles, representing his brother's interest. William 
Myer, representative from Bradford, wrote to Henry Welles that this 
committee had agreed to report a bill, and that he ought to send a 
remonstrance to the Legislature, especially as Mathewson and Mc- 
Kean were making every effort to render Welles odious to the mem- 
bers. An able remonstrance was at once drawn and forwarded, set- 
ting forth that litigation would be prolonged until the value of the 
property was expended, "for surely the Courts can never sanction the 
injustice and impolicy of sacrificing a regular Pennsylvania owner and 
possessor to a Connecticut claimant." On the other hand an act passed 
to be clear of the objections of unconstitutionality must provide com- 
plete indemnity to those deprived of their lands, in which case "the 
remonstrant begs leave to state that the amounts to he drazvn from the 
State treasury cannot be less than $10,000, owing to the improvements 
made by him and other purchasers from Mr. Carroll." The Legis- 
lature was therefore begged to take no measure without a full hearing. 
Obadiah Spalding, one of the purchasers, also sent a remonstrance 
against a law aiTecting his title. After hearing the committee's dis- 
cussion of the matter, C. F. Welles became somewhat alarmed, and 
returned home to explain the whole matter to his brother, advising him 
in advance by letter as to the various points made against him, the most 
amusing being that at the time of the hot water barricade "Henry 
Welles shed tears because he could not get in the house and turn the 
zvidozv and the fatherless out." Henry was advised to provide himself 
with all the title paper of Tioga Point, and to show himself the actual 
purchaser, and not an agent of Charles Carroll. But there was no need 
for agitation yet; for towards the close of the session the committee 
asked to be discharged from further consideration of the subject, be- 
cause of "the conflicting allegations and statements of the adverse par- 
ties, the complications and difficulties of the subject, and the ivant of 
some further documents" ; thus rendering decision impossible. Accord- 
ingly the matter was laid over until the next session, when it was again 
presented, and again referred to a committee. That Henry Welles was 
not seriously alarmed may be proven by the fact that in 1823 he built 
a substantial new home on or near the contested lands, date shown in a 
deposition of Thos. Huston, taken January 20, 1824. In this Dr. Huston 
stated that he had overheard a conversatiou between Henry Welles and 
Constant ^Mathewson on the subject of their claim, in which the latter 
told the former : 

"He would engage, should he recover the land to remove all the buildings on 
the premises at his expense except the Stone House'' built by W. during the last 

'' The "Stone House," as it was always known, was the home of the family of Henry 
W'elles for more than fifty years. It well deserves a chapter of its own, for although its 
builder enjoyed it for only one decade, no house in the N'alley was more famed for its 
extensive and bountiful hospitality, ably dispensed by its mistress, familiarly known as "Aunt 
Sally." The men of high degree who knew Henry Welles continued to pay homage to his 
wife even to her latest days; and it was a favorite resort of the young and old of Athens. 
Tlie youngest daughter of General W'elles was born there, Frances M., who marriedCharles B. 
Stuart; and her wedding was an event long remembered by her school girl associates.. The 
older daughter, Susan, was also married there to Edward H. Perkins, and one of the most 
delightful events of later years was the wedding of Susan's oldest daughter, Sarah. The 



462 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND KART.Y ATHF.NS 




The Old Stone HoUvSE 



summer, for W. had notice I)efore lie commenced building, l)ut he did not ex- 
pect that house was on tlie hind." 

This deposition was one of many docnments laid Ijcfore the new 
committee. Mathewson had also agreed to allow S])alding to remain 
in possession in full confidence of the result. The committee, after 
deliberation over the evidence, reported a bill in the form of a su])plc- 
ment to the Bedford and Ulster Act. After being considered in com- 
mittee of the whole, this was recommitted to the special committee, 
for, as Mr. Craft says, "the thing asked for was so palpably illegal, 
the legislature refused to grant it." Not exactly so, perhaps, but 
it was very easy to lay the bill on the table and discharge the com- 
mittee, which was again done. Perhaps this second delay was due to 
the fact that Henry Welles appealed to Thomas Burnside, who had 
been President Judge of Bradford County one year, and therefore by 
his residence and administration was acquainted with the general rela- 
tions of Pennsylvania and Connecticut titles. In his letter to Judge 
Burnside, Mr. Welles remarked, "Constant Matheivson's story is good 
until the opposite has been told" ; asked the Judge to look over the 
papers sent, and make such remarks as the depositions justify. Judge 
Burnside was reminded that he had tried a case in which the Welles 
and Caton title was examined, and the writer closed by saying : 

"Do I pray, do better for me than I know how to ask, and if after an 
examination of the papers and the subject a bill should be reported contrary to 
common sense and plain justice, as a last boon send me a copy. With an affec- 
tionate remembrance of our former friendship. I am yours as ever. H. W." 

old house knew many other joys — and sorrows, now all buried in the dust. It was the home 
of four generations of Henrys, of whom only Henry 4th survives. It should be noted that 
all of Henry Welles' sons bore his name: George Henry, James Henry and Henry S. In 
1875 the family scattered, and the old home was sold to Thomas Buchanan, to whose daughter 
we are indebted for the excellent picture. The Old Stone House burned to the ground about 
twenty years ago. 



MATHEWSON BILL PASSES THE HOUSE 4G3 

At this time John F. Satterlee, who had heen an opponent of the 
Welleses in tlie ll'ashiiii^foiiiau campaign, conckided that it woidd be 
wise to join forces; therefore he wrote an unsigned letter (still in ex- 
istence and labelled), urging- Henry Welles to engage his father's as- 
sistance, and saying: 

"I am well aware that I am trespassing on your generosity and goodness, 

but. as we have to fight M , let us act in concert like two brothers, faithful 

to each other, and silent to the world." 

He urges that Mr. Caton should visit the T'oint, as Caton's agent 
was said to be one of Mathewson's advisers. Having been laid aside 
as unfinished business, the bill was again presented to the Legislature 
January 12, 1825, and again referred to a committee. Constant Ma- 
thewson was now present as a representative, the wily Federalist poli- 
ticians of Bradford having here found an easy weapon against the op- 
posing party, who had nominated Henry Welles as their candidate. 

Richard Caton had not come north, but he had sent in a strong 
remonstrance against any act affecting his title. Henry Welles' docu- 
ments were also in evidence ; and when the bill was again presented 
by the chairman of the committee, it was only discussed and postponed ; 
a committee was appointed to bring it in for a second reading, when 
it was again postponed. A long preamble and substitute was brought 
in February 2Sth, said to be "doctored according to the remonstrances ;" 
it really was in substance the second remonstrance of Welles. It was 
discussed, as well as the bill, for hours at several sessions of the whole, 
on one occasion a special evening session being held for the purpose ; 
at this an amendment was twice proposed to have a trial by jury in 
Luzerne County, with certificate granted to Mathewson by Supreme 
Court if fraud was proven. This offer to meet the accusations of fraud 
on a fair trial was voted against by all the advocates of Mathewson, 
thus refusing the very remedy wdiich Mathewson had seemed to seek. 
At this time the Speaker of the House was Sutherland, who espoused 
Mathewson's cause. 

The following day nearly the whole session was given up to a dis- 
cussion of the bill, clause by clause; votes were taken again and again 
to no purpose. Mathewson's demands were now based on the claim 
that the lots were located in old Ulster, which was justly called "a 
pretence." This discussion of the bill, amendment of sections, etc.. 
began February 2Sth, and was continued at intervals until April 2nd. 
ten days being given to its consideration during that time; postpone- 
ment again being decidedly negatived. Wliile the general tenor of the 
discussion is given in the H. R. journals of this period, there is little 
record of the heated argument which must have taken place. It is 
evident that the legislators were awake to many faults of previous acts, 
and were determined if possible to make this final, since they could no 
longer lay it over to the next session ; a convenient form of evasion. 
Henry Welles and Constant Mathewson were both present at these 
sessions, and must have, indeed, been torn with contending emotions. 
At last, April 2, 1825, the bill had its third reading, and was passed by 
a majority of six ; ayes. 42 ; nays, 3(i. and the clerk was ordered to 



464 OtD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

present it to the Senate. The bill was entitled, "A su])])lement to the 
Act entitled 'An act for the purpose of adjusting the titles to lands in 
Bedford and Ulster townships,'." etc., and was No. 471 Being re- 
ported to the Senate it came under consideration near the end of session 
and a motion was carried once more ''to postpone for the present and 
reeonuneiid to the early attention^ of next Legislature." This seemed 
discouraging, but Constant Mathewson was now certain that the bill 
would be acted upon by the Senate at an early date. No. 471 is here- 
with printed : 

"That the Secretary of the Land office, Surveyor General & State Treasurer 
be, & they are hereby appointed Commissioners under the act to which this is a 
supplement with full power & authority to carry into full effect the provisions 
of said Act so far as relates to the titles or claim of Elizabeth Matthewson 
widow & devisee & also the heirs of the late Elisha Matthewson deceased, 
Connecticut Claimant within the township of Ulster in the County of Bradford 
formerly Lycoming & in relation to which the former Commissioners appointed 
under said Act were prevented from certifying by reason of the provisions of 
the Seventh section, of the Act which prevented a Connecticut Claimant from 
recovering a Certificate when the Pennsylvania claimant was in actual posses- 
sion or occupancy of the Land either by himself or tenant at the time of the 
passing of the act to which this is a supplement. Provided always that nothing 
in this Act contained shall be construed or taken to give the said Elizabeth 
Matthewson and the heirs or devisees of the said Elisha Matthewson any other 
right or title than they or either of them had at or before the time that the Penn- 
sylvania claimant obtained possession. 

"Sec. 11. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid that the 
seventh section of the act to which this is applied be and the same is hereby 
repealed so far as relates to the claims of the heirs & devisees of Elisha Mat- 
thewson passed April 2, 1825." 

[The cause of Henry Welles was now in a critical case, and it be- 
hooved him to make strenuous preparations for its defense at the ensu- 
ing session of the Legislature, before an apparently hostile Senate. 
But his energies were so weakened by long and incessant attack and 
defense that he felt his resources to be nearly exhausted, and was in 
danger of relapsing into a condition of hopeless apathy. He now found, 
however, a potent ally in the person of his aged mother, upon whom, 
through all the years of his life, he had lavished a wealth of filial af- 
fection. His home had been hers through her years of widowhood ; 
and she had seen at close range the whole course of his labors, suc- 
cesses and defeats. She makes in this connectioii but one short appear- 
ance ; but her ministration therein was so characteristic, and withal so 
very efficient, that we may be pardoned for going out of our usual 
course to repeat the anecdote, as related by her son Charles. He had 
been visiting Athens (which he never ceased to call Tioga Point) on 
business; and having accomplished all. and being about to remount his 
horse at the door of the "old Stone House'' for his home journey, his 
movements were suddenly arrested by the appearance of his mother, 
Prudence,^ in the door, ready to issue her maternal commands in the 

** [Prudence Talcott Welles was born at Glastonbury, Conn., in 1757, the daughter of 
l''.lizur Talcott, colonel of the 6th Connecticut line in the Revolutionary War; and througli 
him descended in the fourth degree from "Worshipful Mr. John Talcott" (d. lOGO), one of 
the patentees in the royal charter of Connecticut; and in the si.xth degree from John Talcott 
of Colchester, Eng. (d. IfiOfi), whose wife was a Wells. In the .5th degree she was also 
descended from William Pynchon (d. 1CG2), the founder of Springfield, Mass., and one of 
the six patentees of the charter of Massachusetts Bay; in the 8th, from William Pinchon of 



THE WELLES MOTHER 



465 




PRUDKNCK WKLIvKS 



premises : "Charles you 
must do something to help 
your brother Henry." 
"Why, I cannot, mother; 
what can I do?" Down 
came the "Talcott foot" 
with quick and decisive 
energy upon the threshold, 
followed by the word of 
command, "You must!" 
He had heard that ultima- 
tum before, and knew what 
it meant ; and it did not take 
him long to promise obedi- 
ence, and decide upon his 
course. Having put his 
afifairs in shape at his home 
in Wyalusing, he returned 
to Athens and began inves- 
tigations. Then he devo- 
ted many weeks, with the 
aid of persons, papers, doc- 
uments and law books, to 
the preparation of a labored 
and exhaustive defense of his brother's conduct and title.] The docu- 
ments and letters, with many of his minute notes and memoranda, are 
still in existence. These show in connection with his brother's letters, and 
many of his own (all preserved by the forethought of Edward Herrick, 
Jr.), that he soon became actively interested and was getting his 
"eagle's quill" in good trim'. Not content wath preparing the defense, 
the Welles brothers threw themselves into the political campaign of 
that year with ardor. Lemuel Streator had been ^lathewson's ad- 
herent, and was to be returned to the Legislature. The Settler of this 

Co. Essex, England (d. 1552), through his son John, whose wife was Jane, daughter of Sir 
Richard Empson, one of the ministers of King Henry VII, who lost his life upon the block 
Aug. 7, 1510. Empson and his colleague Edmund Dudley had incurred great popular odium 
as the instruments of the gross extortions of their royal master; and upon the ascension of 
his young son, Henrv \Ul, they were arrested and tried upon a trumped-up charge of 
treason, and finally executed, to appease the popular clamor, by the young king, who was 
then in the full enjoyment of the fat treasury which had been filled by those exactions. Sir 
Richard set up an able defence, arguing that in obeying the behests of his master he had 
acted merely in the execution of the laws. Hume, in his History of England, Vol. Ill, says: 
"The strict execution of laws, however obsolete, could never be imputed to them as a crime 
in a court of judicature. In order, therefore, to gratify the people with the punishment of 
these obsequious ministers, crimes very improbable, or indeed absolutely impossible, were 
charged upon them. * * * Thus, in those arbitrary times, was justice equally violated, whether 
the king sought power and riches, or courted popularity." * * * The story of William Pynchon 
of Springfield, and his daughter Mary, and of her husband, Elizur Holyoke, is romantically 
set forth in "The Bay Path," by T. G. Holland. Prudence Talcott, gt. gt. gt. granddaughter 
of William Pynchon, was married to George W'elles at Glastonbury, Conn., in 1780, and died 
at Owego, Nov. 10, 1839. Known and remembered for many years as a lady of rare charm 
and lovely Christian character, as well as of much personal beauty, it may not be thought un- 
fitting to apply to the worthy descendant in the fifth generation, the sentiment graven now 
for two-and-a-half centuries upon the tombstone of the ancestress, Mary Pynchon Holyoke, 
in the old Puritan churchyard of the New England town founded by her father: 

SHEE YT LIES HERE WAS WHILE SHE STOODE 

\ VERY GLORY OF W0M.\NH00DE; 

EVEN HERE \\.\S SOWNE MOST PRETIOUS DVST 

WHICH SURELY SHALL RISE WITH THE JVST.] 



46fi OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

period teemed with articles from all parties, ]\IcKean and the Sheshe- 
quinites again taking up the cudgels. C. F. Welles was accused of put- 
ting Joseph C. Powell up as a nominee, "by whom he could and would 
break down the party." The editor of the Settler asserted that "at the 
next session either Welles or Mathewson must be deprived of his 
claims to the amount perhaps of thousands of dollars;"' and appeals to 
the people to know if they will abandon their principles and the best 
interests of the county, "because Mr. Welles wishes to get one of his 
submissive creatures in the legislature for the sole purpose of sub- 
serving his private interest, and to deprive the Alathewson family of 
what may be their equitable rights." While we do not understand 
all the allusions, Judge Hollenback seems to have taken a hand in pre- 
paring what was called the Hollenback ticket ; with Horace Williston, 
Sr. (who was named in this campaign "Old Sorrel"), nominated for 
the Senate. It was said that "Old Sorrel" would be able to carry Jos- 
eph C. Powell in slick, and it was related of him that he was so extreme 
in his views that he intended to teach his children to hate and despise 
the name of Jefiferson. Mr. Williston was urged to avow his real prin- 
ciples in the Settler, but unfortunately our file is incomplete here. How- 
ever, Williston and Powell were not elected, McKean once more tri- 
umphed as a political leader. 

General Welles then published a notice in the Bradford Settler of 
October 'lli, 1825, stating that a full account was being prepared to 
convince both friends and enemies that he had been actuated by the 
purest motives, and would support his claims and vindicate his conduct 
on principles of justice. This inflamed the Mathewsons, and the Set- 
tler of December 1st contained a most vituperative answer, signed Con- 
stant Mathewson, which, after mentioning the attack upon his defence- 
less mother and her children, closes thus : 

"I will conclude this crude introduction to a correspondence with j'ou Gen- 
eral Welles by asking whether you believe the public mind so full of vice in the 
Commonwealth as to justify a Jialc, hearty, spriglitly man in the prime of life, 
blessed with the first means of education, and whose transcendent talents might 
vie ■lifith a Burr in retrieving a lost fortune by grasping the homestead of a 
soldier of the Revolution at a moment (in a comparative view) when he drew 
his last breath, and sighed an everlasting adieu to Iiis n'ife and children F If 
this is patriotism you stand exalted on a popular eminence above the reach of 
competition. But believing as I do that if I possessed your talent and education 
and your opportunity in life, and had treated a concern with any neighbor's 
family as you have treated my deceased Father's family, I should sink too deep 
in self-condemnation to hope or expect manly contempt to follow me. With 
these remarks I submit the subject to the public." 

Of course, in the light of chapters already read, this is not so fair 
at it may seem ; but as there are no Mathewson papers in existence, it is 
printed as exhibiting their views. C. F. Welles thought this was Mc- 
Kean's writing, saying that he recognized "his weak, spiteful style in 
every line," and writing to his brother, "Never mind the newspaper 
sttiff, nor anything else but to prepare and be prepared, and hold a 
fearless and superior hand when at Harrisburg." He was now rapidly 
collecting and arranging material for the defense ; and reports that he 
finds the way clear and strong as he proceeds, but admits that "it is a 
vast deal of labor to carry a clear line through all without omitting any :" 



PREPARATION OF THE DEFENSE 467 

a sciitijiicnt zi'ith zi'liich ivc thoroughly sympathize. However, he 
rejoices in the fancy that with proper evidence he "will gently spread 
out J — K — on the gridiron," intimating that as a witness he had 
sworn falsely ; also proposing to turn certain evidence into "a battery 
against their opponents." He fancies his brother's letters to him are 
intercepted, as in the early days of the Connecticut controversy. He 
writes : 

"I have made a good beginning to the Remonstrance, * * * j believe I 
shall succeed and that powerfully and clearly." 

Later a letter gives a detailed and most amusing account of the 
application to the gridiron as proposed. Having made ready his de- 
fense he repaired to Harrisburg with the opening of the session of 1825- 
'26 to espouse his brother's cause. Establishing himself in a house 
with many legislators, he quietly made friends with as many as pos- 
sible, with a view to securing their interest. Although not introduced, 
he soon found every member in the house knew him, and noted "a del- 
icacy in this silent attention superior to words." He wrote : 

"I think we have a fair committee * * * my hope and aim is to get a favor- 
able report; * * * there can be no hope of getting at bill to be acted on this 
session * * * jf j ggj- ^ favorable report, it will end so undoubtedly." 

Since it was too late in the session to expect final action, he con- 
sidered the advisability of having his "defense" printed for another 
session, or country use, as he could not properly lay it before the house, 
when the subject had not come up. The work of the committee was 
delayed by illness of one member, although C. F. Welles was on the 
alert to attend if Mathewson called a preliminary meeting, hoping to 
acquire a few more points, or as he expressed it, "to drazc out all the 
grounds and pump him a little:" Having studied law in earlier years, 
he was awake to the possibilities of cross-questioning. He also wrote : 

"So far as I can judge, the proceedings of last winter were looked on as 
party, and your real credit unimpaired by it * * * Sutherland's day is over, and 
you have no able enemy here at this session." 

When the committee had its first meeting, as all were not present, 
no action was taken. The report of the former committee was read 
and Mr. Welles found it "difficult to get a foothold for the idea that 
the report zms contestable." However, he broke the w^ay as far as de- 
sirable. For it was his opinion that if he could obtain presentation to 
the House of a favorable report, it would be debated, in which case 
there might be a large majority in its favor ; but if an unfavorable re- 
port, there would be a nearly even balance of votes. One of the com- 
mittee being ill the other six met again, and finding a tie vote asked 
to be discharged. This was refused, and they were told to await re- 
covery of Stephens, or ask for appointment of a substitute. Of this 
meeting C. F. Welles reported : 

"Mathewson can lie a little. If I had not known of the case myself I 
certainly should have believed him, he asserts so positively with such inflections 
and feeling and good management — he really might have made a Pettifogger if 
he had not been, as he says, 'deprived of an education by the fraudulent depriva- 
tion of his property." " 



468 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

The political aspect of the (|iiestion now came strongly to the 
front. While Mr. Welles believed the bill of the year before would be 
reported, rather than a substitute, as he had hoped; he now (according 
to his letters) found himself approached by the most prominent men 
of the Democratic party, who invited him to explain the controversy in 
detail, even when he tried to avoid discussion of it ; and having heard, 
offered their support with gratifying spontaneity. He tlicrefore re- 
solved to procure the presence of as many intelligent members as pos- 
sible when he was given a hearing before the committee, and wrote 
that he would be able to obtain the assistance of the most powerful men 
in the House, and was next to certain of the whole thought of Mr. 
Blythe, "the ablest man of the Democratic party, and clearest speaker 
in the House." The subject being designedly broached in a public 
place, Mr. Welles was asked what the question was, to which he cau- 
tiously replied, "To put it in a nutshell, it is the application of a Con- 
necticut claimant to have under the coinpromise system a certificate for 
lands in possession of a Pennsylvania ozvner." Encouraged by the ad- 
vances of these men he now became even more alert, and threw out many 
well-timed touches, conclusive arguments, delicate hints, etc., even to the 
members of the committee, until he had attracted to him a strong 
coterie ; a move which would not have been possible to General Welles 
as defendant. He, poor man, was now chafing at home, reading be- 
tween the lines of his brother's brave letters, still discouraged and un- 
easy at the various delays. But Charles rejoiced in the delay and 
replied : 

"I expect a full and fair hearing, am far better prepared than when I came 
all new written, greatly strengthened and improved, all declamatory passages 
stricken out. There will be a good many members present to hear the defense, 
who will learn the whole grounds and take interest. * * * I have become far 
better acquainted with all grounds than when at home, have struck off all repe- 
titions, abated all swells of language, holding a clear and collected line of argu- 
ment * * * the defect is that everything is proved in every possible manner when 
one would be sufficient. But the extraordinary way the case has been treated 
makes it proper to show that there was no room for two opinions. * * * I never 
before lived in the habit of weighing every word and action with the intention 
of pleasing all." 

Nearly three months were spent in Harrisburg, awaiting a hearing 
before the committee, which was finally given the second week in 
March. This entire time was spent in quiet effort ; although General 
Welles urged in vain that his brother be more aggressive, Charles con- 
tended that his course was preferable to "forwardness and impudence," 
and even Constant Mathewson, who also was busy making friends, 
became quiescent and possibly troubled. It is a source of regret that 
there are no Mathewson letters and papers to be found, the only ex- 
amples being the newspaper articles signed "Constant Mathewson." The 
Welles' letters abruptly cease here, but it is well known that the defense 
prepared by C. F. JJ'elles^ convinced the committee that the bill in ques- 

*A short time before his death, Charles F. Welles, wishing to print this defense for the 
use of his children, wrote an explanatory note, which indicates that, in spite of all his careful 
preparations, the paper was not read until the next session, and then by Henry Welles. It is 
a great gratification to the writer to consummate his expressed intention and give his work 



This map was made for use of Henry 
Welles in libel suit against Constant 
Mathewson. It shows original allot- 
ment numbers (see list original pro- 
prietors), also all lots claimed by 
Mathewson (marked M ); also the pur- 
chases of Henry Welles in and below 
the town plot All marked Carroll 
had been redeemed to Caton in 1816 
and we do not understand why Car- 
roll's name continued to be used in 
suits, etc. No. 44 is '.'the little flat" 
whereon was built Welles' Folly. 







WELLES-MATHEWSON LIBEL SUIT 469 

Hon, if it were to be made a law, could never pass the ordeal of the 
courts. The matter was laid over again until some alternative could be 
devised. As what he thought a last resort, Henry Welles instituted a 
libel suit against Constant Mathewson. Here again the records are 
all too meagre, our only evidence being the various depositions among 
Henr}' Welles' papers on "No. 98 In the Common Pleas of Dauphin 
County;" the annexed notice served on Constant Mathewson, and the 
letter which shows how the case was to be tried. ^° 

The cause of action was the assertion of Constant Mathewson 
that Henry Welles had received his deed to the lots by coercion ; that 
his mother was deceived into non-appearance at suit of ejection ; and 
some similar statements. The depositions are of great interest, and 
show that General Welles was always mild and kind in his treatment 
of a difficult opponent, and that he was properly put in possession. The 
most noticeable witness was Thomas Overton, saying that he had never 
heard Constant Mathewson or his mother complain of fraud, until it 
was made a party issue and carried into the Legislature. Alfred 
Granger's deposition was the most startling, which, however, we are 
pledged to omit. Zephon Flower's was as follows, and after being 

to his descendants. (See Appendix A.) It has never before been printed, but has been read by 
several lawyers and historians; and has been said to be "the broadest, clearest, most com- 
prehensive and conclusive of all the papers of the period, — one word characterizes it, 

fiiasterly." 

^^ In the Common Pleas of Dauphin County Pennsylvania, of April Term 1826, No. 98: 
Henry Welles vs. Constant Mathewson: 

To the above named Defendant: 

Take notice that a Rule for Arbitration of the above cause to be tried during the 
period of the ensuing session of the Legislature will be taken out by the Plaintiff and tliat 
upon said Arbitration it will be incumbent on you to prove the several matters which you 
have heretofore alleged against the Plaintiff to his damage before various Members of 
Assembly and others at Harrisburg; consequently that immediate steps for the preparation 
of your testimony are necessary. 

Athens, 4th November 1826. Henry Welles. Plaintiff. 

(S. Douglas to C. F. Welles, Nov. 3d 1826) 

(Harrisburg) .... "You intimate an expectation of the Declaration against Mathew- 
son to have been filed before this; but the understanding of both Mr. Elder and myself is 
different from yours on this point: our decided impression is that no Declaration was to be 
drawn and filed until we should have all the Depositions taken and filed; thus to ascertain 
how it should be framed so as to be supported by proof. And at all events we expected the 
depositions under your rule would have been taken long before this time and forwarded to 
us. You may remember that we told you to send the depositions as soon as taken, that we 
might file them of record." * * * 

"If you can procure me another Bradford Gazette of the 28th September last, and for- 
ward it by mail you will oblige me. I am well aware of the importance of the suit, and the 
maneuvreihg of the defendarits, to pervert its merits, its meaning and its truth; and that 
they will be persevered in this winter. So far as in our power to counteract so shameful a 
course, and present it in a true and honorable manner, you may rely that we will do it; and 
we shall, 1 hope satisfy you by our assiduity and attention to it." 

The court records show only the following extract from Appearance Docket for 1826, 
Court of Common Pleas, Davtphin County: 
March 13. 

Henry Welles ^ Douglas. 

f Elder. 

vs. y 

Constant Mathewson I Fisher. 
J Ayres. 

Summons case sur Slander. 

May 5, 1826, Rule on the part of the Plaintiff to take depositions exparte, on ten days' 
notice. (Exit.) 

October 24, 1826, Rule on the part of the Defendant to take depositions, on ten davs' 
notice. (Exit.) 

January 13, 1827, Depositions filed. 



470 OLD TIOGA POIXT AND EARLY ATHENS 

cross-questioned by Constant Mathewson, he made the map which 
shows all the lots claimed by them as marked with M. 

"Personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace 
in and for Bradford County, ZEPHON FLOWER, who being duly sworn doth 
depose and say that he came into what is now designated as Bradford County 
sometime in the year One thousand and seven hundred and eighty-eight, or 
thereabouts, and has resided at or near Tioga Point ever since. That he has 
followed the occupation of surveying for about thirty years and is well ac- 
quainted with the lands in Bradford County both as it respects the Connecticut 
and Pennsylvania surveys having had a great deal of practical experience 
in making Surveys for both Connecticut and Pennsylvania Claimants. That 
this deponent has recently by actual survey on the ground made a plot or 
Diagram of the Land on Tioga Point, which is hereunto annexed and signed 
by this Deponent marked with the letter Z. And this Deponent further saith 
that the part coloured 'Green' in the said Diagram is as this Deponent believes 
a correct delineation of the Indian Clearing prior to any settlement being made 
on the said lands by any White Inhabitants. And this Deponent further saith 
that the Dwelling House' of the Plaintiff, Henry Welles, is situated on Lots No. 
30 and 31 as laid down in the said Diagram and the dwelling house and premises 
of Obadiah Spalding are on Lot No. 1 on the said Diagram. Zephon Flower." 

The political campaign of 1826 was doubtless one of the most 
spirited ever known on local lines, in Athens Township and Bradford 
County, as shown by the few copies of the Bradford Settler available. 
Constant Mathewson was nominated for the Legislature on the Dem- 
ocratic ticket, for those who managed the Democratic nominations were 
the old political enemies of Henry Welles, and the controversy con- 
tinued to affect politics. The opponents again waged a newspaper 
war, all in the columns of the Settler, in which the report of the last 
committee was published September 21st. Henry Welles, though out 
of politics, now found his 'private rights intruded on by party men," 
and every means seems to have been adopted to prejudice the Legis- 
lature against his private cause and character. Therefore, C. F. Welles 
concluded to print the stibstance of his prepared defense in response 
to the report, and prefaced it in pretty severe language, making this 
protest: "Is not the cause of Constant Mathewson just enough to 
stand on its ozani merits without being marked down as the cause of 
the Democratic party?" and asked if it would not be decent to post- 
pone the election of Mathewson until the truth were known, etc., etc. ; 
the whole filling more than two pages of the Settler. Giving so much 
space was no doubt but a plot on the part of the Democrats ; for the 
editor filled a column with indignant protest, claiming that he was 
asked to publish the defense in ignorance of "the flourish on the sub- 
ject of the election," which prefaced it and which he found "totally 
irrelevant" to the dispute. After disputing much of the testimony he 
says : 

"Mr. Welles' defence would lead one to suppose that a Connecticut Settler 
was an Outlazv! and only fit for the prisons of the country. Connecticut Settlers! 
you who were the first planters of the country, what say you to this ? Will you 
oppose the election of Constant Mathewson on such ground? What is it that 
Mathewson wants of the Legislature? * * * Mathewson only wants the privilege 
to Try Titles with Gen. Welles in a Court of Justice." 

Some correspondent, doubtless Kinney or McKean, sent a further 
scathing communication, saying that Henry Welles acted dishonestly 



A LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN 471 

in the Legislature in framing the now famous seventh section of the 
Bedford and Ulster Act, and robbed the Matthewson family of 100 
acres ; also giving a fiery account of the marshal's visit to dispossess 
Mrs. Matthewson ; "Harry's tears," etc., and concludes in amusing 
vein : 

"But Charley may write until he is as gray as a rat and he will have no 
more effect than the 'Dry grass whistling through the wind." " 

Some weeks later Constant Mathewson replied at length, as he 
"could not sufifer this wonderful production to pass unnoticed." As 
we have little from the hand of Mr. Mathewson, this article is printed 
as an appendix, that all the world may read, with reference to the fore- 
going text which disproves most of his accusations. But the election 
recorded the sentiment of the people in a curious fashion. This elec- 
tion return happens to be the only one known to be preserved, and was 
found in a collection of McDuffee papers, ^^ loaned to Tioga Point 
Museiun. The Federal candidate for representative, Thomas Elliott, 
was elected by a majority of 90 to 35. But Constant Mathewson had 
thirteen friends zvho sought to do him honor, and cast their votes for 
him as Governor, although he was not, of course, a candidate. The 
old superstition came trite, thirteen proved to be an unlucky number, 
and he was out all around. Both he and Henry Welles once more armed 
themselves for renewal of the fray. 

The letters of C. F. Welles at this period show that he was still 
actively engaged in helping his brother, whom he advised not to go 
to Harrisburg unless called there by the courts, as he fancied it pos- 
sible that Mathewson might not move his project at all. In suggested 
evidence he made a strong point of the fact, corroborated by Thos. 
Cooper's evidence, that Elisha Matthewson not only was not one of 
the proprietors in old Ulster, but was of the so-called hostile party, pro- 
prietors of Athens, who crowded Ulster out. Having at this time 
studied the H. R. journals from 1800 to 1810, and discovered their 
contradictory acts, C. F. Welles exclaims : "Shame on the Legislatnre 
of Pennsylvania! Under their lazvs libels are punished, but the blackest 
libel IS by thenisek'es." According to his brother's note, Henry Welles 
was at Harrisburg in December, 182G, and read the defense before the 
committee. 

January 1, 1837, Constant Mathewson appeared before the House, 
withdrew his former petitions which had resulted in Act 471, and pre- 
sented a new one praying for the relief of the heirs of Elisha Matthew- 
son. The petition was, as before, referred tO' a committee of seven 
members. Three weeks later, apparently summoned. Henry Welles 
appeared on the scene, and reported that he hoped for a full and im- 
partial hearing, as the chairman of the committee was Town send Haines, 
a lawyer, used to deep research, who expressed himself as determined 
to examine the matter thoroughly. There seemed to General Welles 
to be "more caution and coolness as to the affair than formerly," 
although Alathewson was reported as constantly busy with the mem- 

11 Samuel McDuffee was one of the judges of this election and doubtless preserved 
the paper. 



472 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

bers. Mr. Welles distributed freely tbe paper containing- bis brother's 
defense (already mentioned), and fancied it produced at least neutral- 
ity. He says, "I am doing wbat I can among the members, but it is 
quite awkward and tardy." Learning Mr. Haines' friendly attitude, 
Charles Welles wrote him a letter, giving some additional facts in 
which he not only shows by records that the Mathewson claim is in 
opposition to the former acts of Legislature, but that the whole pres- 
ent action, instead of being an affair of the Mathewson family, "is to 
gratify an ancient grudge of a party man" (unquestionably S. Mc- 
Kean), and he wrote, "I still fear that no full exculpatory report can 
ever be obtained while Party exists." While this seems largely true, 
yet unquestionably Constant Mathewson had in the person of his 
mother a 'far more active ally than Henry Welles had found in his. It 
is not strange that having struggled so long by herself, when a grown 
son came to the front, Mrs. Mathewson hoped more than ever for 
success, whether the cause was legal or not. 

Upon Henry Welles' arrival the former remonstrances of both 
Caton and himself were withdrawn ; although Caton sent in a new one, 
Welles relied on his brother's defense. Finding the matter required 
the most serious attention, the committee obtained leave to sit contin- 
uously, even during the House sessions. A whole month was given to 
discussion, during which time both Mathewson and Welles seem to 
have been continuously before the committee, and so far as reports 
have been preserved, Welles had the best of it. The defense, which had 
not only been read, but widely circulated among the members, had 
had its effect. As the time approached when the committee were to re- 
port, Mathewson "was in a fever about his case," and his counsel and he 
asked for adjournment before presenting their final evidence. This 
plea for adjournment was repeated six times in succession, until the 
committee announced that they felt themselves trifled with, and de- 
ferred to Welles, who feeling free from the alarm shown by his oppon- 
ent, assented to further delay, and wrote to his brother that there was 
no knowing what phantom Fisher (M.'s counsel) might conjure up, 
though Welles felt quite sure "F. would blunder, M. put in his oar, and 
they would confound each other." But there is no known record of that 
next meeting, and the H. R. journals show that it was some weeks 
before the committee made their report, and then the same old bill, 
No. 471, was offered ; Mathewson was up again. This was dis- 
cussed, and after some opposition a motion was carried to lay on 
the table. ^- A later motion was carried asking that the committee 

^- Kxtracts from Journal of the House: 

* * * It is however due to Mr. Carroll here to state, that it does not appear, neither is 
it alleged, that he either directly or indirectly participated in the transaction. Certain it is, 
that no such provision is found in any of the previous acts upon the subject, and it had a 
tendency to work the greatest injustice; because if a Connecticut claimant was dispossessed of 
his land, either by force, artifice, fraud or otherwise, by a Pennsylvania claimant, the Con- 
necticut claimant was absolutely excluded by this section from deriving any benefit from the 
law, though in equity and good conscience he was, with others, entitled to its provisions. It 
is not presumed that the Legislature of 1810 were fully acquainted with the unjust conse- 
quences that would flow from that provision. They could not have been advised that they 
were excluding from the benefits of the lav/ the solitary family of minor children of a man 
who had long and faithfully served his country, and in effect take from them the hard earn- 
ings of their deceased father. * * » 

* * * It appears very clear, and in fact it was admitted by Mr. Welles, that if Mrs. 
Mathewson had been in possession of the land at the time the law was passed, her title was 



REPORT OF TOWNSEND HAINES 473 

report a detailed statement of facts as given in the evidence before the 
committee. Four weeks later a report was brought in, read, discussed 
at length, and again laid on the table. Doubtless in each of these dis- 
cussions the battle of Connecticut vs. Pennsylvania was fought again. 

The much defamed seventh section of the Bedford and Ulster Act 
held — -the Legislature declined to repeal that; — and after long discus- 
sion the title of the bill was altered to "An Act for the relief of the 
heirs of Elisha Matthewson." Not only so, but during the three read- 
ings and the passage through the Senate, various amendments were 
made, cUminating every aUusion to the Act of 1810, and thus maintain- 
ing the dignity of the Legislature, which, in the language of Judge 
Patterson, "for eight years had been urged to oust Henry Welles." 
The detailed statement called for was read before the House by Mr. 
Haines, by whom it was carefully prepared, and doubtless influenced 
the final decision. His- summing up was as follows: 

"From an impartial view of the whole case, the undersigned cannot see 
any reason to believe that Henry Welles, in any particular, acted unfairly to the 
widow or heirs of Elisha A/[athewson ; that he has rendered himself liable to the 
charge of artifice, fraud or injustice, or that he had by any act of his changed 
the character of his title, or the situation of the hitherto controverted points 
between the two parties. If, therefore, the petitioner has any claim in equity 
or justice, it is not to the land of Henry Welles, legally held and fairly possessed 
by him ; but it is to the moral obligations of government as previously extended to 
that misguided people, whose credulity was imposed upon by the artifices of the 
Susquehanna company. Elisha Mathewson, the father of the present petitioner, 
was a soldier of the Revolution. From the year 1776 until 1783, a period of six 
years, he faithfully served the United States ; when, being honorably discharged, 
he returned to his paternal home, and within a few years removed and settled 
on the land in dispute with a title derived from the Susquehanna company. The 
remainder of his life was spent in the possession of the property, and he left it 
as an inheritance to his children, whose petition has been preferred to the house 
praying for relief. 

"It is believed that all the Connecticut claimants in actual possession, within 
the whole seventeen townships of Luzerne, have been confirmed in their pos- 
session by different acts of Assembly, and that the heirs of Elisha Mathewson 
are the only individuals to whom the government has not extended, in some 
way or other, the benefits of its laws. It cannot be pretended that the interposi- 
tion of the Legislature was founded on any state necessity, or upon any legal 
claim by those who received the benefits of the several laws in those townships. 
In the words of Judge Brackenridge, 'it was a moral obligation on the govern- 
ment to relieve the mistaken and misled inhabitants, who had settled on these 
lands under an idea of right, and where the situation of things and tlie nature 
of the case furnished a ground of mistake, so that they were not to be considered 
absolutely in the light of voluntary trespassers.' Under this view of the case, 
while it would be a violation of vested rights, without an adequate necessity, to 
interfere with the possession of Henry Welles, it may not be an improper con- 
sideration for the Legislature, whether the same moral obligation would not 
interpose in behalf of the only Connecticut claimant who has not received the 
benefits of its laws, and grant some compensation to the heirs of Elisha Mathew- 
son whose petition is before us. — Townsend Haines." 

sufficient to entitle her, as well as every other Connecticut claimant in those townships, to the 
land. Now your committee cannot see that the mere circumstance of her being out of pos- 
session, forced out too in the manner she was, destroys her equity, nor ought it to destroy 
her legal right to the lands, under all the circumstances. Equal justice to all your citizens 
appears to require the repeal of the 7th section of the act before spoken of, as it would leave 
to Mr. Welles and those Pennsylvania owners connected with him, the same remedy and 
redress that all your other Pennsylvania owners had, and give to the heirs of Elisha Math- 
ewson the same rights and privileges that all other Connecticut claimants have received. It 
was these impressions that induced your committee to report a bill repealing the 7th section 
of the act of 10th March 1810. 



474 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Public opinion was expressed in at least one newspaper of the 
day, which has been preserved, the Ullage Record of \\'est Chester, 
Pa. (Editors, Charles and Asher Miner). ^^ 

The bill received the approval of the Governor and became a law, 
inculpating neither plaintiff nor defendant. Henry Welles' title to the 
land held, the Mathewson's claim was recognized [and so at last was 
happily closed, amid a profusion of compliments and apparent good will, 
what had been a protracted and bitter controversy, waged in every 
form — in public, in private, in forum, in politics, at the bar, and in 
parliament — for so many years that locks grew gray in the doing of 
it; and so ended the Last Campaign of the; Yankee-Pennamite 
War!] 

The famous bill is here given : 

"An Act for the relief of the heirs of Elisha Matthewson. 

"Sect. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the Conimomvealtli of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met. and it is hereby 
enacted by the authority of the same, That the governor is hereby authorized 
and required to appoint three commissioners to appraise all the lands which were 
delivered to Henry Welles as agent for Charles Carroll, by virtue of process 
issued in the case of Carroll's lessee vs. Elizabeth Matthewson returnable to 
October session 1808, lying in the township of Athens on Tioga Point, which 
Elisha Matthewson, late of said township, died possessed of, and to which he 
claimed title in virtue of Connecticut rights, deducting from such valuation the 
sum of $5, per acre, which appraisement shall be -made according to the value 
of the property on the 16 day of June ISIO ; and the commissioners thus ap- 
pointed or a majority of them shall make out a certificate of the balance of such 
valuations together with the interest on the same, to the time of such appraise- 
ment, and forward the same to the state treasurer, which certificate shall be suffi- 
cient authority for the state treasurer to pay such sum and interest to the heirs 
and legal representatives of the said Elisha Matthewson ; and in case of the death 
or refusal of any of the said commissioners to serve, the governor shall appoint 
a suitable person or persons to fill such vacancy; and the commissioners shall 
be allowed the sum of $2, per day for each day necessarily engaged in the dis- 
charge of their duties, in full for pay and personal expenses. 

"Provided that the said Commissioners before they enter on their duties, 
they shall take and subscribe an oath or affirmation before some judge or justice 
of the peace, that they will justly and equitably discharge the duties assigned 
them in virtue of this act. 

"April 14, 1827." "J. Andrew Shulze." 

The appointed commissioners faithfully did their work, and coin- 
cided with Henry Welles' own estimate. The valuation of the land, 
with interest from 1808, was estimated to be $10,000, and that immense 
sum, less $5 per acre as directed, was promptly paid to the Mathewson 
heirs. Prosperity at last beamed upon them. They built on lot No. 40, 
their original location, a fine public house, long called "the Mansion 
House," which stood close to the street on the property now occupied by 
M. D. Stiles. The house was famous to a comparatively recent date for 
the many public and social gatherings held in the great hall in an upper 
story. Constant Mathewson seems to have wasted most of his portion 
in visionary experiments, extensive mining operations on the nearby 
hills being one. He at last built a house east of the river, near present 
Wheaton property. In his old age he manufactured what he thought 

"The Record's Editorial, May 23, 1827: "The leading article in this day's Record 
is an extract from the Journals of our State Legislature. The subject has been for a long 
time before the .Assembly. Year after year Mr. Welles has been drawn to Harrisburg to 



THE MATHEWSON AND WELLES FAMILIES 475 

a marvelous liniment, and the "canal boat full of bottles with his name 
blown in the glass," was surely an offset for "Welles' Folly." 

Elias, the second son, married a daughter of Ira Stephens, Sr., and 
became the possessor of a fine farm near Spanish Hill : the house which 
he built is still standing. One of his daughters, Airs. Guy Tozer, is still 
a resident of Athens, and another is Mrs. Lydia Buck, of Sayre. 

The other children of Elisha and Elizabeth Matthewson were 
Cynthia, who married Lebbeus Hammond ; Fanny, who married Mr. 
White ; Lydia, who married William Means, and Elizabeth, who mar- 
ried Mr. McKean. Mrs. Matthewson lived with her son Constant in later 
years until her death in 1851, at the age of ninety-one. 

As for General Henry Welles, he did not live long to enjov the 
home for which he had made sucli a struggle. He died suddenly in 




Mrs. Sally Spalding Welles 

the very prime of life, December 22, 1833, leaving his widow, Sarah 
Spalding Welles, with three sons, George Henry, James and Henry S., 
and two daughters, Susan and Frances. George married Eliza Salt- 
marsh and occupied the old homestead with his mother until his death. 

defend his rights and his character, both of which have been assailed in a manner which we 
thought unjust. Mr. Welles we have long known, and esteemed, as a gentleman of perfect 
integrity, as he certainly is distinguished for handsome talents, and urbane manners. — The 
paper placed upon the Journal by Mr. Haines, in our opinion, completely vindicates him, 
and places the whole matter in a proper point of view. The plan to take away his land by 
the most high handed and unconstitutional means, of a Legislative enactment, is abandoned. 
A law has been passed for quieting Mathewson; and owing to the patient research and able 
exposition of the whole subject by Mr. Haines, an end is put to this long and painful con- 
troversy, which every year was a bill of heavy expense to the state." 



476 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

James married Mary Wells of Aurora, and died without issue. Henry 
married Amelia Beardsley of Auburn, and in LSGr) became possessor 
of the old Stone House and the Point farm. It was long occupied by 
his son, Henry B. Welles, whose son Henry, 4th, was born there. Two 
other children of Henry, 2d, are still living, Charles S. and Amelia ; 
also one son of George H., George Welles, 3d. 

Mr. Buchanan, the purchaser of the Point farm, in 1873, after some 
years residence, sold to John O. Ward, who despoiled the entire prop- 
erty of the grand old trees which added so much to its beauty and 
value. It is now the property of the Kirby estate of Towanda. 

As to Richard Caton's interest in the Indian Arrow, it was recon- 
veyed to him in 1813 by Charles Carroll, and in June, 1835, he made 
a trust deed of the remainder and some other lands to Robert Oliver 
for the benefit of his creditors. This deed is given, as it defines his lots, 
and also shows the valuation of the warrant, and the large amount of 
foreign capital that had been at his disposal.^* 

"Richard Caton to Robert Oliver. — State of Maryland Baltimore County to wit: This 
Indenture made this .SOtli day of March, in the year our Lord 1825 Between Rich'd Caton, 
of the one part and Rob't Oliver of the other part. Witnqsseth that the said Richard 
Caton for and in consideration of $100 to be Pd. by Robert Oliver hath granted unto the said 
Robert Oliver his heirs and assigns. "All that parcel and part of the town of Athens owned 
by Richard Caton on Tioga Point, lying in Bradford County in the State of Penn'a situated 
north of the lots occupied by Henry Welles & Michael R. Tharp & Bounded on the north 
by the original line of the tract as laid out by Josiah Lockhart, on the West by the River 
Chemung, and on the East by the River Susquehanna; also all those parts of Tioga Point 
other than that just mentioned lying south of the Ferry Road & J. Decker's lot, which 
lie on the River Chemung to the West & on the River Susquehanna to the East, the 
whole of which parcels to the North of the lots occupied by Henry Welles and M. R. 
Tharp, & to the South of the Ferry Road & T. Decker's lot Containing two hundred & fifty 
acres of land more or less" as will now more fully appear by Deed from C. Carroll of Car- 
rollton to Rich'd Caton. To Have and To Hold to Rob't Oliver, heirs & assigns in trust 
for uses following: In trust to convey to the purchasers and their heirs all such lands as 
said R. Caton may have heretofore sold, on payment to Rob't Oliver of the purchase money 
and Interest. And to sell and Convey all the residue of said lands together with a certain 
other tract of land near to Newtown in the County of Steuben, & State of N. York for any 
sum or sums of Money so that the purchase money of the two tracts together may make an 
aggregate amount of not less than 50.000 dollars, the said tract in the County of Steuben 
being conveyed by Deed bearing date this day to Rob't Oliver for the same use, intent & 
purpose herein specified; and also to receive the said surns of money which shall arise from 
the Sales of the said lands, or from the rents of the said lands, & to appropriate and pay 
over the said sums so received as follows, to pay 

Francis T. Mitchell of Baltimore $6000 Robert Oliver $5000 

W^illiam Hayes 166 Wm. Winchester 650 

Christopher Johnson 500 Wm. Wellins 208 

John Keirnan & Sons of London 8888 .Andrew Dayton of London 1160.50 

Sticker & Beatty . 1748 Jasone S: Swartz of Naples 3210 

Joseph Sheets 1350 Swartz & Deagan of Leghorn 1160.50 

Campbell & Wheeler of Virginia 211 John Thomas 9748 

Leigh & Sherlock of Liverpool 10000 

As trustee for sundry persons in the United States & Great Britain, _ now supposed to 
be dead, absent or insolvent, who had claims against the said Rich'rd Caton in the year A. D. 
1802, to be paid to the said persons, or their representatives, duly authorized, as the said 
Richard Caton shall direct, & Appoint, in default of such direction & appointment, or if after 
having been made, and due notice been given to the said persons, or their legal representa- 
tives, do not claim the sums to which they shall under the said appointment be entitled within 
3 years after it shall have been made known to them, to be paid to the Bank of Maryland, 
the above mentioned persons being late creditors of the said Richard Caton to whom and for 
whose benefit, he, the said Richard surrendered all his property under the Bankrupt Law of 
the United States A. D. 1802, and received his certificate of discharge, dated May 4, 1803. 
The principal of the claims which the said creditors had against the said Richard in the year 
last above mentioned. And if the sums so received are not sufficient to pay the whole amount 
of the said claims, then to pay to the said creditors, as they shall be entitled to under the said 
claims provided that all such other sums as have been or may hereafter be received by virtue 
of any other lien, or by any of the said creditors shall be deducted from the said principal 
sum, and that the said dividends shall be for such sums only as shall remain after such de- 
duction; & the amount of such deduction shall be paid to the Bank of Maryland. .\nd if the 
said lands shall sell for more, then the OVERPI<USAGE to be paid to the Bank of :\Iary- 
land. * * * 



LOCKHART'S TITLE PREVAILED 477 

The Caton lands were now sold widi a good title assured, although 
only a small sum was realized from them. 

Athens has been called a Connecticut town, and it has been care- 
lessly said that title prevailed generally except in the case of the Mat- 
thewsons ; but careful investigation proves that while 319 acres were 
patented to applicants under Connecticut title on the Lockhart warrant, 
these patents were to only eleven persons, and but six of those were 
original Connecticut proprietors, to wit : John Franklin, Ira Stephens' 
heirs, Elisha Matthewson's heirs, EHsha Satterlee, John Shepard and 
Joseph Tyler. In the original town plot of 53 lots, only 17 Connecti- 
cut titles held, and those under the second grant of Lester ; 19 were held 
under Lockhart's title, and 14 first sold under Connecticut title had to 
be repurchased from Henry Welles or Richard Caton. The proportion 
was even larger in the second and third divisions of lots, and thus it 
may well be said that Lockhart's title to the Indian Arrow prevailed, 
a statement never before in print. Henry Welles owned in the village, 
from just above present Chemung Street to opening of Elmira Street, 
west of A4ain, and from the W411iston line on the west side of Main 
Street to the White Gate. Caton had about forty-three acres on the 
west side of Point below this, which Welles purchased, the deed being 
executed just twO' months before his death. To make this purchase he 
went to Baltimore in 1832, being "induced to make the request solely 
on the grounds of its interference with his land, and the constant neces- 
sity of protecting- it with his from the encroachment of the frequent 
floods." Thus, before his death, he had the pleasure of seeing the Point 
farm nearly complete, seven acres on east side, just below White Gate, 
being added by his son George. As long as he lived he assisted Mr. 
Caton's agents in disposing of his lands in and near Athens. In 1838 
he reported the forests "as trackless as the sands of the Great Desert 
or the waves of the Atlantic." Allusion is made to a "Great Lick" on 
some of the Caton land, and the owner writes that if it prove salt he 
will send up persons to- boil it and give Henry Welles an interest. In 
1840 Oliver's trusteeship was assigned by his heirs to trustees appointed 
by the court of Baltimore. Richard Caton died in 184G. The last pur- 
chases found are of the upper part of warrant from old Ulster line, 
deeded from Caton trustees in 1845 and '4G to Guy Tozer and Francis 
Tyler, each 110 acres. 



478 ADDITIONAL WELLES AND COOK HISTORY 

After this book was in type we received a copy of a portrait of Ashbel Welles, also 
much additional family history from his granddaughter. Miss Lauraine Welles Cook. Sabrina 
Parsons, who married Ashbel Welles, evidently, after he came to Tioga Point, was the daugh- 
ter of Jacob Parsons and Lauraine Sedgewick, Connecticut people, who had settled in south- 
ern New York. Jacob Parsons was a sea merchant, and his wife was a sister of the well 
known Chief Justice Stephen Sedgewick of Strockbridge, Mass., descendants of Robert 
Sedgewick, Major General of Boston, a distinguished Englishman. Hannah, another daughter 
of Jacob Parsons, married Judge Williston. 

After the death of Ashbel Welles, his widow married Dewitt, and lived in Athens 

many years, her history having been traced by the writer from old church records. All of 
Ashbel Welles' descendants left this locality prior to 1860, the last being the Cooks. From 
them we learn, in addition to matter on page 484, that David Mansfield Cook, Sr., of English 
descent, and fourth of his name, came to .\thens with his wife, daughter, Eunice, and son, 
David, Jr., between 181.5 and 1820. Both father and son were graduates of Yale. David, Jr., 
m. Lauraine Sedgewick Welles November, 182(), and they had eight children, horn here or 
in Elmira, of whom three survive; Miss Lauraine, Mrs. Mary A. Hendrick, and Charles L., 
to whom we are indebted. There are also a number of descendants of the other children. 
The original portrait of Ashbel Welles was painted on wood, artist unknown, from which 
the copy (reproduced opposite page 353) was made some years ago. A portrait of David M. 
Cook, Jr., left in Athens, we have been unable to trace. 



PART IV 

GENERAL HISTORY 

1785-1860 



The History of Old Tioga Point may be said to have ended with the close 
of the land controversy; but there is much of interest omitted, relative to towr» 
and county organization, the progress of improvements, and the coming of later 
pioneers, whose descendants are still here. Therefore we have chosen for our 
fourth and closing epoch the period from the erection of Bradford County to the 
construction of the railroads, and the outbreak of the Civil War. There are also 
included various chapters illustrative of pioneer life in Tioga Point and Early 
Athens. 



CHAPTER XIX 

ANNALS OF EARLY ATHENS 

1810-1860 

The history of Tioga Point titles having been completed, let us 
retrace our steps and gather up the loose threads. 

The years 1816 to 1819 were full of hardships for the pioneers, on 
account of severe seasons. There was frost in every month of 1816, 
and a heavy snow storm in June ; this was long known as "the Cold 
Summer." Early frosts destroyed the corn, which froze and rotted so 
that even cattle refused it. The crops of grain, as well as vegetables, 
were almost entire failures ; and in the following Winter, rich and poor 
suffered alike, both from lack of food and the intense cold. Drought 
and scarcity prevailed for nearly three years, many cattle dying, and 
sickness increasing, recalling the famine of earlier times. 

However, the community was progressing ; the Academy was es- 
tablished, regular religious services were held, and the first Athens 
library was started about 1815 by David Paine. A postoffice and reg- 
ular stage route were also established, and merchants continued to 
come and go. Walter Herrick, who married Minerva Hopkins, had 
removed to Owego, but one of Col. Lindsley's sons had succeeded him. 
Jeremiah Decker had left and Peter P. Loop was- agent for Matthias 
Hollenback.^ 

Ebenezer Backus came to town in this decade, probably about 
1813. He was an old acquaintance of the Welles and Saltmarsh fam- 
ilies in Connecticut. As traveling agent for the Postoffice Department, 
he lived at Athens, Lindsleytown and Owego previous to 1816, and at 
Chenango Point in 1829. In 1814 the "Backus Hotel" in Owego was 
the terminus of the stage routes. In 1816 he purchased the house just 
completed by Jeremiah Decker on lot No. 38, who had built beyond 
his means. This was ever after known as "the Backus House," al- 
though the north wing was part of Dr. Hopkins' first home. It was a 
fine specimen of the architecture of the period, with panelled wain- 
scoting, many hand-carved mantels, and quaint doorways. It was 
demolished in 1901. Although Ebenezer Backus died in 1831, the house 
was occupied by his family for about fifty years, becoming eventually 
the property of his son, Henry R. Backus. Probably no lot in original 
village plot changed owners oftener than this, as there were ten previous 
to Mr. Backus. The name of Backus is not perpetuated in this vicinity. 

We regret inability to reproduce the fine portraits of Mr. and 
Mrs. Backus, now in the possession of Mrs. Charlotte Morris (Coerr), 
daughter of Sarah Tompkins (Morris), who was the daughter of Isaac 

^ A letter from Loop was found some years ago, dated 1817, in which he mentioned ar- 
rival of goods in John Griffin's boat, expressed himself as "wearied with the dullness of the 
town," and amusing himself by studying French — could not be content at Tioga Point were it 
not for the hope of returning to Wilkes-Barre. 

481 




482 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Tompkins and Helen IJackus. We know nothing of Isaac Toni])kins 
except that he was a merchant at Athens in 1S';?0, and possibly still a 
resident in 1<S.")0, removing thence to Binghamton. 

The Griffin family, Connecticnt people of 
Welsh descent, settled in Canton, Pa., in 1798. 
One of the sons, John Griffin, Sr.,- removed to 
Tioga Point about- 1808, j^urchased the property 
now occupied by O. D. Kinney and N. C. Harris, 
and built a log house, w^here he evidently resided 
until J 820, having obtained both Connecticut and 
Pennsylvania titles. At the latter date he sold 
the town lots and purchased the Yarrington farm 
on the "Old Stage Road," where he built a sub- 
stantial residence, wdiich he conducted as an inn 
after the fashion of the day, having also a dis- 
tillery. As he prospered, he purchased other 
farms in the vicinity, and all of this property still 
belongs to his heirs. The spacious house was the 
family homestead for seventy years or more, and 
^ y ^ we can personally bear witness to 

^■^"^ ^yx^ ^^Ji^^y^L/^'^yiJ^ the innumerable heirlooms and rel- 
yy yf //j^ ics of early days that occupied the 

// ^ ^ C^ garret until a very recent date. 

^ Those who settled at Silver Lake, under Dr. Rose, soon found 
themselves grossly deceived, and about 1818 many removed to Athens 
Township; to wit, Samuel Warner,-* James Calkin of Nova Scotia, 
and a number who settled in Milltown. Although the Warners had not 
a continuous residence in the township, they were connected with the 
life of the valley for more than half a century. Samuel Warner soon 
after his arrival was made a deacon in the only church, and later an 
elder ; and the name of "Deacon Warner" is still revered by all the 
pioneer families. No name more often occurs on the old church records 
than this, ten or more members of the family having been baptized, and 
many having been active members. Edward W. Warner lived in Athens 
village, and was also an elder in the church. His children were born 
here, and have preserved their affection for the valley. Frederick Welles 
Warner is now a well known business man of Rochester and Edward R. 
of Bay View, Michigan. William F. Warner, the last of the name 
in this vicinity, was long a resident of Waverly, a brilliant lawyer 
and active historian. The family vibrated between Athens, Alill- 

- Tolin (jriffin, Sr., was the son of Samuel, son of Samuel the emigrant, b. near Guilford, 
Connecticut, March 5, 1783; d. March 1, 1843; m. July 5, 1810, Betsy, dau. of Ezra Spalding 
of Plainfield, Conn. Their children were Eliza, Lucy, Hannah, John, Jr., Jane, Sarissa and 
Mary. John, Jr., m. Nancy, dau. of Isaac Morley, whose descendants are still here. Mary m. 
Abram, son of Isaac Morley, some of whose descendants are residents of the borough. The 
Griffin family have always been prosperous and highly esteemed, and have held various public 
offices. The accompanying silhouette evidently portrays the pioneer John as a young man. 
Samuel Griffin was a fifer in Capt. Clark's Company, 1st Regt., Count., in 1776, and he was at 
the battle of Yorktown. 

-* Samuel Warner was a Massachusetts man of English descent; his wife, Abigail Stevens 
Chamberlain, was a daughter of Moses Chamberlain. They had eight children; Mary, Abigail, 
Harriet, Samuel C, William P., Moses C, .\nne Paine and Sarah Welles; Samuel had also 
three sons by a former marriage, Addison, Edward W. and James. Of these only Sarah, the 
youngest, now survives, a resident of the vallev. Edward W., m. Marv Ann. dau. of .\shbel 
Welles. 



ANNALS OF EARLY ATHENS 



483 



town and Owego, keeping in close touch with ah the people. We are 
indebted to Wm. F. Warner for a most delightful sketch of Athens 
characters of this period, prefacing which he said it was "doubtful if 
another town of its size could furnish so many able and marked char- 
acters as Athens for a generation or more after 1818." Clement Paine, 
as years advanced, had become an eccentric. 

In proper humor no one could surpass his pleasing social manners, but ordi- 
narily he chose to live apart, and was almost inseparable from his old horse Dick, 
a lank, ungainly roan who learned his master's peculiarities, and shared his moods. 
From a slow walk he would suddenly gambol, then amble, then gallop sharply, 
then resume the walk apparently without direction. Thus horse and man became 
inseparably associated for about twenty years, Mr. Paine's health at this period 
requiring an out door life. Many anecdotes are told of him. his austerity some- 
times becoming amusing even to himself." — W. F. W. 

His wife was distinguished for her Christian character, intelligence 
and many virtues, known to the public by portions of her journal 
printed in "Early Times." Her letters, still in existence, were as volum- 
inous as they were remarkable, generally addressed to her sons. Francis 
Tyler, always an industrious lad, had become very prosperous, and in 
1810 purchased of Clement Paine eighty acres, Mr. Paine allowing 
him "to improve the land, 1 ton plaster, 5 bushels spring wheat, 1 bushel 
peas, and 100 fruit trees from Paine's nursery", which was established 
between Paine Street and present L. V. R. R. Station. A curious 
reservation was one right in the shad fishing. For this property, 
according to Mr. Paine's rneuiorandum, Mr. Tyler paid $4,000 cash, 
and later purchased adjacent lands at intervals, leaving to his de- 
scendants a goodly heritage. At this period came Uriah Wilson, 
from Kingsbridge, Westchester County, N. Y., a college-bred man of 
some importance in his native town. He purchased some school lands 
in the borough and built a house, still standing on Main Street. His 
wife was Mary Harkness. His son James, one of twelve children, 
born April 8, 1820, was, at the time of his death in IDO.j, the oldest 
native citizen of Athens, from whom we obtained many facts of 
interest. 

In 1820 Ira H. Stephens and 
James Calkin were merchants in 
the village. Calkin purchased the 
home of George Welles, but was 
not long a resident. This year the 
Chemung bridge was completed, a 
great convenience to the country 
people ; it was built a little south 
of the old ferry, necessitating the 
opening of Tioga Street. This year 
also the first known cabinet shop 
was built on the site of present 
Stimson House by Daniel Rote, 
who married a daughter of Elisha 
Matthewson. (As we are going to „ 

1 ^1 ^ A T T-. . EUZABETH MaTTHKWSON 

press we learn that Mrs. Rote was 

not, as we supposed, Elizabeth Matthewson, onp of the early belles 




484 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

of Tioga Point, whose portrait is here introduced. EHzabeth, known 
as a masterful young woman, married lienjamin McKean, of Troy.) 

David M. Cook, a native of New Haven, Ct., came to Athens about 
1818, and married Laura, daughter of Ashbel Welles. Little is 
known of his life or occupation here, further than that he built (|uite a 
pretentious house on the lot now occupied by N. C. Harris, which Cook 
purchased from Dr. Hopkins and John Griffin, Sr. The house was de- 
scribed as "large and commodious, with spacious chambers and broad 
halls, embracing all the modern improvements, and finished with 
Venetian blinds." It is shown in the picture of 1842, and is still stand- 
ing on the south side of Hopkins Street, now known as the Kinner 
House. Mr. Cook sold the place to Lemuel S. Ellsworth.^ and pur- 
chased a farm on the Plains, where he erected another house, east of 
the road, still standing, later occujjied by a brother-in-law, George O. 
Welles, and sold in 1841 to Guy Tozer, Sr. He removed to Elmira, 
where he became editor and part proprietor of the Blmira Republican. 
"He was a conspicuous member of the great Whig party ; a true, faith- 
ful and able exponent of its principles. As a citizen, neighbor and 
friend he had the respect and warm regard of all wdio knew him." At 
his death, October 14, 1843, a remarkable obituary showed forth his 
ability and fidelity, and the esteem of all acquaintances. We find in 
the old burying-ground the graves of David and Hannah Cook, who 
were probably the parents of David M. A son and daughter now live 
at Clarksville, Tenn. 

Justin Forbes, for many years a well known and enterprising cit- 
izen of Athens, came in the decade previous to 18"2(), and was a mer- 
chant, lumberman, mail carrier and stage driver until he went south 
with the Saltmarshes. His first property was the lot now occupied by 
M. P. Murray, purchased from John Redington, although no house ever 
seems to have been erected by either owner. Later Forbes had a store 
and residence in the house now owned by heirs of Hopkins Herrick. 
Little is known of either of these families, though Mr. Redington may 
have been the father of the far-famed beauties, "the Redington girls." 
of Marshall's Corners. In 1832 there came to town some Welshmen, 
who were long actively connected with the making of Athens. William 
Parry* was one, and his friend and acquaintance, Thomas R. Davies,-"^ 

^ The house passed from Mr. Ellsworth to Isaac Tompkins. In 1851, his wife, Helen C. 
Tompkins, deeded the house and lot to Elizabeth, wife of Col. Charles F. Welles, who moved 
it to present position in 1854. It proved impossiljle to reproduce the old picture in possession 
of the writer. 

* William and Jannet Parry had five children; Ellen, Samuel, Mary, Margaret and 
Elizabeth. Samuel is still living at Galesburg, 111.; Ellen m. William Fury, resided elsewhere; 
Mary, one of the loveliest women Athens ever knew, m. an Englishman, ^lark Thompson, and 
lived here or in vicinity; Margaret m. William Fritcher and lived and died here; Elizabeth m. 
Charles W. Clapp, and has been a lifelong resident of the borough. Mrs. Parry survived her 
husband many years. She was greatly beloved and esteemed as a noble Christian woman, full 
of loving sympathy and untiring care for all her friends and neighbors; self-sacrificing, gener- 
ous and meek to an unusual extent. Her death was in 1871. 

^ Thomas R. Davies, son of David Davies and Elizabeth Williams, b. 1795, in the parish 
of Lowes, South Wales; emigrated to America in 1819, settled in the valley in 1821; m., in 
1822, Asenatli, dau. of Moses Woodburn, an active Revolutionary soldier, and one of the New 
Sheshequin pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Davies spent their lives in Athens, living to celebrate their 
sixty-fifth wedding anniversary, and both dying in 1883. They had three sons and seven daugh- 
ters; Eustace, deed.; Elizabeth, m. F. S. Elliott; Adelia, m. H. A. Phelps; Nancy M.; Jane, m. 
A. O. Snell; Thomas, deed.; Sarah, m. J. Rose; Heloise, m. O. P. Hyde; Malvina, m. E. A. 
Marsh, and Eugene. Two daughters, Mrs. Phelps and Miss Nancy Davies, are still resident 
here; also two granddaughters, children of Mrs. Jennie F. Snell, who, like her mother, was a 
graceful and accomplished writer. 



SOME WELSH SETTLERS 



485 



the other. Probably they came to Philadelphia with a party of Welsh 
people. At any rate Mr. Parry married there in 1822, Jannet Jones, a 
wealthy Welsh girl of good family. One of her sisters settled also in 
Athens, and it was not long before Mother Jones drove up from Phila- 
delphia, and purchased a large plot of land for her daughters, covering 
the ground west of Main Street, now occupied by Universalist, Baptist 
and old Catholic Churches, later known as the Herrick plot. Mr. Parry 
at first was "general factotum" for Clement Paine, having charge of his 
many properties ; and it may be said he was never abashed by the auster- 
ity of his employer. In 1833 he became keeper of the Chemung bridge, 
and all the reminiscences of "Commodore Parry" are in the bridge 
house, where he spent twenty-five years of his life. 

"Wit was as natural with him as breathing, though it is as impossible to 
describe wit as to define the taste of old wine or the odor of flowers. If a good 
hearty laugh is better than medicine, then William Parry did his full share in a 
sanitary way for Athens. There was but one street in the town, and a joke by 
Parry, when started at his end of it, would be caught up and carried along to the 
other, until the entire street resounded with convulsive laughter." — W. F. W. 

Thomas Davies and his brother Eustace, who followed him to 
America and Athens, purchased land of Henry Welles, on west side of 
Main Street, from north line of old Athens plot, one lot north of "the 
burying ground hill" to opening of Elmira Street. Industrious mechanics 
themselves, they sought to benefit others. The land was plotted and 
sold in small lots, corresponding to those below, and later the street was 
opened now known as Elm Street. In 1815 Zephon Flower made a plot 
of the school lands east of Main Street, called "Upper Town of 
Athens." At a later date Thomas Davies purchased from Mr. Rote lots 
Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of this plot, now occupied by Page Block, Stimson 
House and J. L. Elsbree residence 
(the latter built by H. C. Phelps, 
a son-in-law of Mr. Davies). He 
was long a Justice of the Peace, 
and was often an arbiter in law 
cases, as he advocated the peaceful 
settlement of all just claims, greatly 
assisting in the advancement and 
progress of the town. 

In 1823 a young man came 
from Ithaca to establish himself in 
business at Athens, where he spent 
practically the remainder of his life. 
George A. Perkins, a young man 
of good birth and education, had 
made a specialty of chemistry and 
pharmacy ; and learning that there 
was no one of his profession in or 
near Athens, he was readily in- 
duced to locate there, being about yi / ) ^ ^^o / 
to marry Julia Anna, daughter of ^^^^ aJ ^ €'i^U 




486 



OLl^ TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



John Shepard. The house 
huilt or remodeled by Judge 
Merrick on Welles-Caton 
store lot being then vacant, 
the young couple took up 
their abode there, and the 
first drug store of Athens 
was opened in the north 
wing of the house.'' The 
young man brought with 
iiim, as clerk, his younger 
brother, Edward H. Per- 
kins, and as they began 
life together in Athens, we 
thus present them to our 
readers. Their portraits 
were painted about 1830 
by the same artist, S. A. 
Mount, N. A. 

George A. Perkins^ was 
one of the leading mer- 
chants of Athens for fifty 
years. In 1827 he built the 
house near Tioga Street, 
where he and his wife lived 
together for more than 
fifty years. Originally, as 
was the custom of the time, the north part of the house was occupied 
as a store. George A. Perkins was an earnest Christian, a rare char- 
acter, such as is seldom known. Very soon after his arrival he was 
made an Elder of the Congregational Church, later Presbyterian, of 
which his wife was one of the first communicants; and such he re- 
mained for sixty-one years. 

Edward H. Perkins,*' after a short residence with his brother, re- 
turned to Ithaca, completed his education, and was appointed a mid- 
shipman in the navy in 18?8, in which he continued for several years, 

" The Bradford Settler at this time has an advertisement of James Calkin and Charles T. 
Lockwood, mentioning "Drugs, Medicines, etc." In the next Settler Mr. Perkins' first ad ap- 
pears, dated October 2()th, "Drugs, Medicines Paints and Dye Stuiifs. as reasonably it is pre- 
sumed as they can be found at Ithaca. * » * Also for sale most kinds of such goods as are 
usually found in country stores." 

■^ George A. and Kdward H. Perkins were descended in the seventh generation from 
John Perkins, original emigrant; b. 1590, in Newent, Gloucestersliire, England. He was a 
passenger on the ship "Lyon," which anchored at Boston February .5. 1631. After a short res- 
idence in 15oston, John removed to Ipswich, Mass., d. 1654. The father of George and Edward 
v/as Augustus, son of John, 8rd, b. at Franklin, Conn., 1773, d. at Ithaca 1831. George A., h. 
at Norwich, Conn., 1798, d. at Athens 1884, m. Julia Anna, dau. of John Shepard. To them 
were born eight children, all of whom grew to maturity, and are well known in the valley. A 
fuller account of this family may be found in "Early Times," written by Mrs. Perkins. 

s Edward H. Perkins, b. at Norwich, Conn., April 4, 1810. d. at Athens October 23, 1902, 
m. 1832, Susan P. Welles. Their children were Henry W., Edward H., Augustus S., Sarah W., 
George W., Lucy II. and Susan F., all deceased. Mrs. Perkins d. Sei)tember. 1847. and he was 
married again, to Mary Eglin. Their children are Mary R., Ellen G., William H., Elizabeth 
B., and John I., all of whom are living at present. There are also descendants of Edward, 
Jr., Sarah (who m. Edward James), George W. and Susan (who m. Delos McCurdy). 




PERKINS AND OVERTON FAMILIES 



487 



seeing service in the Paci- 
fic. Having married Susan, 
the daughter of Gen. Hen- 
ry Welles, the family so- 
licited his abandonment of 
the sea ; he resigned and 
became associated in busi- 
ness with his brother, and 
made Athens his home for 
the remainder of his long 
life, attaining the great 
age of ninety-two years. 
During this period he was 
called by his fellow citizens 
to fill many positions of 
trust in the town. Under 
Lincoln's administration, 
although unsolicited, he re- 
ceived an appointment at 
the hands of the Hon. 
David Wilmot, and other 
interested friends, as L^ni- 
ted States Consul to Santa 
Cruz, the capital of the 
Danish Islands. This po- 
sition he filled for nine 
years, during which he 
had many interesting ex- 
periences, and proved himself worthy of the responsibility vested in 
him. 

Thomas Overton, already mentioned as coming to Athens in 1807, 
purchased lots Nos. 28 and 29 in original plot ; and as near as can be 
learned built the house on the river bank on No. 20, afterwards long the 
habitation of Dr. Huston. About 1820 he settled in L'lster, keeping a 
public house there for some years. 

His son William'' lived in Athens and Alilltown the early part of his 
life. William Overton was engaged with his brother-in-law D'Alanson 
Saltmarsh in heavy mail contracts in the Southern states, sufi^ering 
ruinous losses at the time of the Rebellion by the forfeiture of con- 
tracts. After this he was in the custom house in New York, and 
finallv lived at Towanda with his son D'Alanson Overton, the late well- 




" William II. Overton m. Eliza, dau. of John Saltmarsh, Sr., and had eight children, 
b. at Athens and Milltown, to wit, Mary .^. (one of the most beantiful girls of early Athens), 
Orlando, James and Eliza, who died in youth; D'Alanson, Celestia, Emily and William. Mary 
m. William Shipman and had three sons: D'Alanson, who lived and died at Towanda, m. Eliza 
Montanye and had two daughters; Celestia m. William B. Darlington and had three daughters; 
Emily m. Rialdo Dorman and had one son "aWd three daughters. Many descendants of William 
and Eliza Overton are still living, though there are none at Athens. There are also numerous 
descendants of Thomas Overton, Sr.'s, family in Towanda and elsewhere. This family were 
highly respected and beloved throughout this region. Edward Overton, Sr., brother of Thomas, 
lived in Athens from 1824 to 1832, then removed to Towanda, where he died in 1873. 



488 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



known lawyer. In 1824 William Briggs"* came to Athens, whence, after 
several years' residence, he removed to Towanda. His daughter Emily 
married Elisha Satterlee, Jr., and was the mother of C. H. Satterlee, 
a present resident. In 1825 he built the once well-known hostelry, in 





. 


:.. _ -^^^1 



The; Oi.d Exchange Hotel 

later days called "the Exchange," but originally known as "Briggs' 
Tavern." The picture here presented was taken after the building 
was remodelled by the Park brothers in 1840, and shows it in all its 
glory. It was always the stopping place for the stage, and conse- 
quently was the most important tavern of the town. When the rattle 
•of the heavy coach was heard, and the crack of the driver's whip, 
the population, young and old, always rushed out to see the coming 
of the stage, the event of the day. That this was the stage stand 
was manifest in the huge sign, on which was portrayed in all too bril- 
liant colors the coach and four, renewed as often as defaced by 
wind and weather. When this famous old tavern burned there were 
many who wished they had remembered to save the sign and the old 
bell, of which only the clapper remains. At the time of its erection 
it was thought to be "too far up town," and then it became the very 
heart and center of the village, sheltering in its day many notable men ; 
Buchanan, Fremont, Van Buren, Greeley, Giddings, Wilmot and others. 
It knew its greatest prosperity in the days of the stage coach, and after 
the coming of the railroad was "too far down tozvn." The greater 
part of the third story was a spacious and famous ball room, called 
"the Saloon," opening on the balcony. It knew as hosts, in turn, 
Briggs, George and "Sterry" Park, Olmstead and Birchard, Kinney, 
Ercanbrack, Welles, Sloan, Jordan, Noble and Patterson. It was the 
last of the famous old taverns of Tioga Point, as Matthewson's "Red 
Tavern" was the first ; and its destruction was greatly mourned. 

^* William Briggs was a direct descendant of John Rriggs, "a man of means and ability 
and a warm personal friend of Gov. Winthrop." John was born in England in 1610 and came 
over in 1635. He was admitted a freeman in Newport, R. I., in 1638. His descendants later 
lived near Schenectady, and William came thence to Athens. He was a well-informed man, an 
old-time gentleman, he lest his private papers in a fire which destroyed his home in Towanda. 



THE ELLSWORTH FAMILY 



489 




A c a (1 e m y, a n d 
about 1840 he built 
a fine house on 
lower JMain Street 
(now occupied bv 
Mrs. Noble). Thi's 
was said to be the 
first frame house 
built in Athens 
that did not include 
a store, or was not 
intended for a pub- 
lic house; and al- 
though changed by 
the addition of a 
inodern piazza, it 
is still an excellent 
example of careful 
hand workman- 
ship. It is very 
similar to the body 
of the old house 
b)uilt the same vear 



Its site is now occupied by 
the residence and grounds of 
(J. L. Haverly. Just north of 
it was built, soon after its erec- 
tion, the house of Dr. William 
Kiff, in style like Dr. Hopkins', 
with two wings, although not so 
pretentious. This house was 
burned long before the Ex- 
change perished. 

1825 seems to have marked an 
era of renewed prosperity. The 
canal boom was begun, and 
great things were once more 
hoped for in the town. A brisk 
young man of means, who had 
come to town about this time, 
was Lemuel S. Ellsworth,^" an- 
other enterprising merchant. He 
married Caroline Backus, and 
built a small store on the corner 
of the Backus property. In 
1825 he was a teacher in the 



V WHtl 


JUiJ^K 


1 




^^^^^r p? 




\. 


B 'V ■ 


^^^^S^"^ 


T^^^''^H 


K~^S '"m^J^M 


Ppi'ill 
vJiiliiHuuii u 


1 uiijillUiii/L 


^^^^- 


. ■'■^ 









First Priv.\te Residence in Athens 



10 Lemuel S. Ellsworth (son of John Ellsworth and Ruth Stoughton of Windsor, Conn.) 
was sixth in descent from the original emigrant, Josias Ellsworth, who came from England and 
settled at Windsor, Conn., in 1640; m. Elizabeth llolcomb. John Ellsworth lived for a short 



490 OLD TIOGA POIXT AXD EARLY ATHENS 

by Horace Williston, Sr., although the latter has the usual wings, which 
were in this case intended for ot^ces. At a later date Lemuel Ellsworth 
removed to the David Cook house. He was a progressive and en- 
terprising man. and it is regrettable that there is no earlier portrait in 
existence. He removed to Chicago about 1850, having been school 
teacher, postmaster and merchant. His sisters. Emily and Harriet, 
never married, and lived and died in the old home, loved and honored 
by all who knew them. 'J'here is no trace of this family now in this 
vicinity, and yet Lemuel Ellsworth seems to have been one of the 
Makers of Athens ; having erected, besides his house, the first brick 
building in the town, a pretentious edifice for stores and offices, three 
stories high, to be seen in a later illustration, facing page 512. 

In 1825 two English ladies, Sarah and Susan Robb, opened a 
private school in the house built by Thomas Overton, another distinct 
advance for the town. About this time Athens lost an active citizen 
in David Paine, who removed to Portland, Maine. But the lure of 
the valley was upon him, and within a few years he returned, bringing 
with him as his second wife the gentle lady who was long a resident 
of Athens, Anne W. Harding. Having no children by either marriage, 
he and his cultured wife gathered around them the young people of 
the community, Mrs. Paine instructing" in both music and general 
branches. It has been said that few homes in old Athens presented 
more of refined social enjoyment. 

At this time David Paine owned all the Island, which was culti- 
vated as a farm from 1790. This was included in the original grant 
of Athens, assigned to the second division, in five portions, although 
lots with corresponding numbers were found on main land. Having orig- 
inally, therefore, five owners, it later became the property, in turn, of 
Noah Murray Sr., Samuel Hepburn, David Alexander, David Paine 
and Horace Williston Jr., and was given the name of its various owners. 

In 1826 the town and the owner were agitated over the destruc- 
tion of the smaller of the Hollenback houses, perhaps it was the Secord 
house. There seems to have been some quarrel about the land, but 
only allusions to the contested title are now found. The house was 
evidently entirely dismantled in the night, even the cranes and chimney 
bars. Mr. Hollenback was of the opinion that a large number were 
concerned in "throwing down the house," as he expressed it, though 
only a few were actual participants, the chief being said to be a stage 
driver. Mr. Williston was about to vacate the big house in which he 
had lived several years, during which time the .store was apparently 
not open. Mr. Hollenback, therefore, wrote to Henry Welles asking 
him to find a new tenant, saying: "I would like the house to be oc- 
cui^ied as a tavern and store, and I will give it niy custom." He men- 
tions that Judge Williston gave $(iO a year rent for house without store 
part, the store-house rented for $30, and the little house for .$24. giving 

time in Wilkes-Rarre and died there. Lemuel and Lyman, his sons, removed to Athens, and in 
lS8(t the mother and three daughters, Abigail, Harriet and ICmily followed them, and long 
made their home in tlie house built by Lemuel. .Abigail m., 183:^, Job Shepard (son of John 
Shepard). "a just, upright and unassuming man, a quiet Christian gentleman." They had three 
chiklren; .\nna, Cornelia and Henry; the latter born in "Elm Cottage," and later a well known 
and distinguished citi/en of Chicago, was an ardent lover of "the N'alley." The chiklren of 
Lemuel and Caroline Ellsworth were Charlotte, Belle, Frederick, WMllian!, Caroline and Julia. 



ANNALS OF EARLY ATHENS 491 

an idea of values on the Point at tliis time. This letter was addressed 
to "Eathens at Tioga Point." In 1819 Abner Murray purchased of 
Richard Caton the lot now occupied by F. T. Page. Mr. ]\Iurray built 
a house on this lot, but evidently for rent, as indicated in the letter 
of Mr. Hollenback just quoted. At a little earlier date his brother, 
Noah Murray, Jr.. purchased the lot just above and erected a house and 
ofifice, close to the river, where he lived until removal to the West in 
1831. Noah Jr.. was Justice of the Peace from 181() to 1831, and 
married more couples than any other known Justice. He had a large 
family of interesting children ; his oldest son, Charles, was one of the 
most prominent men of his day in his adopted State, Indiana, having 
a long residence in Elkhart County. 

In 18";J7 Thos. I. Brooks came from Montrose and established a 
hat factory in the house now occupied by P. J. Stone on village lot 
No. 85. Mr. Brooks was born in Danbury. Conn., and his wife, Eliza 
Champin, Avas born in Norwich, Conn. Some of Mr. Brooks' descend- 
ants are still residents of the valley. The only one in Athens is Mrs. 
Robert Finch, a granddaughter. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks lived and died 
in Athens, active and intelligent Christian people. 

Guy Tozer Sr.", and Constant ]\Iathewson were merchants from 
1820 to 1830. 

Nathaniel Clapp Jr.,^^ at this period was an ambitious merchant, 
lumberman and cattle drover ; a highly respected citizen, as evinced 
by his election to the Legislature, and appointment as member of the 
State Constitutional Amendment Convention in 1837. Possessing the 
confidence of all, he was banker for the savings of the community. 
His store was on the lot now occupied by Walter Page ; his house the 
present Canfield house, which was rebuilt by Mr. Clapp, having orig- 
inally been part of the ill-fated buildings of Guy Tozer on "the Green." 
Here are some prices from one of his old bills : Butter .lo to is. per lb, 
coffee, .75, tea $1. He brought the first cast-iron cooking stoves to 
Athens about 1840, ponderous affairs, named "the Hathaway." Al- 
though overtaken by financial disaster, his being the first mercantile 
failure in Athens, he honorably relinquished all to his customers. 
Later he became a contractor, living in New York City and Scranton. 
He was succeeded in his store by Charles Comstock,^- son-in-law of 

11 Nathaniel Clapp, b. April 19, 1795, at Livingstone Manor, N. Y., was the son of Nathan- 
iel Clapp Sr. (of Holland Dutch descent, whose ancestors came over with William Penn), and 

Germon, a French woman. The Clapps were Quakers, and Nathaniel Sr., always wore 

the dress. The family settled near Spanish Hill, probably about 1810. The other son, Allen 
Clapp, m. Ann Quick, and was a lifelong citizen of Athens, greatly beloved in his old age by 
all the small fr}% to whom he was always "Uncle Al." The daughters of Nathaniel Sr., mar- 
ried and settled here. Nathaniel Jr., m. Cynthia, dau. of Ira Stephens; their children were 

Julia (m. Barnes), H. Clay," who became a prominent contractor, whose family still live 

in the valley; Stephen G., who lived here until maturity; Amelia (m. William E- Allen), the only 
survivor of the family. Allen Clapp had several children; his son, Charles W., was a well 
known and active business man of ^Kthens all his life. 

^- Charles Comstock, son of Knos Comstock and Deborah Kellogg, was fifth in descent 
from the original emigrant, Christopher, who came from England, settled at Fairfield, Conn., 
and m. Hannah, dau. of Richard Piatt. Charles, b. September 25, 1795, at Norwalk, Conn., 
m. Almira Kingsbery; children, Stanley H., removed to California: Henrietta, m. Stephen, 
grandson of Dr. Hopkins, descendants settled in New York State; Malcolm, long a resident of 
this locality, later of the West; and Walter I., a resident of .Athens to maturity, now living in 
New York City, m. Louise, dau. of Orlando and Sarah (Goodrich) Saltmarsh. (The Comstock, 
Hopkins and Kingsbery genealogies have been carefully traced by a descendant, Charles Hop- 
kins, of Rome, N. Y.) 



492 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Col. Kingsbery, who also purchased lot -il, built house still standing, 
and had his home there many years. Air. Comstock was a surveyor, 
and was for a number of years engaged with his father-in-law in sur- 
veying the Leray lands. Having been in trade at Towanda before his 
marriage, Col. Kingsbery, who was one of the assignees of Nathaniel 
Clapp, probably suggested the Athens venture. After the fashion of 
the day, Mr. Comstock not only had the grocery and provision store, 
but for several years was an active lumberman. He continued as a 
merchant until his death, although the old Irwin store was abandoned 
in 18G0 for one in the brick block. His son Stanley was also a mer- 
chant of Athens on his own responsibility prior to his removal to Cali- 
fornia. Charles Comstock was one of the first active Episcopalians in 
Athens, assisted in organizing Trinity Church, and was a member of 
its first vestry. He was a man of considerable culture, and very public 
spirited, as shown in the Scribe. 

Athens was incorporated as a borough in 183L It is a strange 
coincidence that the name first given by the Connecticut claimants was 
permanently bestowed upon Old Tioga the same year that the former 
great leader passed away. 

Colonel John Franklin, from the time of his last sitting in the 
Legislature, in 1(S05, seems to have dropped entirely out of active life. 
It has been said that "old age was creeping on," but that is hardly ac- 
curate, for he had not attained his sixtieth year when he stepped aside. 
Possibly chagrin at the defeat of the Connecticut claim as a whole had 
some influence over him. He showed his persistency only in neglecting 
or avoiding application for a Pennsylvania title to his home east of the 
Susquehanna, where he and his wife led a quiet and retired life. It 
is at least a small tribute that, as long as he lived, his title was never 
called in question. ITe was long revered as a wise counsellor, and he 
delighted always to tell the story of the struggle of the Connecticut 
pioneers. It became the custom on the death of any of the early set- 
tlers to have him make some remarks at the grave, when he always 
created a lasting impression. Would that these remarks could have 
been recorded! It is not strange that toward the close of his life his 
active brain gave way, and the gleam of fire in his eye faded, and the 
face became shrouded in gloom. Then he was ever in fear of seeming 
pursuers, and often became violently excited in his imaginary en- 
counters with his enemies. At this time, for a number of years, he 
was tenderly cared for by his old comrade, Daniel Moore. March 1, 
1831, the fire burned itself out, and the old soldier and patriot was laid 
to rest, his wife surviving him but three years. Colonel John Franklin 
died a poor man, a pitiful fact, perhaps however, unknown to him ; for 
the old accounts, still in existence, show that for ten years previous to 
his death the necessities of life were furnished to him by the merchants 
of the vicinity entirely on credit. April 1.5, 1834, was advertised "Pub- 
lic auction of property of John and Abigail Franklin." The home prop- 
erty was bought iDy the executors, Samuel Ovenshire and Amos Frank- 
lin. Colonel Franklin's only living descendants are from his son Billa, 
wdio settled at Palmyra, N. Y., and later at St. Albans. Billa had 



ZEPHOX FLOWER WALKER 



" 493 



nine children, one of whom, Amos, came to Hve with his grandfather 
when a lad of seventeen. Some time after Col. Franklin's death, Amos 
married Cynthia McKinney ; and while he relinquished the old home, 
removing to Michigan, it is a curious fact that his daughter Rebecca 
became the wife of Zephon F. Walker.^-* who had inherited the Col. 
Franklin home from its purchaser, his uncle, Nathaniel F. Flower, a 
son of the old survevor. Zephon Flower. 




-O 



.9^, HojJcur 



^-* Zephon Flower Walker, the well known surveyor and civil engineer, b. in Factory- 
ville, July 1, 1824, was the son of George Walker, whose father, George, of German descent, 
settled early at Berwick, Pa., and later in Owego Township, now Nichols. George, Jr., ni. 
Zulimma M., dau. of Maj. Zephon Flower. Z. F. Walker m. Rebecca, dau. of Amos Franklin 
and Cynthia McKinney. Always associated with his grandfather, he became an expert surveyor 
at an early age, and held many responsible positions, both in that capacity and as a public 
officer. He was long assistant engineer of Northern Division of Lehigh Valley Railroad. Mr. 
Walker d. 1898, highly respected and much regretted. His children were Franklin Z., Nathaniel 
F., Alfred I., Clara A. (m. George D. Bonfoey), Ada M. and Helena L., all well known in the 
valley. 



494 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

In 183G Isaac Lowe, a famous old time blacksmith, came into town 
from Shesheciuin ; he married a daughter of a Sheshequin resident, 
John Christian Forbes, who had a remarkable history, having been with- 
out doubt the son of a wealthy and possibly noljle German family. He 
has many descendants in the locality, none better known than "Aunt" 
Polly Lowe, daughter of Isaac, now ninety-four years old, who has 
been for most of her life an old-fashioned nurse of great rejntte in the 
best families of the early pioneers. With faculties unimpaired, she is 
replete with stories of the olden time, and has been of invaluable as- 
sistance to the writer, who has known her loving service for a lifetime. 

The development of mail and stage routes in the Southern States 
opened up a very lucrative business at this period, or, at least, fine 
prospects ; and it was engaged in by many Athenians with varying 
success from 1825 to 1860. The Saltmarsh brothers, Orlando and 
D'Alanson, v^ere pioneers in this enterprise, and their associates w^ere 
the Overtons, McDuffees, Tylers, Forbes and, possibly, others. 

The first Burgess of Athens was David Paine. The original bor- 
ough included only the territory between the Welles farm and Ferry 
Street. Clement Paine had opened Paine Street, and laid out lots west 
of Main and below the railroad, called "Painesville." (The last of 
the few houses erected by him, a very quaint building, has just been 
demolished — 1907.) Between Paine Street and the junction of Main and 
Elmira, or, as it was originally called, "the Newtown Road," the land 
was only partially cleaied, and the only dwelling at date of incorpora- 
tion seems to have been that of William Parry (now owned by Mrs. 
Michael Brown). Even as late as 1840 the town children were afraid 
to go alone as far as Satterlee's Ferry." 

July 31, 1834, Richard Caton, for reasons now unknown, trans- 
ferred the agency of his own and many of Carroll's lands from Col. 
Lockwood to Horace Williston Jr.," the son of Judge W^illiston ; who 
must have already shown himself a man of merit, as the appointment 

I-'' The inhabitants of Athens, with many otiieis, were greatly alarmed by the famous 
meteoric shower of 1833, several accounts of which have been given to the writer; the most 
interesting being from the hand of the late Frances Welles Stuart. At this date, November 23d, 
Gen. Henry Welles was very ill (his death occurring a few days later, a great loss to the town), 
and the entire family were up most of the night. The daughter Frances described the occur- 
rence, as did all who saw it, as though the air was as full of falling stars as it would be of 
■snow flakes in an ordinary storm. It lasted from about 1 A. M. to 6. Frances Welles saw it 
from 4 A. M., and while much alarmed, as soon as daylight came she_ went out of doors to 
investigate, saying the ground was sprinkled with black flecks, appearing like burnt paper, which, 
liowever, fell to pieces at a touch. Probably there were no more terrified young people than 
the party of youths returning from a dance near Chemung, who found themselves suddenly 
enveloped in a shower of flame, and thought the end of the world had come indeed. 

1* Horace Williston, Jr., son of Judge Williston, was born at Chenango Point, .\ug. 7, 
1813, d. at Athens April 13, 1878; came to Athens in 1819, was educated at the Academy; m. 
Jane White, sister of Esther White (Saltmarsh), who d. in 1839. In 1849 m. Catherine R., 
dau. of Robert Barber of Lancaster. Children, Anna B. (m. Lucius A. Sherman), deed.; Kath- 
arine M., unmarried, deed.; Horace, now a Methodist minister. 

"From the settlement of his father in 1819, until his death. General Horace W^illiston was 
a resident and an honored citizen of this borough. Descended through both his parents from fam- 
ilies who were among the earliest colonists of New England, he inherited those qualities of stern 
morality, unflinching integrity, Christian charity and conscientious devotion to duty which so 
strongly marked his character. In few men of the present generation are these heroic virtues 
of our puritan ancestors so strikingly manifest as in him. He was in the strongest sense of 
the term a positive man; possessing a deliberate and sound judgment, and a keenly discrim- 
inating sense of right and wrong; his conscience pointed out to him the right path, and no 
arguments, influences or allurements could swerve him; whatever his conscience dictated as 
right, was right, and there he stood: not quick to make friends, his confidence once gained he 
stood by a friend at all liazards : possessing a physiognomy on which rectitude was plainly writ- 



GENERAL HORACE WILLISTOX 



49^ 




was made before he attained his 
majority, and power of attorney 
given by Mr. Caton and Mr. Car- 
roll's daughters in 1835 This stew- 
ardship continued for twenty-five 
years, proving that no mistake was 
made in the selection; 15,897 acres 
were committed to his care. He had 
both salary and commissions on 
sales at first, then commissions, and 
within a few years he was able to 
purchase about -i,500 acres of this 
land in Athens and Ridgeberry 
townships, which he had surveyed 
into small farms and sold to set- 
tlers. Horace W'illiston, with the 
exception of a few years, was a 
lifelong and active resident of Ath- 
ens, and that he ever commanded 
the love and respect of the com- 
munity is shown in the annexed 
sketch, written by an unknown hand 
and found in an old scrap book. 
In 1842, when about thirty years 
old, he w^as elected and commis- 
sioned Brigadier General of 2nd^ 
Brigade, 9th Division Pennsylvania 
Militia, including that of this vicinity. His portrait, here given, 
will not be a familiar one to those wdio remember him in later life, a 
stalwart man with the peaceful face, so long familiar on our streets ; 
but we rejoice to show him as the brisk young man in uniform. For 
this portrait, and many valuable papers relating to his career and to 
Athens history, we are indebted to his only son, Rev. Horace Williston, 
of Port Townsend, Washington. 

General Williston in 1849 purchased the plot which had been 
David Paine's, from Island Lane to Ferry Road (including the island), 
and erected on the north portion a fine residence, now entirely altered 
from its original appearance. He was extensively engaged in large 

ten few ever solicited him to encourage a project of doubtful character, and none did a second 
time. Reared by pious parents, surrounded from infancy by religious influences, exercising 
a broad charity with his characteristics, he was of necessity a Christian man, yet not until 
within a few months before death did he publicly profess his devotion to his Saviour; and when 
this was done it was in that positive and emphatic manner which none could doubt. 

"Such a character, when years have proved that it is the real and natural one, must 
attract the admiration and devotion of all good men, and such was his fortune. There was no 
office within the gift of his circle of acquaintance that he could not have had, had he been willing 
to accept it; but to such a man official station had no allurement which would compensate for 
entering the political arena. 

"In his boyhood, elected to the military station which gave him his title, and filling every 
office in the town and borough — not because he wanted them, but because his neighbors wanted 
him, he had no ambition beyond: always ready to work for the political advancement of his 
friends, for himself, never! Our churches, our schools, our cemetery, our temperance societies, 
our public improvements, whatever advanced the prosperity of the community in which he lived 
received a great portion of his time." 

August, 1908. His son, who recently visited Athens, has proven himself worthy of a!; 
the attributes of his sire. 




496 OLD TIOGA POIXT AXI) EARLY ATHENS 

lumbering transactions, and in LS,")!) relin(|uishecl his stewardship of 
Carroll and Caton's lands to look after a timber tract in Virginia, being 
absent more or less for two years. 

General Williston was an early abolitionist and one of the first 
advocates of teetotalism ; he is said lo have been "the first man rash 
enough to attempt raising the frame of a large building without the use 
of liquor. Such work was done by a bee, and the old hands at that 
sort of business laught in their sleeves at his coming failure in raising 
a large mill. But as the time approached good Deacon Tracy of Smith- 
field heard of it and told his family it would never do to leave a man 
in the lurch like that, so he was on hand with his strapping boys, 
and with the help of a few other real friends the great mill was raised, 
the smoothest raising ever known, and free from the accidents that 
often occurred by reason of someone's intoxication." When only a 
lad, General Williston was present at the raising of a sawmill on the 
island, close to the boat landing, an enterprise of J. C. Brockway, and 
built by one of the Spaldings. As soon as the frame was up, foUotving 
the ciistoiii of the times, a man climbed to the i)eak of the rafters with 
a jug of whiskey wherewith to christen the building. First taking a 
pull from the jug, as was his privilege, he dashed it to the ground be- 
low, calling out: "Spalding's Gain and Brockway's Ruin;" the name 
proving prophetic, as the mill scarcely sawed a stick, and was left to 
decay or destruction by the floods. General Williston accumulated 
wealth, but very much of it was lost to his family because of his 
friendly habit of indorsing large notes for various men, which he was 
obliged to meet, thus involving him in disaster from his own unselfish- 
ness. The house built and long occupied by him still stands opposite the 
old Williston homestead. After his death, his family removed from 
Athens. It is a source of regret to all who have known them, that none 
of Judge W^illiston's family are to-day residents of Athens. 

Sometime during this decade (1830-1840) there came another en- 
terprising young man, who assisted largely in the development of 
Athens, Chauncey N. Shipman,^^ first associated wdth Lemuel Ellsworth 
in the brick stores already mentioned, as general merchant. He married 
Helen, the daughter of Judge Herrick and Celestia Hopkins. Judge 
Herrick gave his daughter a lot, called "a fine piece of woods," adjoin- 
ing the brick stores, for a home, but she died in 1839. Soon afterwards 
Mr. Shipman purchased an adjoining lot of Judge Herrick and cleared 
both of trees, thus making a fine property. September 27, 1841, he 
married again, Nancy Louise Goodrich, who with her mother, brother 
and sister had come to Athens from Owego in 1832.^" 

1^ Chauncey N. Shipman, son of Samuel Shipman of New Britain, Conn., was born at 
Cooperstown, N. Y. His progenitor was Edward S. Shipman of Nottinghamshire, England, who 
came to America in 1639. Mr. Shipman had five children b. in Athens: by first wife, Helen 
(m. Peter Field); by second wife, Mary (m. Samuel Howe), Frederick, John and Florence, 
all unmarried, and living in Chicago, where the family removed in 1859. 

18 No women of lovelier character than Nancy L,ouise and Sarah Goodrich ever lived in 
Athens, and to tliis were added charms of person. Mrs. Chauncey Shipman was known a few 
years later as "the most beautiful woman in Athens, as well as the loveliest," and the writer 
is proud to record that she bears the name of "Louise Shipman" from this gracious lady. 



ANNALS OF EARLY ATHENS 



497 





H^ 


HffiS 






H 




p 


s 






1 


M^^J 


1 


wi 




iv 


Si ■*^- 


3Jii^*^ 


^^^■1 


^H 






ii 


'^j^Hyl 


Hi 


mR 


teT'^^mH 




BB 




1^^ 


HhEli^ 



Clover Croft 

Erected by Chauncey N. Shipman, 1841 



Mr. Shipman now be- 
gan the erection of the fine 
colonial residence which 
stands to-day almost un- 
altered/' The house being 
completed, the young cou- 
ple gave a royal "house- 
warming," the first social 
function of the sort known 
to the town. Many invita- 
tions were issued, in and 
out of town, to a "Recep- 
tion, June 14, 1843." A 
large number attended, an 
orchestra was provided, 
music and dancing being a 
feature of this gala occa- 
sion. The festivity, how- 
ever, was marred by a sad occurrence, ]\Ir. Scott, of Towanda, being 
stricken with apoplexy while standing cjuietly looking on. He was 
quickly carried to the Exchange and restoratives administered, but he 
died within a few hours, casting a gloom over the community. When 
Mr. Shipman left Athens, in 1859, this house was sold to Charles F. 
Welles Jr. It was occupied for several years by his cousin and partner, 
Henry S. Welles. It was then purchased by Harris W. Patrick, who 
occupied it for many years. After his removal it was rented or vacant 
until it became the property of Susan Perkins (McCurdy), who did 
much to beautify the house and grounds and gave to it the name it 
now bears. 

Many others settled in Athens between 1830 and 1840. Chester 
Park, more fully mentioned in a later chapter, came from vSheshequin in 
1835, and began the mercantile business carried on by himself and his 
son for over fifty years. It was said of him, "a man as near sinless as 
any in the community," a just tribute. He and his wife (Lemira, 
daugliter of Jabez Fish) raised a family of five children, all well known 
in the community ; Harriet, Dana,^'* Horace, Lemira and Mary. Lemira, 
married to Charles Chapin Tracy, has been a devoted missionary for 
over forty years. Both Chester Park and his son Dana held many town 
offices. They left their impress upon the life of the community, and a 
goodly heritage of right living to their descendants. 

Another merchant of this period was Horace Carner, son of Silas 
Carner of Sheshequin. He had purchased a home from the Leray tract in 

^" Known to modern Athenians as "Clover Croft," the home of Hon. O. D. Kinney. 
It seems not amiss to record that the present owner, when a small boy attending the Athens 
Academy and boarding at the Exchange, chose this house as the ideal castle of his dreams, and 
thought its owner the handsomest man in Athens. Haunting memories of these ideals were 
never absent, until he realized his air-castles, as do few, in the purchase of the old Shipman 
home in 1905. 

18 Dana F. Park. b. Jan., 1836, m. Oct., ISaS, Kate, dau. of Rev. Henry Ball, a beautiful 
woman and accomplished musician, still well remembered. They had one son, Irving K. Park, 
now resident in Athens. Mrs. Park d. 1S59, and some years later Dana m. Lydia M., dau. of 
Horace Carner, a bright and talented woman. They had three sons: William K., Robert B. and 
Charles D.; only the third survives, now resident in New York City. 



498 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Litchfield, but at this time settled in Athens and began business at the 
corner of Elm and Main Streets, where later was erected the building, 
with a commodious hall, long known as "Garner's Hall," around which 
circle many pleasant memories. "Deacon" Garner and his wife, Azuba 
Atkins, were active Ghristians, highly esteemed by all who knew them. 
Their children were : Lydia, Sarah, Julia, Horace and Henrietta, of 
whom only Julia now survives. The Karners were originally of German 
origin ; the first known ancestor was Lodowick, of Rhinebeck, N. Y., 
who moved to Sheffield, Mass., in 1730. His grandsons (by son Jacob) 
Lodowick and Silas settled at Sheshequin as early as 1800 ; Lodowick 
was the father of Luther, who m. Wealthy Spalding; their son Henry 
resides in Athens to-day. Silas m. Lydia Morgan and had Orson, 
Amanda, Horace, Sophia, Jay and Silas, whose descendants are well 
known hereabouts. 

Athens and the surrounding country were greatly encouraged over 
their prospects at the opening of the decade 1840-1850. The North 
Branch Ganal seemed to be nearing completion, and the Erie railroad, 
the first in this locality, was well under way. While they are to-day 
unknown, it is evident that outside capitalists were interested in this 
locality and the favorable outlook possible if a route was opened to the 
north from the coal fields of Pennsylvania. Although to be more fully 
treated in a later chapter, it is appropriate here to introduce both the 
project and the-projector, Gharles B. Stuart. This young man came as 
the engineer of the Erie road in this section ; and while his residence 
here was comparatively brief, he was an energetic and enthusiastic 
worker along all lines, and was generally successful. From the win- 
ning of a bride still in the school room to the building of a church rep- 
resenting his own faith, he stopped at nothing, generally with the benefit 
of the community in view. No doubt it was under his supervision that 
the first newspaper ever published at Athens was started. It was called 
"The Athens Scribe and Advocate of Nezv York and Pennsylvania Im- 
provements," first issued in August, 1841, the editor being O. N. W^or- 
den, a .son-in-law of Dr. Huston. The first number contained a long 
article from the Nezv York Courier and Inquirer of July 21, headed 
"Tioga Point Railroad — Important Improvements — Goal and Iron — 
Project for a Short Railroad at Tioga Point to connect the North 
Branch canal and the Erie railroad." The article stated that a charter 
had already been obtained to build this road only four miles long, the 
route was surveyed, requisite plans and maps made, and cost estimated 
at $50,000. Apparently the capitalists did not "catch on." 

The editor of the Scribe added a few words, praising "the uncom- 
mon natural advantages of the Point," saying that it was destined to 
be the great natural highway for coal and iron, and return trade in salt 
and gypsum, and that no rival could successfully compete with it. The 
Nezv York Courier represented Tioga Point as "situated at the open- 
ing of the valley of Wyoming, at the confluence of the Ghcmung and 
Suscjuchanna Rivers," and mentioned Athens as a flourishing village 
situated at the Point. 



• EXTRACTS FRO^I THE SCRIBE 499 

Great effort was now made to boom the town, and as the story is 
only known to-day from the complete file of the Scribe, now in Tioga 
Point Museum, quotations from it will be freely used ; yet it tells little, 
for there was no local column, and one must piece together the stray 
bits. Doubtless the following article is from the able pen of Major 
Stuart, who, having married Frances, daughter of Henry Welles, was 
now living with his young wife in the house still standing, called the 
"Peach Blow Cottage," being painted pink. Major Stuart feeling him- 
self a citizen, now appeals to the pride of the people as follows : 

"Athens ! the very name is classic, and all the witchery of winding stream, 
extended plain, and towering mountain makes its situation picturesque, romantic. 
But — Athens is not all poetry and moonshine. It begins to have attractions for 
those of the pure utilitarian school, and to be a place of business. Buildings are 
rapidly springing up, and this is favorable, for each elegant building now erected 
in this village is so much added to general stock in which every Athenian has an 
interest. As business and elegance of appearance increase, property will rise in 
value. But there is one thing especially wanting at present to which we wish to 
call attention. It is the erection of a boarding house. Those who have any inter- 
est in the Academy will at once see the necessity of this step. A literary institu- 
tion besides raising the standard of literary taste, is a source of pecuniary profit to 
every village — but the impression has prevailed that board is obtained here with 
difficulty — parents will never place boys in a public house. — Let a commodious 
house be erected accommodating 50, a man of taste and energy manage it, and we 
would warrant it soon filled, and the cash that such an establishment would bring 
is worthy of attention. 50 permanent scholars from abroad would bring in more 
than $6000, which through the Boarding House would pass directly to grocers, 
merchants and farmers of the vicinity. Others beside students of the Academy 
require a boarding house. Shall it be erected? Some are building to rent, why 
not continue in well-doing. We will sav no more. A word to the enterprising is 
sufficient." S * * * er, Dect 29, 1841. 

Strange to say, the above appeal, printed in the Scribe, passed un- 
heeded for awhile, and soon after the old Academy burned. 

Just previous to this an article, purporting to be from a visitor 
in town, mentions the fine brick mansion of Mr. Shipman in course of 
erection, the canal dam, and the projected bridge across the Susque- 
hanna. Naturally, real estate was expected to be in great demand. In 
an early number of the Scribe was a long advertisement setting forth 
the desirability of "One hundred valuable building lots belonging to the 
estate of the late Gen. Henry Welles in central part of the flourishing 
village of Athens * * * eligible locations for stores or shops. To such 
as will erect buildings liberal arrangements will be made * * *." A few 
months later a little different railroad project seems to be on, evidently 
a road to extend to Cayuga Lake. Judge Herrick is our onl}- informant 
in an advertisement, as follows : 

"For sale, 500 valuable building lots on pool of dam of Chemung river — at 
the head of navigation of North Branch Canal, and at the termination of the 
Athens and Ithaca R. R. which will intersect the Erie four miles north of this 
borough. The lots are generally large enough for house and store or shop, and to 
those that will build a credit of ten years will be given if desired." 

Judge Herrick at this time had purchased the property long known 
as the Herrick Plot. It may be noted that the Erie railroad was long 
in completion, the canal not opened until 1856, and the Athens and 
Ithaca road built in 18T1. But the Canal Boom was on; for very soon 



500 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 




Patrick's Bi^ock, 1841 

John Spalding 2nd advertised 225 acres for building lots on the west 
side of pool of the dam, terms similar to Judge Herrick's. Their hopes, 
however, were blasted, for in February, 1842, "a terrible flood, the 
worst since 1807," seriously injured the new canal bed. The following 
spring, after the burning of the old Academy, there appeared a series 
of "Home Talks by Qui" (evidently Major Stuart ), having not only the 
rebuilding of the Academy, but the town's interests at heart. Plans 
prepared by Engineer Stuart for an Academy on an enlarged scale, 
built of brick, and having a Town Hall in the basement, were now on 
exhibition. "Qui" was strong for the Plall, anticipating "the interests 
of a densely populated valley." He urged the inhabitants of the tozvii- 
ship as well as the toivn to examine plans and manifest their interest 
by building an Academy that would excel anything in Towanda, Owego 
or Elmira. But this air castle fell, like some others proposed ; the plans 
were discarded as too expensive, and the Town Hall and the Model 
Boarding House were still only dreams. However, the latter materi- 
alized in the "Mansion House," built the next year on the site of the 
old Red Tavern by Elias S. Matthewson. And the building boom surely 
arrived, for in October, 1842, in an article headed "Good for Sore 
Eyes," Editor Worden thus tells the story of improvement : 

"Yesterday a block of nine dwelling houses was raised on Chemung Street, 
on the property of Williston and Patrick. At the end of the row may be seen 
the spire of nearly completed Episcopal Chapel. Opposite the Eagle Bldg. is the 
large and elegant new block of stores recently completed. And besides many 
buildings improved there are ten or twelve new dwelling houses erected within 
the year. We hope this spirit of enterprise may steadily continue on." 

December 14 chronicles : 

" 'Extensive Crash.' A heavy snow storm proved too great a weight for the 
roofs of the nine dwellings which fell in with a tremendous crash." 

It was well the accident occurred before the houses were occupied. 
Doubtless they were completed in more substantial fashion. 



ANNALS OF 1840 



501 




The Hayden Homestead 

These "nine dwelling houses" composed the famous "Barracks 
Row" on Chemung Street, later called the Catch-Ail ; and be it noted 
that we have no record of the opening of Chemung Street. The first 
mention of it is in an early number of the Scribe, which tells that 
General Williston has just erected a building (1841) on the north cor- 
ner of Main and Chemung, called the Eagle Building, and occupied by 
G. A. Perkins with a new stock of drugs and dry goods. This build- 
ing was on the corner of present property of S. R. Payne, and was oc- 
cupied by stores, law offices, etc., until very recent years. Barracks 
Row was a curious arrangement of houses in twins at the bottom, with 
alleys between, and continuous in the second story ; according to tradi- 
tions it made a most curious appearance. The elegant block of stores 
was the first "brick block," shown in the accompanying illustration, as 
also is the Eagle Building. Most of these buildings seemed to have 
been erected by Gen. Williston and H. W. Patrick, a young man 
who came to town in 1836 as preceptor in Academy. He purchased 
a large block of the Carroll lands, which he sold to the Irish laborers 
who had come to engage in constructing the canal and the Erie Rail- 
road. From this he made a handsome profit, which he used largely 
in erecting buildings. He also erected on South Main Street the house 
now occupied by Mrs. E. H. Perkins (1908), and made his residence 
there. There were many new industries now in the town, as shown in the 
business advertisements in the Scribe. Several tailors : Moses Sawyer 
(later of Waverly ), Stephen Goodrich from Owego, Aaron Tibbitts 
and Geo. Wheeler ; Jake Harder the gunsmith ; H. C. Gallop, first 
hardware merchant ; Dick Durbin, first livery stable ; the Misses Dewitt 
and Showers, first milliners, "Main Street and Public Square" (this 
was in the Hollenback store, utilized for this purpose for many years, 
as the ladies were succeeded by Matilda Smith) ; Rob. McGeorge, the 
first baker; Ezra Pelton, first cabinet maker; Sidney Hayden,^^ who 

^* Sidney Hayden, b. March 1, 1813, at Colebrook, Conn., son of Luke Hayden and Ruth 
Humphrey, both Connecticut people, was descended from William Hayden, who came from 



502 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



first manufactured brick here, and was a large contractor and builder 
throughout the county; his own residence, erected in 1840, being a fine 
specimen of work done under his supervision, and one of the most 
interesting old homesteads now standing. 

About this time ( LS4(» ) many new people came in, whose descend- 
ants are here or well known here to-day : John E. Canfield from 
Orange County, who spent the rest of his life here, as did his only son, 
Clarence. Air. Canfield was a lawyer and insurance agent, as was also 
his brother-in-law, Joseph B. Reeves; and both were long identified with 
the town as men of ability and integrity. William Shapley, a famous 
clock maker and jeweler, came about this time, and his daughter, Mrs. 
Frank Gillette, still resides on his homestead purchase on South Main 
Street. Frederick R. Lyon, a Connecticut man, a cabinet maker by 
trade, who still has descendants in the valley, came at this time. There 
are many beautiful specimens of the handiwork of Mr. Lyon still in 
existence. 

A previous cabinet maker was Horatio T. McGeorge, who located 
here about 1830. He was an expert carpenter, his specialty being 
church building. He evidently came here to build the first Presbyterian 
Church. He was twice married; by first wife had Henry and Leslie; 
then married Rebecca, daughter of Daniel McDuft'ee. a beautiful wo- 
man, mother of Frank and Eliza, well known, though no longer resi- 
dent at Athens. Mr. McGeorge was a fine musician and long played 
the organ and bass viol in the Presbyterian church, just north of which 

he had a house and shop for twenty 
years ; later he lived and died on 
Paine Street, having become en- 
tirely blind. His daughter Eliza' 
married Rev. William French, at 
one time teacher in the Academy, 
who later, for long years, did a 
wonderful missionary work on 
Blackwell's Island, gaining the 
well-deserved name of "Angel of 
the Island." His labors were 
shared by his wife, who still con- 
tinues them. Mr. French, while at 
Athens, was largely instrumental 
in establishing Trinity Church. 

And now all eyes were on Ath- 
ens, and even Towanda takes up 
the theme. • In February, 1843, the 
Bradford Porter gave a most flatter- 
Rebecc.\ McDuffee (McGicorgp:) ing account, copied by the Scribe: 

Kngland in 1630 and settled at Dorchester, Mass. Sidney Hayden m. Florilla E. Miller of Tor- 
ringford, Conn. Had five children; Julius, Sidney. Charles, Albert and Ruth. Of these, Charles 
and .Albert survive, tlie latter having his residence in the old homestead: m. Ruth Lester and has 
two sons. Sidney Ilayden was a man of great literary ability, an intelligent scientist, an able 
writer, aiid collected one of the most valuable libraries in the region. He was deeply interested 
in the progress of the community, a great antiquarian, and a famous ;\Iason. 




TIOGA POINT, THE CITY OF THE PLAINS 503 

"Athens, more familiarly known as Tioga Point, is one of the most delight- 
ful spots on the Susquehanna if not the most so. We would not dare to compare 
it with Wilkesbarre, such is the celebrity of that place without a personal knowl- 
edge of their respective claims. But this knowledge we have, and ivitlwut hesita- 
tion zi'c give Athens the preference. The charms of Nature are lavished upon it," 
etc., etc., ad infinitum. After speaking of the new buildings, the Porter continues 
to praise Athens as a place of greatly increasing business and remarkably enter- 
prising citizens. Mentioning the canal, the Erie road and the expected local rail- 
road ; it closes by saying : "Athens has nothing to fear and much to hope for, but 
whatever may be her fate commercially, the habiliments with which nature has 
adorned her can never be taken away." In a subsequent article the same paper 
says : "Athens has the prettiest girls in the world and we may say the same of the 
married ladies." "Hurrah for Towanda, and the Porter!" says Editor Worden. It 
is mentioned th^f'tlie name Tioga Point is frequently used to designate the n'hole 
z'alley above river junction, including Athens, Milltozvn, FactoryviUe and Ville- 
mont" (a new town, Jater Waverly). 

It will thus be seen that Tioga Point is the proper name to be ap- 
plied to the whole "City of the Plains." 

The canal having had a set-back, not only from the flood, but from 
the state's decision to sell some public works at auction, the backers 
of the Scribe called an "Improvement Aleeting," at which it was pro- 
posed that tlie northern counties become responsible for the canal, as 
a result of which the Legislature agreed to turn it over on certain 
conditions. As to Athens improvements, we have neglected to men- 
tion that in the first issue of the Scribe an appeal was made "to the 
2500 Whigs of Bradford County to assist in the erection of the new 
Sitsquehanna bridge," doubtless by "Scotch Thompson." 

Major Stuart was interested in the intellecttial as well as the ma- 
terial development of the town, and it was said to be dtie to his energy 
and enthusiasm that so many societies were organized at this periocl. 
While this may be true, unquestionably Sidney Hayden's influence was 
quite as active. "Old Tioga Point" was far more cultured than the 
Athens of to-day, especially under the influence of David Paine. But 
we venture to assert that culture in this valley was at its height in 
"Early Athens," and the notices in the Scribe are the evidence incon- 
trovertible ; to wit : 

"The young men of Athens are requested to meet to consider forming a de- 
bating school" * * * "The Athens Debating Society meets on Saturday evening. 
Question, Ought the Classics to be excluded from our system of Education?" 

"The Athens Literary and Scientific Association [which held weekly meet- 
ings] will be addressed by the following gentlemen : Essay, Early Impressions by 
H. C. Baird — Lecture, Perseverance in Literary Efforts by H. W. Patrick — Essay, 
Anti-Phrenology by Dr. F. S. Hoyt — Lecture, Practical Botany, J. G. Merchant. 
Literary and scientific communications of all kinds, curiosities, etc., solicited from 
citizens of Tioga Valley." 

"The Ladies and Gentlemen of Athens are respectfully invited to attend at 
Athens Academy, to take into consideration the propriety of forming a Geological 
Society. Remarks upon the utility of science may be expected." 

This society also was organized, with Charles Comstock as leader, 
constitution adopted, meetings frequent, and many lectures delivered 
by Sidney Hayden, Dr. Corss and others ; although there is no record 
that they gave serious consideration to the geological wonders of the 
region roundabout. However, the men of Athens of to-day, especially 



504 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

the descendants of these cultured i)eople, may well pause to consider 
the time given by these busy town makers, even the farmers and 
mechanics, to intellectual pursuits. Nor was this all. The wave of tem- 
perance, under the auspices of the Washingtonian Society, at this time 
spread over the country, and reached Athens at an early day. January 
13, 1842, the Athens Total Abstinence Society was organized, with 
Charles Comstock as president ; a great temperance convention was 
held here in March, 1842 ; July 4th a Temperance tea-party was held 
at Sheshequin, and July, 1843, a regular branch of the National Society 
was organized as the "Athens Washingtonian Society," Richard Dur- 
bin, president; James Fritcher, secretary. 

December, 1843, Guy Tozer, Sidney Hayden and Orson Rickey 
called a meeting and organized the "Tioga Valley Agricultural and 
Mechanical Association," which held its first meeting in the new Epi.s- 
copal chapel February G, 1844. Speaking of the elections in 1842, the 
Scribe said : 

"Not more than 46 years ago the now county of Bradford was almost a 
wilderness. The townships now called Sheshequin, Ulster, Smithfield, Springfield 
and Columbia formed but one district with 124 voters, 36 of whom were old sol- 
diers, only two of whom now survive; Zephon Flower and Benjamin Brink. 

Attracted by the flattering prospects, a self-taught portrait painter, 
N. B. Kittel, opened a studio in Athens in 1842 ; his work was given 
unstinted praise in the Scribe, but now known to us only in the ex- 
cellent portrait of Mrs. Elisha Satterlee, which has been reproduced 
for this volume. This leads us to mention a talented artist, S. A. 
Mount, who spent some time in Athens about 1830 to 1832. He was 
permitted to use a room in the Academy for his studio, and many ex- 
cellent examples of his work exist. Those reproduced are Henry 
Welles, G. A. Perkins and wife, E. H. Perkins and Mrs. McGeorge. 

A very active political party in Athens in 1842 was called the 
"Workies." They felt called upon to suggest "Practical Reforms for 
Pennsylvanians" and held a meeting December 3, at which a petition 
was drawn up, addressed to the Senate and House of Represnetatives, 
which it was resolved should be circulated throughout the State. This 
party was in opposition to the Whigs, and at a later date the name of 
Scribe was changed to "Athens Democrat and Working man's Friend," 
and in the campaign of 1844 was the organ of the Workies The paper 
records an enthusiastic celebration of Independence Day, 1843 : 

"Just on the eve of this day, three or four young men resolved to observe it, 
despite the croakers and bolters. The Presbyterian house was well filled by an in- 
telligent and highly respectable congregation of ladies, youths and farmers. Rev. 
Mr. Corss made an opening prayer, O. N. Worden gave an address : the Declara- 
tion of Independence was prefaced by some elegant remarks, and read by Sidney 
Hayden. Extracts from Washington's Farewell Address were read by E. H. 
Perkins * * * the exercises were interspersed with excellent singing under direc- 
tion of Mr. Wheeler. ^^Let it be understood that hereafter the Fourth will not 
be forgotten in Athens.'"" 

'-" Thanksgiving, as well as the Fourth, was properly celebrated this year, for besides the 
notice of service in the Scribe, a letter still exists addressed to Rev. C. Thurston: "Dear Sir, 
The undersigned highly approving of a proper observance of the day appointed by the executive 
for public thanksgiving, etc., Most respectfully request that you favor the citizens of Athens 
and vicinity with a suitable discourse on that day at the Presbyterian Church in this village, and 
sincerely hope it will be compatible with your sense of duty and feelings to comply with their 



JOSHUA R. GIDDINGS 



505 



The Scribe of June, 1842, contained the following concerning a 
most celebrated man of that time : 

"A recent copy of this paper containing a notice"^ of the re-election of Joshua 
R. Giddings met the eye of that gentleman, and he wrote to the editor thanking 
him and adding: 

'■ "But your notice was peculiarly 
interesting to myself, as it comes from 
the place of my iiathnty. Of this fact, 
I presume neither you nor any other 
resident of your village was aware. It 
is now nearly half a century, since a 
family consisting of a father, mother and 
four children, arrived, and for a while 
took up their residence at Tioga Point. 
They were from Connecticut, and were 
looking for a home in the then newly 
settled region of your valley or of New 
York. They arrived in the month of 
February, and departed, in November- 
following, for the town of Canandaigua. 
at that time an infant settlement in On- 
tario County, in the State of New York. 
While at your place 'the Yankee family' 
received an increase of its number by 
the birth of a son. Soon as the little 
stranger was supposed to have acquired 
strength sufficient for traveling, they set 
out on their journey for their newly se- 
lected home. That son now addresses 
you. I have not the least recollection 
of your pleasant valley, and for the 
above facts am indebted to the often 

repeated relation of my parents. I presume there is not a person livmg m 
.'Kthens at this time who has the least recollection of the stranger family who re- 
sided there some seven months in the year 1795. I recollect hearing my parents 
mention the name of Loomis in connection with their residence at your place. 
I think he was a landholder, and a man of some wealth. — I have a curiosity to visit 
the place of my infancy, but whether I shall ever find it convenient is quite un- 
certain. "With great respect, your ob't sert. 

"J. R. Giddings.' 

"It is hardly probable that in the tide of emigration pouring through this 
Valley to the Lake country at the time referred to, Mr. Giddings' family should 
be separated from the others and remembered by any now among us. 

"Mr. Giddings will excuse me if I make some additions to the history of his 
life thus singularly commenced. His father removed to the Western Reserve in 
Ohio, where the son has since resided and there has lived to see it physically and 

request. We are with sentiments of respect, Yours truly, H. C. Baird, O. N. Worden, H. W. 
Patrick, C. H. Herrick, F. S. Hoyt, T. K. Wright, G. O. Welles, H. C. Gallup, M. Sawyer, C 
Comstock, D. T. Van, O. D. Satterlee, C. S. Park, H. Stanley Comstock, R. Durbin, N. C 
Harris, E- H. Perkins, L. S. Ellsworth, O. O. Shipman, G. A. Perkins." These names are given 
in full as showing the general interest in the national fast and feast day by the active business 
men of Athens. 

-1 The notice referred to was published in the Scribe of May 11, 1842, as follows: "Joshua 
R. Giddings, whom Congress in a fit of passion attempted to disgrace for declaring in a manly 
way the sentiments of a freeman on a great National question (slavery), has been re-elected by 
the triumphant majority of over 3500. His opponents did not name a candidate until a few days 
Ijefore election, and the vote was light — sufficient however to satisfy the tyrants who would 
put Northern freemen on a par with their slaves — Mr. G. in Congress again will doubtless rep- 
resent the resolutions for which he was censured, — and if the Representatives of the Free States 
do not stand by their fellow in his right to offer his opinion on a legitimate subject, they de- 
serve to be made what some of the South call them — 'white slaves.' 

The Giddings family came up the river in a boat, and landed, as many others had done, 
on Queen Esther's Flats. Finding the log cabin of Uriah Stephens, which harbored so many 
pion'eers, once more vacant, they took possession. These flats were then claimed by Wright 
Loomis, who came to this locality in 1792, and had a home nearby. 




506 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

morally 'bud and blossom as the rose.' In the last War, Joshua R., then a lad of 
16 or 17, buckled on the armor of his Revolutionary sire, and stepped into the 
ranks of his country's defenders under the command of General Harrison. He 
cheerfully completed his long term of service. Returning among the hardy sons 
of New England, he 'grew with their growth and strengthened with their strength' 
— and upon the retiring of the well known Elisha Whittlesev, 'the poor man's 
friend," from Congress, Mr. G. was chosen to fill his place by a majority probably 
greater than ever given to a Representative in the National Legislature. He was 
appointed Chairman of the Committee on Claims — as laborious and important a 
committee as is created — and in every respect stands forth one of nature's noble- 
men." 

"However we might disagree in some respects, the citizens of this place would 
cordially welcome their distinguished son, who now represents the flower of young 
New England, supported by majorities varying according to the fulness of the 
vote from 3000 to 6000. It would be but little out of his way for Mr. Giddings to 
pass through Athens on his way home, and he could not fail of being gratified with 
the delightful scenery which abounds where he first opened his eyes to the light 
of heaven." 

Mr. Giddings did visit Athens ; the late Jesse Spalding told the 
writer it was one of the proudest days of his life when he, a very young 
man, was sent to Waverly to meet him. While there are no positive 
records known to the writer of the date, he seems to have made two 
visits. When the late Edward Herrick, Jr., became interested in local 
history, he wrote inviting Air. Giddings to visit his birthplace. At this 
time he was entertained in the house of Col. C. F. Welles. Mr. Herrick 
and some other citizens drove down to Queen Esther's Flats with him ; 
after which a meeting was held in "Patrick's Hall," in the "Brick 
Block." The illustrious man spoke, and C. L. Ward and A. H. Spald- 
ing responded. We regret that there is no recorded account of these 
visits. The portrait here reproduced was obtained from his own rela- 
tives for this volume by courtesy of one who had been a resident of 
Giddings's home town in the Western Reserve. One has but to look 
at it to recognize a fit champion of a down-trodden people, for love of 
humanity is written on his face. The school children should be taught 
to reverence this great man and to have a pride in the place of his 
nativity. 

The story of Early Athens, as told in the Scribe, may, perhaps, be 
fitly closed by a group of amusing and interesting advertisements. The 
object of the following, unfortunately, is not stated, but it may be ob- 

" Joshua Giddings was elected to Congress in 1838, and had no more than taken his seat 
when he became prominent as an abolitionist, and was ever after active in the cause of the abo- 
lition of slavery. In 1842 he offered a series of resolutions in the House against slavery, which 
created such a disturbance that he withdrew them and resigned his seat. Undoubtedly it was in 
connection with these events that the Scribe took up the cudgels in his defence. He was a very 
tall, vigorous man, and somewhat feared by his opponents. When he made his great speech in 
Congress he was challenged to fight a duel by one of the champions of slavery. He replied, in 
accepting the challenge, that "the time is nozv, and the weapons those that God Almighty has 
given me." 

His activity as a defendant of anti-slavery principles was as great in the days of the Civil 
War as in the forties. At the time of Lincoln's nomination he made a determined effort to 
have the Declaration of Independence mentioned in the platform of the Republican party. "All 
men free and equal" was his motto. In what was called the Wigwam Convention of 1860 he 
was a conspicuous figure. Hay and Nicolay, in the "Life of Lincoln," mention him as one of 
tliose greeted with spontaneous applause. In McChire's Magazine, for February, 1907, is a fine 
portrait of the venerable man, of whom Carl Schurz says: "Everybody knew him as one of the 
veteran champions of the anti-slavery cause for which he had pleaded with undaunted courage 
and fidelity when no one could do so without danger. It was the religion of his life." 



EXTRACTS FROM THE SCRIBE 507 

served that the somewhat obnoxious word "Saloon" in this case means 
the ball room of the Exchange Hotel : 

"An entertainment will be given by the Ladies of Athens Tuesday Aug. 10, 
1S41 at Mr Park's Saloon. The citizens are respectfully invited to attend." 

•'Aug. 31 Soiree Musicale. Mr. and Mrs. J. M. White from the Boston and 
New York Concerts will give a soiree musicale this evening at the Exchange 
Hotel. A pleasing variety of styles of singing will be introduced, accompanied on 
Spanish Guitar. Admission 25 cts." 

"Romance and Reality 
"Married Monday 8 inst by C. H. Herrick Esq., Henry Simson and Charity 
Fox. Caution. — The public are hereby cautioned against harboring or trusting 
my wife lately Charity Fox, as she refuses to live with me, and I will pay no debts 
of her contracting. Henry Simson Aug. 12." 

"The Hunters of Bradford 

"Eleven deer have recently been killed within four or five miles of Athens. 
Deer killing is an every day occurrence in this vicinity, but bear killing is more 
of a rarity. However last Thursday Nov 8, 1843 a moderate sized Bruin started 
from the Plains to cross the Chemung for the West Mountain just above the 
Athens Borough line. He was headed off in the river and after ducking a dog 
several times was driven ashore on Mr. Tyler's farm, and literally mauled to 
death." 

(This was probably the last bear seen within the borough limits.) 

"Curiosity 
"We were yesterdaj' shown a musket ball, just taken from a pine tree in She- 
shequin by a shingle shaver. It appears to have been shot id a mark, as the place 
had evidently been scored with an axe. Above all this 70 outside rings were 
counted ; it appears evident the ball was shot 90 or 100 years ago, how or by whom 
fancy can best conjecture. 1843." 

"Hat and Cap Store. A. Dodd. Shingles, lumber and most kinds of produce 
taken in payment, Cash not refused." 

"Taken ! from the Presbyterian Meeting House a black cotton glove. The 
person will return it to this office, and receive owner's thanks, or call and get the 
mate to it. Either way will do." 

"Wanted, to rent a slip in the meeting house near the pulpit." 

"The Athens Band! When shall we again hear its soul-enlivening strains? 
Our long pleasant evenings are coming again ; can ye not take your harps from 
the willow, and make our loved valley vocal with living song again? Ye have 
done well, would that ye should continue ! The blessings of old and young, gentle 
and strong will rest upon ye, if ye will revive those 
'Old familiar strains 
That ravished once our ear.' 
Tune up, tune up, gentlemen, and by the sweet influences of heavenly music will 
ye once more add to our musical enjoyment. 

"Athens May 1842 "Melodia." 

^^^e are somewhat in ignorance as to this band ; it may not be amiss 
to record some later ones. In 1847 there was an Athens Band, of which 
it is written : 

"Ed Kendall was a key bugle player, W. H. Shapley a trombone, James Tuttle 
clarionet, some one else a bass instrument called an opheclide. The next was 
Stone's Band in operation in 18.56, Jabez Stone, the boat builder, was the leader 
and played a snare drum, and the music of this band was highly praised. Tom 
Perry of Litchfield was a great Bass drummer and there were several others 
around the country that secured us martial music for the Fourth and other oc- 
casions. — C. T. H." "^ 



508 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



November 15, IS-to, a large advertisement appeared in the Scribe 
as follows: "New Firm and New Goods. — C. F. Welles Jr., and O. D. 
Satterlee. Ready Pay System." Orrin Day Satterlee was the son of 
John F. Satterlee, and was born and brought up in Athens ; later a prom- 
inent citizen of Lockhaven. Charles Frederick Welles'-^ was the son of 

C. F. Welles, and most of his life had been 
spent in Wyalusing; the rest was spent 
in Athens, to whose interests he ever 
devoted his time, strength, energy and 
means. The two young men opened their 
store in a new building, north of the "Ath- 
ens Hotel," as the old Irwin house was 
now called. This building, well shown in 
the picture of the village street, taken a 
few years later, was erected by the inde- 
fatigable H. W. Patrick, certainly well 
named by a contemporary, who recently 
wrote to us saying: "Lawyer Patrick was 
(|uite a Town Builder and rented large 
numbers of buildings." He seems to have 
converted all his available means into town 
improvements at this time. Welles and Satterlee did a thriving bus- 
iness, adding lumbering to their mercantile efforts, and laying the 
foundation of their fortunes. 

Besides all these noted improvements, in 1841 the bridge over the 
Susquehanna River was completed, and Satterlee's Ferry, after fifty 
years of use, was abandoned. (Further information in Chap. XX.) 




^.>^^^ 





East Side Main Street, 1845 

1, Chester Park's Store; 2, Guy Tozer's Store; 3, Patrick's Frame Block; 
4, Irwin's Tavern, or Pike's Hotel; 5, The Mansion House. 

23 "Charles Frederick Welles, the son of Charles Fisher 'W'elles, was born May 25, 1812. He 
is generally known as C. F. Welles Jr., or Colonel Welles, from his militia title. Having obtained 
a slight education in the common schools, he early evinced an aptitude for business, and was 



THE DAMES COFFEE HOUSE 



509 



At that time "Herrick's Meadow" was full of "red brush," and 
there was a so-called "brush road" through it, leading to Satterlee's 
Ferry, or perhaps it should be said, Satterlee's "still." Deer often wan- 
dered into this brush, and the last one shot in the village was discovered 
there. 

Soon after the completion of the bridge, Thomas R. Davies, who 
had built his residence about ten years before on the site of present 
Stimson House, was urged to open a temperance hotel, convenient to 
the bridge. He, therefore, enlarged his house to three times the orig- 
inal size, and opened "the Davies Coffee House," a most commendable 











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soon known as an industrious, energetic, honest young man. His first ventures were in the 
lumber trade, running the river himself. Always bold in his ventures he was successful as well, 
and by 1835 had amassed sufficient capita! to start a country store near Asylum. Having good 
fortune, he later established stores along the line of construction of the North Branch Canal, 
and in 184.3 established, with O. D. Satterlee, a store at Athens. C. W. Clapp and N. C._ Harris 
were his first clerks, and later Mr. Harris became his partner in place of Satterlee, and in large 
land purchases in and about town. About 1850 he relinquished trade to devote entire attention to 
large and lucrative operations in public works and construction of great improvements. In this 
business he was, for some years, associated with his cousin, H. S. Welles. They constructed the 
Brooklyn waterworks at a cost of $5,000,000, and contracted for building of many railroads in 
both North and South." In 1857 he purchased a half interest in a great lumber tract in Northern 
Michigan. He soon valued this interest at $275,000, but was fraudulently deprived of it by 
an associate, a blow from which he never recovered. In 1859 he bought the entire North 
Branch Canal, organized a company, and shipped the first Wyoming coal to Chicago and the 
West, thus inaugurating a trade of present great dimensions. But his main object in gaining 
control of the canal was to carry out the great ambition of his life, a railroad along the Susque- 
hanna \'alley, which should form a continuous line from Wyoming coal fields to the Great 
l,akes. This was accomplished in a great part as the result of his own labors. For, having 
interested capitalists, he was himself contractor for the extension of the Lehigh Valley road 
from Pittston Junction to New York State Line. It was the writer's good fortune to accom- 
pany him in the first train that ran over Ihe line for inspection of construction. The country 
people had congregated at every station to see the train, and "the Colonel" was overwhelmed 
riOt only with thanks, but many tears, for his efforts to develop the country. In this venture 
he sunk his entire fortune, but left to those who knew him an enduring monument to his name. 
In connection with these great enterprises it has been said: "He evinced boldness, foresight 
and confidence in the ability to achieve not often possessed by one man. He had a marvellouslv 
quick conception, a thorough knowledge of finance and industrial subjects, great faculty for 
organization and control; and an uncommon power of impressing his convictions on others." 
He stopped at nothing in his proposed improvements, visiting not only legislative halls of 
various States, but the President himself. It has also been said of him that no man ever 
lived in Athens who was so full of public spirit; "his benevolence and desire for the welfare 
and advancement of the town were unsurpassed." It was his intention to make Athens a 
great railroad center, and doubtless had he lived it would have been accomplished. But such 
continuous mental exertion shattered his constitution, and he died when only sixty }'ears of 
age. His kind and genial temperament made his home beloved by all who frequented it, and 
he was "father" to many a youth and girl now scattered the world over. He married Elizabeth 
I,aporte, a descendant of the French Refugees at Asvlum. and their children, all born in Athens, 
who grew to maturity, were Frederick, Eleanor, John, Louise, Robert, Elizabeth and Jessie. 



510 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

temperance enterprise, which seems to have prospered. At this time 
]\Ir. Davics was justice of the peace, having heen commissioned in 
1840 ; and he built a small office on the opposite corner of the new 
street, making the way to town well guarded by Temperance and 
Justice. This hotel was later known as the American House, and is 
still standing, having been moved to the east end of original lot. As 
may be easily seen in the picture herewith, the north end was the old 
family residence. 

In 1844 Cornelius Hunsiker came to Athens from Cayuga County, 
N. Y., and was a resident of the borough until his death in December, 
1907. He was a son of Jacob Hunsiker and grandson of Jacob, Sr., 
the original emigrant. The family are of Swiss origin, the name hav- 
ing never been changed. Mr. Hunsiker was a practical lumberman and 
told many interesting stories of the days when most men run the river. 
As he amassed means, he purchased several lots in lower part of village, 
among them that now occupied by H. C. Smith, with an unfinished 
house thereon, commenced by the lawyer. J. C. Stevens, who resided 
here a few years. Having completed the house, he returned to New 
York State for his bride, ]\Iiss Alary Horton. They were married in 
March, 185"?. Of their children only two grew to maturity, Millard, 
now resident in London, England, and Miss Mary, of Athens. Some 
members of the Horton family have also had residence here, and Miss 
Sarah Horton has long made her home with her sister. The present 
home of the family is on the site of Secord's and Hollenback's location, 
the house, built in 1863 by Frederick T. Page. Probably no property 
in Athens has had so few owners as this, there having been only three 
transfers in l'2"i years. Mr. Hunsiker retired from active business some 
years before his death, at which time he was the oldest citizen of Athens. 
He filled the position of Burgess acceptably, and was always deeply 
interested in the town's advancement. 

The political campaign of 1844 was a very lively one in the whole 
country, and Bradford County was not asleep. Previous to the nomi- 
nation Henry Clay was a popular candidate, and "Clay Clubs" were 
organized everywhere. Athens was not behind in this movement, as 
seen by the following notice in the Bradford Argus of February 17, 
1844 : 

"At a meeting of the citizens of Alliens and the adjacent townships, convened 
at the Exchange, in the Boro of Athens, on the 10th inst., for the purpose of taking 
into consideration the propriety of and adopting measures preparatory to the or- 
ganization of a Clay Club, on the 22d following. 

"On motion, Capt. Nathaniel Flower, was called to the chair, and H. Tyler 
was made secretary. 

"Resolved, That the chair appoint a Committee consisting of five, to prepare 
a Constitution for the said club, and to present the same at the time appointed for 
its organization. 

"The chair then named the following gentlemen as said committee: IVIaj. C. 
B. Stuart, H. Tyler, Jas. H. Welles, Jno. F. Satterlee, J. L. N. Shepard. 

"Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed, for the purpose of select- 
ing officers for the club, when organized. 

"Whereupon, the chairman appointed Gen. H. Williston. E. Wolcott and E. A. 
Murray a committee for such purpose. 



HOT POLITICS IN 18^4 



511 



"The meeting was then ably addressed by H. W. Patrick, Esq. and Col. Chas. 
F. Welles, at the close of which, it was 

"Resolved, That this meeting extend a general invitation to the citizens of 
Bradford Co. to attend at the formation of our Club, on the 22d. 

"Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting he published in the Athens 
Advocate and Bradford Argus. 

"Resolved, That this meeting adjourn to meet at this house on the 22d inst. 
at one o'clock, P. M. 

(Signed by the Officers) 
"Notice is hereby given that in conformity with the above, a meeting will be held at 
the Exchange on Thursday, the 22d inst. (Washington's birthday). It is ex- 
pected that the Hon. J. C. Clark will address the meeting." 

Clay was not nominated, therefore we will not ptirsne the career 
of this club, but will give an account of the fall campaign as written 
for us by one zvho zvas there: 

"Early in the autunm of 1844 there was a Democratic meeting in Athens, 
which exceeded in numbers any political gathering I ever saw in the old town. 
Crowds came from every direction, on foot, on horseback, and in all kinds of ve- 
hicles. However, the meeting was very enthusiastic, and the enthusiasm continued 
until election. In those days the state and county elections were held in October ; 
the national as now, in November. The October election was hotly contested, and 
the Democrats were victorious. But efforts were made to increase the Demo- 
cratic majority of Bradford county at the November election. Among other 
schemes to accomplish that end was a proposition by the democratic ladies of 
Towanda to present a silken banner to the town making the greatest increase in 
its majority from one election to the other. This aroused the Democrats in each 
town to greater efforts to secure the banner for themselves ; and consequently the 
contest was a hot one. Athens Democrats were successful, and Athens became 
the 'banner town.' 

"A short time after elec- 
tion a day was set on which to 
make the presentation ; and 
at the time appointed a large 
crowd had gathered on the 
Academy green. A delegation 
of the leading democrats of 
Towanda came up, bringing the 
banner. Hon. David Wilmot 
made an eloquent presentation- 
speech, and the banner was ac- 
cepted by Doctor Thomas Hus- 
ton, who although a good Dem- 
ocrat, became covered with 
much confusion. In the even- 
ing there was a torch-light pro- 
cession, followed by a celebra- 
tion over the Presidential elec- 
tion. The jollification was 
kept up a second day, before 
the visitors and townspeople 
were satisfied. The reception 
of the banner was long remem- 
bered and talked of by the par- 
ticipants, who have now "passed 
the dark river of death.' Only 
three or four old men who were 

then young boys, and whose memory extends back to that time, are left. The old 
banner survives, and I am pleased to know, is in the possession of good parties, 
who will treasure it as a relic of bygone days." 




512 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

The democrats of Athens placed the banner for safe-keeping in the hands, 
of a noted mcml)er of their party, Guy Tozer, Sr., by whose family it was 
guarded for tifty years, and whose son. the late Ralph Tozer, wrote the above ac- 
count. It now hangs in the Tioga Point Museum, with a portrait of the famous- 
Wilmot attached. We think our readers will vote it a most amazing production. 
We have been unable to learn the designer, or lady-seamstresses of this work 
of art. 

AtheiLS was visited by Sherman Day, the historian, about this time. 
His remarks on the town are given from "Historical Collections of 
Pennsylvania," published in 1843. 

"Athens now one of the pleasantest villages in Pennsylvania, extends across, 
an isthmus between the Tioga and Susquehanna rivers about 2 miles above their 
confluence. Above and below the town, the land widens out into meadows of sur- 
passing fertility. The long main street of the village runs lengthwise of the isth- 
mus and is adorned by delightful residences, and verdant shades and shrubbery. 
The annexed view exhibits the northern entrance to the street. There is an- 
Academy here, and Presbyterian, Methodist and Episcopal churches. * * * On 
the completion of the North Branch canal, a great increase of trade may be an- 
ticipated. Population 435. The whole region around Tioga is highly picturesque. 
The annexed view"* was taken from the Sheshequin road, immediately overlook- 
ing the confluence of the rivers. Directly in front are the broad meadows below 
Athens, with the town in the distance and the valleys of the two rivers stretching 
away among the hills of New York. Tioga Point from its geographical position 
has been noted in the annals of Indian warfare, as the site of an ancient Indian 
town, and the place of rendezvous for parties or armies passing up or down the 
two great streams. At the lower end of the village are the remains of an old fort 
erected during the Indian wars." 

It was thus described in the Gazetteer of the United States for 
1843: 

"Athens, formerly called Tioga Point, contains a Presbyterian Church, an 
Academy, 11 stores, 60 dwellings and 435 inhabitants. The township has two- 
fulling mills, one woolen factory, two grist mills and fourteen sawmills; popu- 
lation 1532." 

It seems impossible to note every family in the town at this period. 
Naturally many inechanics and artisans were attracted, as well as spec- 
ulators, merchants and plain citizens, on account of the facilities to be 
obtained by the projected canals and railroads. We have some curios- 
ity about the harnessmaker whose "name was longer than the ten com- 
mandments." The pioneers were now passing away, and their chil- 
dren were become the men and women of the community. One who 
wrote of Main Street at this time for us mentions many names now 
unknown, as Arnold, Bottom, Totten, Grover, Brockway, etc. Black 
Betsey, one of the old Backus or Saltmarsh slaves, is mentioned as a 
noted character ; she was the village caterer. The younger generation 
of Satterlees, Mathewsons, McDuffees, Murrays, Spaldings, Morleys, 
Snells, Welles and others were active participants in the life of the com- 
munity. Previous to 1850 there were no buildings but one or two small 
houses between Paine Street and intersection of Main and Elmira ; the 
land was cleared and cultivated as farm land. 

"■* The picture of Main Street was copied from a painting then the property of Mr. .T. E. 
Canfield, now of Mrs. C. S. Maurice, by whose kindness the original has been reproduced for 
this volume. Clovercroft is easily recognizable. Just beyond is the house built by David M. 
Cook; also Ellsworth's brick block. On the right of the picture is the house now occupied by 
Mrs. L. M. Park (builder unknown), the old Exchange Hotel being just below, and Jake Hard- 
er's gun shop standing at end of present Harris Street. The artist of this remarkable painting 
is unknown. 



ANNALS OF EARLY ATHENS 513 

The old Irwin Tavern was kept in 1846 by Alanson Lyon, who had 
moved to town from Burhngton, where he had been engaged in busi- 
ness for the sons of General Welles. This family is well remembered 
for the bright and attractive daughters. While they later removed to 
the West, they never lost their interest in old Athens. 

In 1850 Moses Sawyer was still an active citizen and popular tailor ; 
he was later a resident of Waverly. About this date William Wilson 
(popularly called Billy), who married Cynthia, daughter of Abraham 
Snell, was one of the thriving young merchants in the new brick block. 
William Myers, an industrious citizen, had succeeded A. T. McGeorge 
as cabinetmaker. Thomas Evans, a Methodist preacher, who had an 
early residence in Litchfield, settled in Athens in 1848, coming from 
New York State. He was the father of Isaac Evans, the well known 
lawyer, and of Mary, who married Benson Garner, and is the mother 
of Orson, Clinton and Evans Garner, citizens of to-day. 'Squire North- 
rup, a native of Orange County, settled here at this time, and was well 
known as a produce merchant, as later was his son George ; and he has 
other descendants in the valley. 

The family of Peter Meeker came at this period. While not per- 
manent residents, they are well remembered, especially Augustus 
Meeker, who was a brave Captain of an Athens Company in the Civil 
War. 

John Willoughby Nevins, a Scotch-Irishman, grandfather of pres- 
ent residents Mahlon and Alonzo, was a Methodist preacher in this vicin- 
ity prior to 1850, and finally located in Athens, where the family have 
resided ever since. The Nevins first settled in New England, and had a 
fine Revolutionary record. John M. Pike, who had previously settled 
at Ulster and married Miami Lockwood, came to Athens in 1850, pur- 
chased the Irwin tavern and continued landlord until the old hostelry 
burned in 1875. Mr. Pike was the grandfather of Charles Kellogg, 
Jr., his only living descendant. Mr. Pike is supposed to have belonged 
to the Pikes of Revolutionary fame. Josiah Hull, a native of Connecti- 
cut, father of Charles T. Hull, came in 1847, purchased property corner 
Main and Ferry Streets, where he lived and died ; he was a skilled me- 
chanic. One son still occupies part of the original property. About 
1846 the Fritcher family came to Athens from Syracuse; Henry, James, 
George and Maria. Their parents were John Fritcher and Maria Pal- 
mer of Palatine Bridge, N. Y. Later James was a resident of Waverly, 
where he died, leaving some descendants ; George, after a brief resi- 
dence in Athens removed to Owego. Henry was a resident for many 
years, finally returning to Syracuse. He married Ann Sprague Ryder 
of Providence, R. I., October 23, 1825, and raised a large family of 
children, who are well remembered by the older residents of Athens. 
Henry was an active business man, and he and his wife were highly es- 
teemed. Maria married Martin Rogers of Athens ; later they went to 
Iowa. Another well remembered family was that of William Hancock, 
a grandson of Isaac Hancock, b. June 7, 1740; d. March 2, 1823, who 
came from Lancaster, Pa., to settle in Wyalusing at an early date. This 
family is supposed to be descended from John Hancock, one of the 



514 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

signers of the Declaration of Independence; the name John is found 
in every generation. William's wife was Lucy Northrup of Wyalusing. 
She was a lovely woman, held in pleasant remembrance. One son, John 
Frank Hancock, survives, who went West, as did his father several 
years ago. 

In connection with the building of the canal, Athens received her 
(juota of thrifty Irish settlers, who have proved excellent citizens, and 
reared families of children who reside in Athens to-day, or are well 
known here. The Colemans seem to have come at the earliest date, 
about 1847, William, John, Richard and Catherine. The two latter 
never married. The descendants of John are widely scattered, but well 
remembered. The family of William are still here, the daughters being 
well educated, intelligent young women. About 1849 Jeremiah Collins 
came. He married Joanna, daughter of Catharine Lyons, who, in 1855, 
had followed their relatives, the Colemans. They reared a large family, 
some of whom still make Athens their home. There are many other 
Irish families who came a little later, prosperous and respectable 
citizens, whose children, having had educational advantages, are among 
our foremost teachers and scholars. 

In 1851 the community sufifered a great loss by the death of David 
Paine, of whom it was then written : 

"Few old associates now remain ; yet in the early settlement of the Susque- 
hanna valley, his home for half a century, his name will be remembered as one of 
those identified with its history and improvements. His warm heart and social 
disposition won the esteem and love of all who knew him." 

Clement Paine's last days were spent in the home of his son in Troy. Of 
Athens at that time he said : "I remember well when there were but few in the 
country that I did not know by name, now T hardly know half whom I meet in 
the streets of the village." 

Old associations, however, were renewed in the Old Pioneer meet- 
ings, instituted in the early fifties by the first settlers of this region, not- 
ably. Judge McDowell of Chemung, and Thomas Maxwell of Elmira. 
The first "Pioneer Festival" was held at Elmira March 4, 1853, at 
Haight's Hotel, the object being "to save from oblivion the history of the 
settlement of the Chemung and Susquehanna Valleys." According to the 
Oivego Gasette it was for the settlers of Tioga, Chemung, Steuben and 
Bradford Counties. The object not being generally understood, the 
attendance was small. The chief address was by Thomas Maxwell. 
Unfortunately there is no known complete record of any of these meet- 
ings. It was resolved to hold the next on Washington's birthday, 1854, 
at Tioga Point. The only known record of this meeting is in the preface 
to "Early Times," and a verbal account given to the writer by Ralph 
Tozer. Major Zephon Flower presided. Judge John G. McDowell 
made an address, deploring the change of name from Tioga Point to 
Athens, saying: "To inc there is a religion in old names." Jtulge Avery's 
address was in substance the first part of his sketches of the Susque- 
hanna Valley, later published in the Owego St. Nicholas. The third 
meeting was held February 22, 1855, at Owego, in Ahwaga Hall, w'hich 
was crowded with people from Chemung, Steuben, Tioga, Broome, 
Tompkins, Bradford and Susquehanna Counties. G. H. Barstow pre- 



THE PIONEER FESTIVALS 515 

sided. It was decided to elect officers annually, committees were ap- 
pointed, etc., yet no secretary's book or record seems to have been kept. 
"Unfortunately those present did not record their names." From this 
locality are mentioned Job Shepard and J. F. Satterlee. There was a 
large exhibit of relics, among others, "The Gore spy-glass said to have 
been taken by Co!. John Franklin, zvas exhibited by a Gore." 

The Gazette made special mention of "the highly respectable attend- 
ance from Bradford County, admirably represented by many of the 
best men from Towanda and Athens, and the fairest of the ladies, who 
added life, brilliancy and intellectual enjoyment to the proceedings." 
A most interesting address was made by C. L. Ward of Towanda, in 
which he said that he had contemplated writing a history of Wyoming 
before Miner did; and that he "persuaded Col. Franklin to prepare a 
plain, unvarnished narrative of the eventful struggle in Wyoming." 
His partially prepared Ms. was burned, and the Franklin paper mis- 
laid until completion of Miner's history. Mr. Ward proposed to read 
this narrative at the Owego meeting, but time did not permit. He, 
however, read an original poem, which pictured well pioneer life. This 
has sometimes been printed without the author's name, and appro- 
priated to a different locality. 

The title of his poem was "A Plea for the Pioneer" ; it had many 
stanzas, was fully published in Owego and Towanda papers, and is in 
the collections of Tioga Point ]\Iuseum. We here give the last stanza, 
lack of space preventing a complete reprint : 

''God rest them ! in their last low homes, 

With all their brave compeers. 
Who fought and bled, or toiled and strove. 

Through many lingering years. 
That thus their sons in prosperous peace, 

Could pleasantly review 
The many changes time has wrought 

Since this, our land, was new." 

One of the after dinner toasts was to Bradford County, as follows : 

"The self sacrificing spirit of the devoted Zeisberger consecrated her south- 
ern limits. The intrepid Pike and his companions made her border warfare mem- 
orable. Her Fort (Spanish) Hill and Tioga Point on the Northern limit are classic 
ground. While her Franklin, Satterlee, Maxwell, Flower, Shepard, and a host 
of others, have rendered her pioneer history instructive and honorable." 

Christopher L. Ward responded to this, beginning v/ith an eulogy 
of William Penn, and showing an original letter from Penn to the Sus- 
quehanna Indians. 

A circular invitation had been sent out to many noted historians for 
this meeting, and letters were read from Schoolcraft, Brodhead, Cass 
and others. Schoolcraft wrote: 

"The inhabitants of every new district have conquered three great enemies ; 
1. the forest, 2. the Indian, 3. want and toil, * * * while the world stands, there shall 
be no second forest age of the Susquehanna." 

Brodhead wrote : 

"The more that is known of the history of the locality, the more the people 
will love it, and stand up for it ; not only for what it is, but for what their prede- 



516 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

cessors have done and suffered to make it what it is. Collect and preserve the 
records that can alone tell the real truth, which time is continually burying in 
oblivion." 

By motion at this meeting the cotmties of Broome, Tompkins, Sus- 
quehanna, Wyoming and Ltizerne were added to the "Pioneer Associa- 
tion." The fourth meeting was held February 22, 1856, at Binghamton. 
G. H. Barstow presided and gave a brief summary of previous meet- 
ings. He said that at Athens no regular orators were appointed, the 
visitors did not dine together, and that there was no organization, stand- 
ing officers or registered proceedings previous to the third meeting ; but 
that every inhabitant of this region was a member if they wished to be 
so considered. In closing, Mr. Barstow suggested that steps be taken 
to preserve what had been collected. The secretary, William Stuart, 
was instructed to procure subscriptions and prepare proceedings for 
publication in a pamphlet. But no such pamphlet is known to the writer. 
A poem was read, written by Theodore ]\Iunger of Owego, in which 
were the following lines : 

"Ta-he-ho-gah, when the waters meeting clasp each others hands 
And go singing on together carrying joy to many lands." 

Among the tributes to deceased members was a fine one to Judge 
Williston, closing thtis : "As a high-minded Jurist, he did honor to his 
profession." Tompkins and Schuyler Counties were now added to the 
association. The fifth Festival was held at Ithaca in 1857, the sixth at 
Montrose June 2, 1858, and the seventh and last at Wilkes-Barre in 
June, 1859, George W. Hollenback being the last president. "All per- 
sons feeling an interest in the history of the early settlement of the 
Susquehanna country were desired to attend." Charles Miner ridiculed 
the early "Pioneer Festivals," commiserated Cass, Brodhead and other 
historians because they were invited, and claimed that in his history he 
had covered all the ground between Wysox and Wyoming ; wherefore he 
was assailed by Judge Avery and others, both for omitting "the early 
settlement and pioneer struggles of the French exiles in Bradford," and 
for calling some of the staunch patriot pioneers "Tories." In these 
controversies Miner seems to have been somewhat at fault. 

Between 1850 and 1860 Athens evidently had another ])eriod of 
decadence. In 1855, when "Brick Pomeroy" came here to edit the 
Gazette, he called it "a dead, dried-up and gone-to-seed little village." 
"Brick," however, kept a live interest in local affairs for two years with 
his spicy pen. And yet it was in this decade that Welles and Shipman 
built a large foundry near Bridge and Elmira Street, which was long 
an active indtistry in the town; the building burned in 1872. A large 
steam mill was also built on Ehiiira Street, near the foundry. These 
industries attracted to the town many mechanics, who had but a tem- 
porary residence, the Freeborns, Wells, and other families. In 1856 
the town was greatly excited over a visit from Horace Greeley, who 
spoke to a large audience at the Exchange Hotel. And perhaps there 
was still more excitement October 5, 1858, at the sight of a comet re- 
ported as 

"A wonderful sight in the heavens, equal to a star of the first magnitude; its 
tail 20 to :30 degrees in length situated 2 degrees south of the planet Mars, moving 
southward at the rate of 'i or 4 degrees in 24 hours." 



ANNALvS OF EARLY ATHENS 



517 



In 1854, C. F. Welles, who had purchased the Cook property 
some years before, removed the house, and built one of brick, here 




Residence of Charles F. Welles, Jr., Erected 1854 

shown, wdiich was the family home until his death in 1813. In this 
decade came James A. Bristol, an active business man for many years, 
and who resided here until his death ; erecting soon after his arrival a 
substantial residence on the edge of the town, where he and his wife 
spent their lives. 

In 1858 Joseph M. Ely came to Athens as a preceptor in the Acad- 
emy, a work shared by his wife, who was a granddaughter of a Wyo- 
ming hero, Capt. Asaph Whittelsey. The Ely family have been resi- 
dents of Athens ever since, the present survivors being Joseph Ely and 
Mrs. Julia Kinney. Mr. and Mrs. Ely were among the foremost edu- 
cators of this region, and many pupils hold them in loving remembrance. 

In 1859 Samuel Sawyer removed from the township and purchased 
the lot where his daughter still resides, at the lower end of original vil- 
lage plot. Former occupants had been William Fritcher and William 
Norton. Some of Mr. Sawyer's sons are still active men of the town, 
worthy and respected. 

About 1850 came the family of Lathrop May Allen from Fayette- 
ville, N. Y. He was the son of Hezekiah Allen, a well known lawyer 
of Pittsfield, Mass., and was descended from the same ancestors as Gen- 
eral Ethan Allen, and had an interesting Revolutionary record from his 
mother's family. Lathrop was a soldier in the war of 1812. His son, 
Fayette A. Allen, spent his life in Athens, where his descendants stnll 
reside, Mrs. Joseph Thurston and Eugene Allen. This family long 
had a home at the corner of ]\Iain and Chestnut Streets. In 185() Sam- 
uel B. Hoyt settled in the borough. He was the son of a Sheshequin 
pioneer, Samuel Hoyt. native of Guilford, Ct., who married Mary, 
daughter of Samuel Bartlett, a friend of Ethan Allen, coming from the 
same town, Sunderland, Vermont. Samuel Hoyt, Sr., was a skilled 



518 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

mechanic and builder, and his wife was the tailor ess of the valley, hav- 
ing a most unusual reputation, and employing many assistants. They 
had three daughters and two sons. Samuel, Jr., was for many years toll 
keeper at Sus(|uehanna bridge, and spent his life in Athens, which is still 
the home of his youngest son, Hon. L. T. Hoyt. The other son of Sam- 
uel, Sr., was the well known Giles ]\L Hoyt, whose home for sixty years 
was at Greene's Landing. In 1858 a new foundry was started for the 
manufacture of agricultural implements by Raymond AI. Welles-'"' and 
John and Samuel Blood,-" two brothers, who came to Athens from Al- 
bany, N. Y. This was a thriving industry for many years ; it was lo- 
cated first in the old Welles and Shipman foundry, and then in a new 
building back of the Presbyterian Church, to which Harris Street was 
finally opened. Other industries not mentioned were the extensive car- 
riage shops of A. P. Stevens, and later of James A. Bristol. 

In 18(50 the town was growing decidedly nearer Mile Hill, the pop- 
ulation, according to U. S. Gazetteer of 1858, was 70^. The third 
generation of the pioneer settlers were now the active citizens. Familiar 
names among them were George H. Welles, Horace and John Williston, 
Elisha Satterlee, Jr., Park Mathewson, Guy Tozer 2nd, and his sons ; 
Stephen Hopkins, Curran and Hopkins Herrick, Armstrong Tyler, Ed- 
ward Murray, youngest son of Abner, and John Murray (son of Harris, 
son of Abner), whose father had an early homestead near the State 
Line; Dana Park, Henry Baird, Jesse Spalding, Nathaniel C. Harris, 
who had a mercantile business with Frederick N. Page, son of the Eng- 
lishman Thomas Page, and many others. 

In vain endeavor to give complete annals, and conscious of many 
possible omissions, we are moved to end this chapter in the words of 
Oliver W. Holmes : 

"When life has run its largest round 
Of toil and trouble, joy and woe, 
How brief a storied page is found 
To compass all its outward show." 

-° Raymond Welles, son of Charles F. Welles of Wyalusing, located in Athens about 
this time and married Amelia, daughter of Thomas Page. They made Athens their home for 
many years, and most of their children were born here. They removed from Athens to To- 
wanda, where they still reside. Their children are Charles, Frank, Edward, Arthur and Emma 
(Mrs. George Barton). 

2« They were sons of Ezra Blood of Worcester, Mass., and sixth in descent from Richard 
Blood, who emigrated from England in 1632. John Blood and his third wife (Kate Kennedy) 
are now living in Chicago, where they removed about twenty years ago. Samuel married Ellen 
Angier; he lived and died in the valley; his wife survives him. Their children are Clarence, 
now resident in New York City, and Anna (Mrs. Fearon), now a resident of Sayre. 



CHAPTER XX 

DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION 

Indian Trails — Bridle Paths — ll'ateri^<ays — Post Routes and Stage 
Coaches — Roads — Canals — Railroads 

In these days, when we go flying over the country in auto-cars, 
trolleys and lightning express trains; when we have the ocean grey- 
hound, the tank ship, the whale-back and the oil-pipe lines, it is almost 
impossible to realize the difficulties of transportation in the pioneer 
days ; and the Rural Free Delivery will soon make us forget the time 
when to get a letter to a friend was a difficult and well nigh impossible 
task/ 

It is an oft repeated observation of the average writer that the 
trails of the primitive Indian show his intuitive knowledge of geography 
and locality. Yet to the student these trails are almost invariably known 
to have been the paths taken from one feeding ground to another by the 
wild animals that once filled the forests. They have always proved 
the most accessible and direct routes over mountain ranges, as well as 
along the waterways. It is well known that the great trans-continental 
railways follow the trails of the once great bufTalo herds. Thus the 
natural highways have in many instances become the highways of the 
nations. 

An Indian trail, as described by Lewis H. Morgan in "The League 
of the Iroquois," was from 12 to 18 inches wide, and was often worn 
to the depth of a foot. Indian runners could make a hundred miles a 
day over these trails : the runners took the ])lace of horses. The trails 
following both banks of the Suscjuehanna had been in use for genera- 
tions before the coming of the white man. As Diahoga was an imj)ortant 
point, many trails seem to have met here. Those from the north fol- 
lowed both rivers, converging from the great central trail across New 
York state between the Hudson and Lake Erie. Leading south from 
here was the "Great Warrior Path." Craft says: 

"This began at Tioga, crossing the Chemung at the rifts, near the junction, 
passing to the east side of the river at the fording place near Shcshequin, thence to 
Shamokin (Sunbury) where it joined the West Branch path, and thence to the 
nations of the south and west." 

The Minisink path led from Diahoga castzvard to the Delaware. 
The Shcshequin path was the great thoroughfare to the West Branch; 
this had two trails ; one following Lycoming and Towanda Creeks, the 
other Pine and Sugar Creeks, with numerous cross paths. The latter 

1 Let us give, as an illustration, an episode of early Tioga Point. .A young girl, a be- 
loved daughter of a llarrishurg family, came to visit some friends here. She was seized with 
a prevailing epidemic and died suddenly. A letter was sent to her parents; and, as soon as 
possible, a cofhn was constructed, and a man hired to convey the body by wagon, over the 
mountains to her home. Naturally it was not a rapid journey; yet, when the man arrived with 
his doleful burden, the letter had not yet been received, and his in(iuiry for the home of the 
girl's parents was the first news of the sorrowful happening. 

51» 



530 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATPIENS 

trail passed over Ulster- Mountain (from Oscolui), where it was called 
"the narrow way." 

The early missionary travelers record great difficulty in traversing 
these trails, through swamps, impenetrable thickets and dangerous 
mountain paths, where at times they were even obliged to crawl on 
hands and knees for safety. Across the river from the "narrow way" 
was the famous "Breakneck" path over the Sheshequin Mountain. Sul- 
livan's soldiers reported this as very steep and dangerous, and that they 
here lost their bullocks. A bridle path was maintained over this trail for 
many years. 

When the Indians migrated from Wyalusing to the Ohio, they took 
the path up Sugar Run and down the Loyalsock. Weiser in 1737 came 
up the Muncy path to Tioga, /. c, up the Lycoming to the divide, near 
present Grover, down Towanda Creek to about West Franklin, then 
across to Sugar Creek, down it to Susquehanna, up ^vest side to present 
Ulster. No doubt, all these trails were the bridle paths of pioneer days. 
The river was the natural highway of the Indian and of the pioneers ; 
and the early travel, not by water, was on horseback ; a horse often car- 
rying a number of people, children being counted. Of this valley it 
has been said that Matthias Hollenback in establishing his trade, 
which extended from Wilkes-Barre to Niagara, opened the bridle path 
which was used by many noted travelers between the Great Falls and 
Philadelphia. The pack horses also carried many burdens, the rude 
pack saddle of Indian design having never been excelled in usefulness. 
Sidli van's army had 2,000 pack horses. 

The first regular mails were carried by post-riders on horseback; 
yet in 1803 mail was carried from Wilkes-Barre to. Tioga Point once in 
two weeks by men on foot. Letters for Tioga Point were often ad- 
dressed to the postmaster at Wilkes-Barre. and quite as often sent by 
some friendly hand. The horse was long preferred for a journey. As 
late as 1810 Henry Welles, who was in the State Legislature, wrote for 
a horse to be sent down on a raft for his homeward journey ; and was 
much concerned because there was little indication of the usual "spring 
fresh," fearing no rafts could run to bring horse down. 

As early as 1771 the Assembly declared the Susquehanna a public 
highway. The settlers along the banks proposed to expend a consider- 
able sum to improve the navigation. P'or, while the river was exten- 
sively used, it was by no means easily navigable, as it had been for the 
light birch bark canoe of the red man; yet it was a "fondly cJierished 
dream that the Snsquehaiina ivould become a great commercial high- 
zvay." Therefore the Assembly aided the settlers by appropriating funds 
and appointing commissioners to superintend the work. It was a scheme 
■of some men to make the Susquehanna the route of a public waterway 
between the East and West. Some years later William McClay was em- 
ployed, and the Assembly appointed him in 1783, "to examine the navi- 

" Meginnis, in "Otzinachson," says, "Tlie Wyalusing Path ran up Muncy creek to the 
head, then crossed the Loyal Sock, half a mile from the present crossing of Berwick pike, then 
passed near Dushore, and struck Sugar Run near N. E. corner Sullivan Co.; thence down the 
creek to the river. The great Sheshequin Path ran up Bonsen's Run, thence over to Lycoming 
Creek near mouth of Mill Creek, thence to the head of Lycoming, to the beaver dams, thence 
down Towanda to Sheshequin Flats." 



EVOLUTION OF RIVER TRAFFIC 531 

gation of the Susquehanna river to the sources of the same." Gravel 
bars were cleared away, trees and stumps removed, a channel opened, 
and towpaths made along the rapids. Sometimes a horse was carried in 
the boat or driven along shore, to be used for towing when necessary. In 
a few months the river was made fairly navigable from Wrightsville 
to Wyoming, and later from the Chesapeake to the Xew York State line. 

The canoe, called the dug-out, was the first craft ; hewn from a 
single tree trunk, it could carry several tons. Often a family with all 
their possessions, even live stock, journeyed up the river in one. When 
heavily laden they were managed by a person at each end. who placed 
their iron-pointed "setting poles" upon the bottom of the river, throw- 
ing their whole weight against them. There were women as well as 
men who could use the pole as well as the paddle, and even take a canoe 
across the river when in flood. The men's shoulders were frequently 
calloused by persistent pushing. 

Built boats were first used on the Susquehanna about 1795, whether 
batteaus, Durham boats or keel boats, we are not certain. The Durham 
boat, named for a town on the Delaware, was 60 feet long, 8 feet wide 
and several feet deep, drawing 20 inches of water : the stern and bow 
were sharp and decked ; a running board extended the whole length on 
either side. There was a mast with two sails for occasional use ; a man 
at the stern with a long oar for steering, and two on each side with 
setting poles. The keel boat was similar, often larger ; and when cov- 
ered or roofed was called a barge, looking somewhat like the present 
toy "Noah's Arks." To "push goods up the river" was a regular trade 
for many years. When returning, passengers as well as produce were 
carried. 

Taking lumber to market by rafts has always been a well-known 
industty, but the present generation knows little about arks. In ^larch, 
1800, the first ark that ran the Susquehanna was built at White's saw- 
mill, five miles below Bath, N. Y., on the Conhocton. It was loaded 
with wheat and lumber and created a sensation. The ark was used for 
many years, although more easily wrecked than rafts. They were like 
huge boxes, about 65 feet long, 16 feet wide, pointed at each end and 
sided up with two planks. First the bottom or "ark bed" was framed, 
planked and well caulked, made upside down near the water's edge. 
Then the frame was "turned," a great event when many were built. 
Stern posts, 3 feet high, were set at each point, from which to wield the 
single oar. The oars, called "sweeps," were 30 feet long, made from 
small straight white pine. The sides were fitted on with wooden pins, 
no nails used. It was no unusual sight to see a hundred of them in the 
river at once. Ark building was a great industry at Greene's Eddy, just 
below town, for fifty or sixty years. Grain, shingles, pork and whisky 
were thus easily marketed. "Tioga Point was practically the head of 
navigation on the Susquehanna during the first half of the nineteenth 
centurv." The children well remember their father's tales of arks and 
rafts, and of "the freight boats that were poled up the river, and landed 
at the public square ; there they were unloaded, and contents hauled 
by wagon to central New York and beyond ; a traffic, which began 



533 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

with the tide of migration that swept through Tioga Point to the 
Genesee Valley even before 1800. Gen. Horace Williston thought the 
sunken boat found at Sheshequin was one of these old freighters and 






_ /t? Qo«^ L^-^ o^^^ y-^rv.^ 






not even as old as Sullivan's time. The perils of "running the river" are 
plainly indicated in the letter found among the Hollenback papers, here 
reproduced. The raftsmen and men who ran the arks had .75 per day 
going, $1 at end of journey, and generally walked back. The ark rope 
or hawser was a curiosity, 100 feet long, as big as a man's arm, woven 
of hickory sprouts. 

The boat-horn announced the coming of the boats with mail and 
coveted packages; the horns were couch shells; and the different boats 
often came to be known by the sound of their shells. 

Several efforts were made to introduce improvements in boat con- 
struction, and about 1839 a craft propelled by poles set in motion by 
horse-power machinery was put afloat, called a team-boat ; but they 
were soon abandoned. 

Steamboats having been invented, an eft'ort was made to introduce 
them on the Susquehanna. The idea of navigation was an active one early 
in the century, as learned from letters of Richard Caton, long so san- 
guine as to the future of Tioga Point. In 1801 he writes from Lancaster : 

"The river will I expect open this year, a law is before the legislature for 
the purpose * * * I am sure lands will rise on the opening of the river, * * * I be- 
lieve a safe communication will be made to tide water * * * In five years we shall 
have navigation complete, indeed in this year the bed of the river will be cleared, 
and by next Spring I hope to see lumber float down without difficulty or danger, 
* * * 180.3 We have a fair prospect of getting navigation of river completed from 
Maryland Canal to Columbia. The Governor of Pennsylvania offered in behalf of 
the State to join with Maryland and lay out $40,000 on the work, but Maryland 
legislature is too ignorant * * * but it will prevail in the end. * * *" 1S04 "As you 
will have abundance of water in river, descend with large loads. Maryland Canal 
receives boats."^ 

X We learn from Pearce's "Annals of Luzerne" that it was believed that large vessels 
could be built on the river and floated down to seaboard. Accordingly in 180.S a sloop of 
twelve tons burden was built at Wilkes-Barre, named "John Franklin," after the Yankee hero. 



STEAMBOATS OX THE SUSQUEHANNA 5-23 

In 1810 Henry Welles writes to Caton : 

"Pleased to see Mr. Sterret of Baltimore with a memorial from Maryland 
Canal Co. proposing co-operation with Penna. in improving navigation — an object 
of the first magnitude, which I hope will meet with proper attention. The jealousy 
of Philadelphians will probably retard action, but they cannot coerce trade out of 
its natural course much longer ; for the people on the Susquehanna are becoming 
too numerous and influential in the legislature." 

However, Henry Welles left the Legislature without seeing this 
accomplished. But in 1825, when the wave of "internal improvements" 
struck the Legislature, the canal projectors encountered the sentiment 
of friends of the "river interest," who contended that the Susquehanna 
could and should be improved as a conveyance to the East and South. 
Consequently, in 1826 the canal scheme was only passed by agreeing to 
an appropriation of $20,000, "to remove obstacles above Northumber- 
land," anticipated to be the forerunner of a time when "the Susque- 
hanna would szcartn with steamboats" about said town. The friends of 
the river interest were all ready to prove their theories, and their steam- 
boats were in process of building by Baltimore, Philadelphia and West 
Branch capitalists. Pennsylvanians craved the honor of introducing 
this form of navigation, and before the bill passed, in April, 1826, the 
Codorus, built at York, was on her way up the stream. She was 60 feet 
long, 9 feet beam, with 10 horse-power engine, carried fifty passengers 
and expected to make up stream four miles an hour ; drawing only 8 
inches of water. She ran up the West Branch to Williamsport, back to 
Northumberland, and up to Elmira, heralded by the newspapers of the 
day, and admired by hundreds who flocked to the river, proud that Penn- 
sylvanians had started the first boat. She was warmly welcomed by the 
Athenians, who "now realized their fondest dreams."'* From Elmira 
the Codorus came down around the Point, continued to Binghamton. 
and then turned back, reaching starting point four months after the trip 
began. Capt. Elger. in command, was disappointed, and reported that 
it was a failure for practical purposes. Meanwhile the r)altimore boat, 
the "Susquehanna," was completed and started on a trial trip. Her 
builders were in opposition to the Philadelphia backers of the Codorus; 
and. not without reason, hoped to control the river traffic. Their boat 
was a stern wheeler, 80 feet long, 30 horse-power, carrying one hundred 
passengers. Several business men of Baltimore, three State commis- 
sioners and some up river merchants were among her first passengers. 
She reached Nescopec Falls May 3. Progress had been slow, and as 
these were the most difficult rapids, all but twenty passengers left the 
boat and walked. As she stemmed the current, the assembled crowds 
cheered wildly ; but all too soon ; for in the angriest rapids the boat 

It reached tide-water in safety and a stock company was at once formed, with great anticipations. 
It was at this time that the so-called "Welles' Folly" was built, doubtless anticipating sloops 
might be built and sent from Tioga Point. However, the second sloop was dashed to pieces on 
her trial trip and the bubble burst. 

* The Bradford Settler of May 11, 1826, says: "As she appeared round the bend, she 
was hailed by the firing of a feu de joie, and the ringing of bells. The banks were at once 
lined by hundreds. The Captain was invited to land and partake of a public dinner prepared by 
Mrs. Spalding, at which Judge Herrick (of Tioga Point) presided. The Captain was appro- 
priately addressed by Alpheus Ingham in behalf of citizens of Bradford County." It was re- 
ported that much difficulty had been experienced by the captain for lack of wood, and sug- 
gested that inhabitants along the shore take pains to have dry yellow pine or pitch knots pre- 
pared at convenient places to avoid delay. The above celebration was at Towanda. 



534 OLD TIOGA POINT AXD EARLY ATHENS 

stopped, turned, struck a rock, and the boiler exploded. Several per- 
sons were instantly killed, among whom was a merchant of Owego^ 
William Cam]), grandfather of J. M. Ely, of Athens. The third boat> 
"Pioneer," built by Williamsport people, was abandoned after a trial 
trip, and the high hopes died. 

Among the articles on early Susquehanna navigation, published in 
the Wilkes-Carre Record in ]8(S7, is a note from Samuel Evans, of Co- 
lumbia, cjuoting from minutes made in 1825 by a resident of that town: 
"June I'i, 1825 — The steamboat came here last evening, and it is said 
was engaged in taking ]5arties of j^leasure out * * *" Mr. Evans says it 
arrived at Marietta about June 15, having spent one day getting through 
the falls between Columbia and Marietta, a distance of only two miles 
and a half. Its arrival was welcomed by the entire population, cannon 
were fired, etc., and there was great rejoicing. Mr. Evans speaks of 
this boat as "the Susquehanna ;" also says that pilots were always en- 
gaged at these points to run rafts to tide water, as the current was about 
2G0 feet, water very rapid and course tortuous and rocky, although large 
sums of money were appropriated at different times to improve the 
channel. He said none were surprised at the destruction of the Sus- 
quehanna, though he gives no details. The dates are conflicting, but the 
writer has no enlightening information. 

"In 1834, H. F. Lamb, G. M. Hollenback and others built a boat 
at Owego of 40 horse-power. The first trip to Wilkes-Barre, August, 
1835, was made in eight hours, and the boat was loaded with coal for 
return. On the second trip the shaft was broken at Xanticoke dam, and 
the boat sunk and abandoned. The last trip, as ably described by the 
spirited pen of N. P. Willis in "Rural Letters," is here appended with- 
out the raftsmen's yarns, etc'' 

^ "Navigating the Siisquehannah is very much like dancing 'the cheat.' You are always 
making straight up to a mountain, with no apparent possibility of escaping contact with it, and 
it is an even chance up to the last moment which side of it you are to chassez with the current. 
Meantime the sun seems capering about to all points of the compass, the shadows falling in 
every possible direction, and north, south, east and west, changing places with the familiarity 
of a masquerade. The blindness of the river's course is increased by the innumerable small 
islands in its bosom, whose tall elms and close-set willows meet half-way those from either shore, 
and the current very often dividing above them, it takes an old voyager to choose between the 
shaded alleys, by either of which you would think, Arethusa might have eluded her lover. * * * 
It was somewhat ticklish steering among the rafts and arks with which the river was thronged, 
and we never passed one without getting the raftsman's rude hail. One of them furnished niy 
vocabulary with a new measure of speed. He stood at the stern oar of a shingle raft, gaping 
at us open mouthed, as we came down upon them. 'Wal,' said he, as we shot past, 'you're going 
a good hickory, mister.' Th^:; different modes of expressing surprise became at last quite a 
study to me, yet there were some, who, I think, would not have risen from their elbows if we 
had flown bodily over them. 'When did I descend the Susquehannah on a raft?' you ask. 
Xever, dear Doctor, But / /iott descended it in a steamboat. * * * It is an ni-navigable river 
it is true, and there are some 20 dams between Owego and Wilkes-Barrc, yet, have I steamed it 
from Owego to Wyoming, 150 miles in twelve hours — on the top of a freshet, * * * and now 
you will wonder how a steamer came at Owego. * * * A friend of mine took it into his head 
that as salmon and shad will ascend a fall of 20 ft. in a river,, the propulsive energy of their 
tails might furnish a hint for a steamer that would shoot up dams and rapids. » * * A Con- 
necticut man undertook it — the product of his ingenuity was the steamboat 'Susquehannah,' 
drawing but 18 in., having besides her side-paddles an immense wheel in the stern, which, play- 
ing in the slack water of the boat, would drive her up Niagara, if she would but hold together. 
• * * Altogether she was a neat piece of contrivance, and promised fairly to answer the pur- 
pose. I think she had made three trips when she broke a shaft, and the canal was half com- 
pleted between her two havens before the experiment succeeded. The proprietors determined 
to run her down the river to sell, and I was invited to join in the trip. * * * We got off in the 
usual style of a steamboat departure and with a stream running at five knots, and paddles cal- 
culated to mount a cascade, we could not fail to take the river in gallant style, and before we 
had regulated our wood-piles and pantry (most of the crew were the passengers) we were backing 
water at Athens 20 miles on our way." 



FERRIES AND BRIDGES 525 

In 1849, in one of the lapses of canal construction, the "Wyoming" 
was built at Tunkhannock, a steamboat made to carry -iO tons of coal, 
and for three years this plied between the Wyoming coal fields and 
Athens, carrying grain and produce in return. This drew a crowd on 
every trip, landing in Athens at the foot of Ferry Street ; but could only 
run when the river was high, so proved to be unprofitable. The last 
steamboat for trade was the "Enterprise," built and launched at Bain- 
bridge. N. Y. in 1851 ; soon grounded in shallow water, and left to rot. 
The navigation of the Susquehanna was impossible, and the air castles 
of two generations tumbled. Various small steamboats, built at Owego 
for local use. whenever run down the river have been overtaken by dis- 
aster, like their predecessors. The last one passed Athens in 1889, and 
to-day the upper Susquehanna is navigated only by the light canoe or 
the flat bottomed house boat. 

Ferries and Bridges. 

There were no bridges in pioneer days, but innumerable ferries. 
The Assembly fixed the rates and legislated as to their maintenance ; and 
sometimes the Penns claimed an interest, gave licenses and converted 
them into monopolies. The first ferry at Tioga Point was Moore's, 
across the Susquehanna, just below the Island, opened in 1785. later 
known as Park's. Elisha Satterlee gave name to the next, which he 
established in 1790 between his home and the foot of Ferry Street. 
There is no record of first use of the one across the Chemung, just 
above present bridge, but it was very early. In 1794 Nehemiah North- 
rup. a settler on land now H. Baldwin's farm, opened a ferry farther 
south than Moore's, from his land to the Point, which became the pop- 
ular ferry for Sheshequin people.'^ 

In time the Legislature established regulations for erecting bridges. 
If any individual was willing to embark in the enterprise the law allowed 
him all the receipts, and a so-called "Bridge Company" likewise. The 
first bridge over the Chemung was built in 1820 by a stock company, 
but it had been under consideration for ten years, as shown by annexed 
extracts from letters of Henry Welles, when member of Legislature, and 
by David Paine to him, eight years later: 

"Lancaster. Feb. 15. 1810. Overton and Cash have been here with the projects 
for the road and bridge * * * there will be no great difficulty in getting the neces- 
sary acts passed here — the job is at Tioga — I am doubtful whether any one would 
subscribe to bridge erection, perhaps a year or two may bring it about * * * the 
people are very careless or have much reliance in their representatives, to ask for a 
Bridge constitution which ties them up to certain defined terms, without even men- 
tioning what terms they want — what prices shall be fixed for crossing over it when 
built * * * however I will get as nigh right as I can — its a very desirable object." 

" Miss Polly Lowe, ninety-three years old, says Northrup's ferry was still in operation 
when she was a young girl. That they had a veritable fleet of boats of different sizes for horse 
and foot passengers, that they were poled or rowed across the river, no wire or windlass as 
nowadays; that Nehemiah was a fine man, and that "his sons did swear awfully when they were 
ferrying you over." Aunt Polly lived in Sheshequin, and remembers well the various boats for 
freight, "some covered and some not;" also the steamboats and the first carriage of coal up the 
river. She adds, "father was a blacksmith, and before Barclay coal was known he used to 
drive across the country to Blossburg to get coal to use in his smithy; and also when mother 
wanted to do a big baking she borrowed some of father's coal to help along the fire." Showing 
that no doubt it was the wives of the blacksmiths who first learned the value of coal as a 
cooking fuel. 



526 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

1818. "I have something to say about our bridge. I find by examining Bridge 
Law, by which we are to be governed that we were under obligations to com- 
mence procedure within three years from passage of the law, and to finish the 
Bridge within seven years. Now more than three years have expired since passage 
of the law, therefore, unless obtaining subscribers for stock be considered a com- 
mencement, the privileges are forfeited, and we have no control over subscriptions 
already obtained. As this is an important matter do ascertain legal opinions rela- 
tive thereto. Our boasting- Doctor's $2500. has dwindled away to — O — he is 
therefore secretly desirous the bridge shall not be built at all * * * Satterlee talks 
boastingly, but neglects to do, * * * and A. Murray is a very poor man — you 
know — "Tis therefore Jno. Spalding has engaged to promote the matter, and 
obtain subscribers to the stock. He will subscribe $1000, thinks he can obtain one 
or two thousands more provided tJie bridge shall be built dotvn opposite his 
premises. 1 understand that you would do something more provided it was built 
below than for the upper place. If we can control stock already subscribed, there 
is little doubt we may accomplish the object, by building it at the lower place. 
You will therefore see the propriety of having the law extended, that we may 
retain the power of benefitting by it, as circumstances may justify." — D. Paine. 

The bridge, when built, must have been a flimsy affair, as it went 
out in a flood in 1833 and was rebuilt in 1836. It was then a covered 
bridge, with wooden piers. Rufus Wright was the earHest toll keeper 
of whom we have record. But the one best remembered after him was 
the genial Welshman, William Parry, who knew 
everybody passing, and their business. 

The old bridge and turnpike seals were found 
among the papers of Clement Paine. 

In 18";iT a company was incorporated by act of 
Legislature to erect a bridge over the Susquehanna at 
or near Athens. Commissioners were appointed 
( Charles Comstock, John Spalding 2nd and Samuel 
Ovenshire ) to procure subscriptions, etc. Nothing 
was done for ten years, when the matter was brought 
to an issue by the energy and means of Scotch 

William Parry ThompSOU. 

The next bridge to be built in the township was the one now known 
as "Tozer's Bridge," over the Chemung, also built by a stock company 
about 1836, called the "Athens Farmers' Association Bridge," capital 
stock $3500. The bridge over the Su.squehanna was built in 1841. 
Richard or "Dick" Durbin, as he was familiarly called, and William 
Bishop were contractors. James Wilson was one of the workers on this 
bridge, and shortly before its completion had the misfortune to fall from 
a girder and break his leg. Compensation was granted for this injury 
by installing "Jim" as toll keeper before the structure was finished. 
This position he held for two or three months, being allowed to pocket 
the tolls. 

While the wooden piers have been replaced by stone, and the bridge 
repaired, until doubtless little of the original work remains, in appear- 
ance it is the same as when first built. The street leading to this bridge 
was first opened at this time, 1842, the land being given therefor by 
the "Athens Bridge Company," Judge Herrick and Thos. R. Davies. 

To return to the development of the highways, the first road to and 
through this settlement was that constructed by General Sullivan's 




FIRST PUBLIC ROADS 527 




The Old Susquehanna Bridge 

Photographed by Miss lyaing, 1898 

army, very much the same as the road now leading from the Stone 
House directly up Alain Street, which street is as Jenkins surveyed 
it in 1786. 

The first public road coming from the south was a tolerable wagon 
road from Wysox to Tioga Point, built in 1789. The court was peti- 
tioned to establish the same, which was done in 1794, as "the Old Stage 
Road."' Previous to this, however, were the so-called 

"Observations of the Road Committee on the Utility and Importance of the Roads 
proposed to be Laid Open in Northampton and Luzerne," 

found in Pennsylvania Archives, third series, \^ol. XVIII, which sug- 
gested that a road to Tioga Point would help to quell disorders, open 
new lands, and by giving an opportunity for grazing lands, provide suffi- 
cient beef, and thus avoid importation from Ireland. This report is 
worthy of perusal. Walker says : 

"In 1792 the road east of the Susquehanna was laid out from Col. Satterlee's 
to the State Line. In 1809 from Satterlee's to Moses Park's. In 1S12 from Slieshe- 
quin to the Point via Northrup and Park (or Moore) ferries. In 1813 from Mur- 
ray Creek bridge to Colonel Tozer's (now known as the Chemung Narrows). In 

"After writing found this record: "We the subscribers being appointed a Committee 
by the Court of Quarter Sessions, within and for the County of Luzerne, (m the first Tuesday 
of June 1789 to Lay out a road not exceeding fifty feet wide from Wysox Creek to Tioga Point, 
have, according to the power given us, viewed and Laid out a Road according to the following 
courses, (viz) beginning at the fording place at Wysox Creek and extending to Col. Holenback's 
Store. Simon Spalding ^ 

Obadiah Gore / 

"A Return of the Sheshikwonock Road. fEmAL" FRf^Klir f Committee." 

ToHN Fuller I 

Samuel Wybur.n' J 

Also, "In 1799 a road was reported to begin at Col. EHsha Satterlee's, and thence 
entirely over the high land to the Forks of the Wyalusing." 

These roads were very different from those of to-day, full of rocks and stumps; fording 
the streams, unless a rude bridge was constructed of round or split logs laid on string pieces; 
and the sloughs and marslies laid in corduroy, that is logs laid close together. 



528 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

1814 Paine Street and Satterlee Creek road (now Ferry Street). In 1821 road up 
Murray Creek. In 1S21 Athens to State line. In 1831 Elmira Street from Athens 
to State Line." 

Walker omits .several important roads and turnpikes. In 1821 
Zephon Flower and W. D. Bacon were appointed to survey a road west- 
erly. This road began, so they reported, one mile below Athens (no 
doubt at Greene's Landing), thence across Smithfield and Columbia, to 
Tioga County. Earlier still, about 1817, was constructed a road from 
Berwick to Newtown by an incorporated company called the Susque- 
hanna and Tioga Turnpike Company,^ though the road was always 
popularly called the "Berwick Turnpike." While this turnpike did not 
touch Tioga Point directly, over it came swarms of settlers for this 
region. That this turnpike was under consideration for many years is 
shown by old letters. When Henry Welles was in the Legislature, in 
1810, he wrote to R. Caton : 

"I went to Philadelphia in Jan. for the purpose of trying to get the route of 
Berwick road changed, so that it may come round by the Point, and have suc- 
ceeded on condition that the inhabitants about there should make the road from 
Towanda to the line, which will cost from eleven to twelve thousand dollars. 
This they have agreed to do, and have subscribed $8000, so I have sanguine hopes. 
I think it will be extended to Cayuga Lake, and be a very useful road." 

This project failed, the road eventually being built through Smith- 
field and Ridgeberry, some miles west of the Point." 

"About this time a turnpike mania seemed to seize the people ; the Susque- 
hanna and Tioga Turnpike was constructed at enormous expense to the state and 
individual stockholders, but the stock became valueless and the road was aban- 
doned." — Pearce's Annals. 

The "Genesee" road antedated the Berwick. About 1800 the rich 
valley of the Genesee River, opened for settlement, became the popular 
rage. To accommodate the great tide of travel and develop their own 
section, parties living above Muncy opened the Genesee road from 
Muncy to Towanda Creek, where it intersected the State road leading 
through Tioga Point. Hordes of emigrants from Maryland, Virginia 
and southern Pennsylvania passed this route, often 30 wagons (mostly 
Conestogas) bivouacking at a given point over night. The Berwick 
turnpike diverted travel from the Genesee road, parts of it were ab- 
sorbed into township roads, or abandoned, and to-day little or no trace 
of it is found. 

^ Halsey describes the origin of turnpikes. The demand for roads about 1800 was far 
greater than authorities could satisfy, therefore charters were granted to so-called "turnpike 
companies" of men who built and maintained roads for the privilege of imposing tolls. Wealthy 
land owners were naturally willing to invest in order to have their lands made accessible. Little 
grading was done, as travelers knew to their sorrow, primitive "tote roads" being often con- 
verted into toll roads with little labor, as the one from Wattles Ferry to CatskilJ, which became 
a great highway, much used by the people of Tioga Point. (From "Old New York Frontier.") 

"When the Berwick turnpike was under consideration a. letter was written from Smith- 
field to Rowland Langford, Tyningham, Mass., which reads as follows: "I have bought a lot 
for you — I expect this will be a country of business. We have commissioners from the citty 
of Philadelphia a laying out a turnpike road to Buffalo. * * ♦ If possible you must not fail 
of coming in this fall. — I think you can come here cheaper in a waggon than any other way, 
you can pay a great many expenses with nails, — if the turnpike goes through there will be a 
great deal of building in this town. * * * I will give you some directions where to inquire for. 
After you have crossed Hudson river get onto the Catskill turnpike, and keep that till you get 
to the Susquehannah river, then go to chenango point, then to tioga point, then to Smithfield 
so no more at present. William Nichol. 

"P. S. We have just received a letter from the turnpike viewers that it will be estab- 
lished on the line that goes across my farm." 



TURNPIKES AND TOLL GATES 



529 




Another turnpike, of even greater importance, was the Cayuga 
and Susquehanna Turnpike. In 1813 the Legislature of New York in- 
corporated a company to build "a good and sufficient road to begin at or 
near the head of Cayuga Lake, thence south to the new courthouse in 
Tioga County, thence to north line of Pennsylvania at or near Chap- 
man's mills" (Alilltown). Some subscribers, if not the whole company, 
were Athenians or Pennsylvanians. At a later date John Franklin was 
president of this company, as seen by certificates in our Museum. The 
Pennsylvania Legislature advanced $6,000 for building this road. The 
first toll gate on this turnpike was close to the present power house, 
above Spring's Cor- 
ners, and the first /^ 

gate keeper was John ( r\J^ KlfR/^ ^ ^'\ Q 
W. Van Gordon. ^J^y^n. OO ^d e<n ^jz^^ cTV^ 
Observe the spelling /V /'^ 

of the name, now {y ^ 

known as Vangorder. 

Over this turnpike there was much traffic both ways. Previous to its 
completion the window glass for Abner Murray's house, built in 1807, 
was brought by wagon from Ithaca over a rough road. On the way 
the wagon upset, and much of the glass was broken. No other could 
be obtained, and all the broken panes were carefully set in the back 
windows, to be seen to this day. An interesting. petition, signed by 
various inhabitants of Athens Township, to the Legislature of Penn- 
sylvania, requests that Shepard's Creek "or Cayuta" may be declared 
a public highway from its mouth to the State line, since the New York 
Legislature had declared the rest of it to be such. 

There was a great inland trade over this "Ithaca turnpike ;" coal go- 
ing north, and salt, plaster and grain seed coming south : 

"Owing to the embargo of 1812 and 1S13 the farmers of interior were unable 
to procure plaster from the seaboard and were compelled to use New York plaster 
conveyed in sleds or wagons on the turnpike, or arks on the Susquehanna." — • 
Pearce. 




o::^ ^.r 







•^ Vl^,>'' 



530 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Post Routes and Stage Coaches. 

The method of transportation that should next engage attention is 
the old-fashioned stage, carrying both mail and passengers. Mrs. 
Perkins, in "Early Times," gives a pretty full account of these, so we 
will only supplement it. 

During the first session of the Sixth Congress, April 23, 1800, the 
first post road in this region was established, viz. : "From Wilkes-Barre 
by JVyalusing to Athens," also from Athens by Newtown, Painted Post 
and Bath to Canandaigua. On this route two post offices were estab- 
lished in this county, Wyalusing and Athens ; Mowbrey and Peck were 
mail carriers ; they traveled on foot once in two weeks. Evidently next 
came Bart Seely on horseback. In 1810 Conrad Teeter" contracted with 
the Government to carry mail once a week from Sunbury to Painted 
Post via Athens. The Sixth Congress also established a mail route from 
the Hudson "by way of Kaatskill to Owego and Tioga Point." This 
was certainly a great advance for the whole region. Conrad Teeter was 
as enterprising as he was jovial. Beginning with a small one-horse 
wagon, he soon had a team, and by 1816 a four-horse conveyance, 
though from the start he always spoke of his "coach and four." He 
always reined up with a crack of the whip and a cheery salutation to the 
waiting crowd, eager for news. It is but a few months since we were 
told a story of this stage driver, which had been transmitted by word 
of mouth through five generations — for a hundred years ! 

The first stage at Owego was a three-horse lumber wagon with 
hickory poles bent to form a top, covered with canvas. In 1816 the stage 
route from Owego to Bath was opened, which ran twice a week by 
Athens, where it was advertised passengers would breakfast both ways, 
I)resumably at "Saltmarsh's public" (still standing at corner of Main 
and Tioga) ; as the advertisement says: 

"Apply for scats at Saltmarsh's. Persons travelling from New York, or any 
of the Eastern states to the S. W. states will find this the shortest, cheapest, and 
most expeditious route. Good teams, careful drivers, good stage houses promised." 

In the later days of stage coaching passengers often got out and 
walked across "the loop" at Factoryville, while the stage ran to Tioga 
Point. In our personal recollection the stages ran from the Erie road 
at Waverly to Towanda for some years, just previous to 1860. We 
well remember the great lumbering vehicle, painted red, with its win- 
dows, trunk rack behind, and, in pleasant weather, highly coveted seats 
with the driver. John Beaman was the last stage driver, a man as jovial 
and well to be remembered as the first driver, Conrad Teeter. The last 
stopping place of the stage in Athens was at the Exchange Hotel, and 
its arrival semi-daily was an event of great interest to the inquisitive 
landlord, and to the children across the way. Many of our best known 

'' Conrad Teeter was a large, fat man of jovial disposition, and desirous of making a 
favorable impression on strangers. He drove his oivn stage. He took pleasure in pointing 
out his farms to the passengers, frequently claiming the finest ones along the way. If asked 
why he drove stage, would reply that he loved to rein four horses and drive, but had no taste 
for farming. There was certainly an exhilaration in seeing those great four-horse coaches 
rolling into town; the driver, proud of his steeds and proud of his skill, cracking his long 
whip, and sometimes blowing his horn. In those days the driver was an important personage, 
famed for his knowledge of people and places, and his fund of good yarns. As a repository of 
local history he was and is unequalled. 



THE NORTH BRANCH CANAL 531 

early inhabitants came in connection with the post routes/^ viz. : the 
Saltmarshes, Justin Forbes and Ebenezer Backus. The Saltniarsh 
brothers ran the first stage to Ithaca, whither the route was extended 
from Wilkes-Barre in 1820. The lake regions were most anxious to 
be connected with the "post towns." "One could travel by stage to 
New York via Newburgh, a three days' painful journey" ; and lines of 
coaches of excellent type were early established by parties in Elmira 
and Owego, Concord coaches and gaily caparisoned horses replacing 
the rude Jersey wagon of earlier days. 

Our consideration of transportation would hardly be complete with- 
out some mention of the introduction and evolution of the carriage. The 
heavy ox-cart was followed by the gig, an almost springless two-wheeled 
vehicle much more an object of curiosity in 1860 than now. when it has 
been made familiar to us all in the two-wheeled cart. This was fol- 
lowed by the chaise or "shay." The first of these brought into the valley 
was by Col. Joseph Kingsbery at Sheshequin ; it greatly excited the 
envy of his neighbors, who scornfully said, "The rich can ride in chaises, 
etc." ! Elisha Ely, father of Mrs. Abner Murray. 2rid, brought the first 
one to Owego. The carryall and Concord were the roomy family con- 
veyances of later days. 

The North Branch Canal. 

The State of New York, under the wise administration of DeWitt 
Clinton, was the first to commence the great plan of "Internal Communi- 
cation," but Pennsylvania was a close second. The completion of the 
Erie Canal, ''that important ivork zvhich the eye of Washington foresaw 
and the talents of Clinton completed," gave an impulse to "the great 
cause of Internal Improvements." The Erie Canal opened up such com- 
mercial possibilities that Philadelphia capitalists were anxious to have 
a canal system for Pennsylvania. Commissioners were appointed by 
Legislature in 1824 to examine routes along the Susquehanna, anticipat- 
ing a canal to the lake country. In 1825 meetings were held at various 
points, previous to the canal convention at Harrisburg, to discuss the 
subject and appoint delegates. Thanks to Mr. Herrick, extracts are here 
given from a letter hitherto unknown even to the family of the writer, 
which at the present day seems amusingly interesting. February 16, 
1825, C. F. Welles, Sr., writes to his brother that he has been asked "to 
go to the Senate next fall." and mentions as a special inducement : 

"A desire to make myself strong in the county by leading the Canal Fever 
(which you will snuff at) and I have made a fair beginning. You will see our 
proceedings. Herrick chn. Kingsbery and IV dies! Secretaries. K — y has been 
trying to ride this horse, but is unhorsed. He talked a good deal about the Ale- 
ghany Coal (that we have nothing to do with) * * * he was on the off track & 
every body was disgusted. I took the smooth and pleasant course * * * made a 
round set speech of half an hour, (greatly to my own surprise) to a very attentive 
audience. My maiden speech. My subject was the entire deficiency of Good iron 
throughout New York, Vermont, Canada & Ohio (the Canal World). The su- 
periority of Pennsylvania rock ore, of which we are finding numerous bodies in 
this county near Towanda. The entire deficiency of mineral coal throughout New 

11 In 1814 Samuel Ovenshire and Nathaniel Flower were appointed to carry mail from 
Athens to Newburgh, N. Y., via Ithaca, one round trip a week. The trip was made on horse 
back for three years, the men alternating. The money thus earned is said to have been the 
foundation of their fortunes. 



532 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

York, Vermont & the whole region of the Lakes, & the geological reasons upon 
which it is concluded that none exists in that vast range of country. The cer- 
tainty that America must manufacture. The probability that the West District 
of New York would manufacture for herself & the whole range of Lake Countries 
& Canada, (when severed from G. Britain) The certainty that the W. D. of N. Y. 
could do this at a secure advantage if she possessed coal at cheap rates when sur- 
rounding countries have it not. The certainty that at a very short period that 
country thro' manufactures etc. would possess a dense population like Europe. 
Tlie certainty that natural supplies of wood must soon fail in a fertile & popu- 
lous country. The fact that coal is more advantageous than wood for Arts & 
Manufactures even when wood is abundant. Tlie fact that the coal of Towanda 
is the nearest liody that the W. Dist can reach. That the iron of Towanda is the 
nearest of good quality also. And finally that from these facts the Towanda Iron 
Ore may be brought to immediate value, & that the Coal would when produceable 
upon the Cayuga sell to the e.xtent of 1000 tons & that the demand would increase 
until it would become sufficient to remove the Towanda mountains. It now sells 
for $8 & 11 per ton tho' the credit of it has been hurt by some knaves who sold the 
coal slate to the Ithacans. The immediate sale for smiths on the lake and canal is 
estimated as certain at 1000 tons for the first year. Out of all these matters I 
made a set .speech * * * & hope you will think there is really enough in it to pre- 
vent throwing cold water on the plan at Harrisburg — as enemies are eager to say 
that you will. All N Y (west of Cayuga) are for the Newtown route, it is certain 
that one will be opened & surely you will not injure the prospects of the route that 
leads to Tioga Point * * * Dewitt Clinton has said that he will personally examine 
the route next summer and we intend to invite him to examine the Towanda coal 
mines, and the track for an extension of the canal from State line to the mouth of 
Shrader branch IS miles from Tioga Point. The Coal Mine Canal is my project 
& I am glad to see that H — k & K — y shake their. heads at it * * * they dont 
see the length of their noses." 

The enthusiastic young man did not receive the nomination, but 
was in attendance at Harrisburg when "the Great Canal Bill" was 
passed. To-day little is known of "Towanda Iron C)re ;" and Barclay 
coal is not so highly prized. An effort was made at this time to have 
a canal from Tioga Point to Cayuga Lake. 

"The Pennsylvania Canal Convention" was held at IIarrisbiu"g 
August 4-5-(), 1825, with delegates from each county; Judge Herrick, 
of Athens, represented Bradford. The canal system was decided to be 
a necessary improvement, and a beneficial investment for state resources. 
It was urged that all local projects ought to yield to this, and the people 
were earnestly recommended to direct their attention to this important 
subject before the next meeting of the Legislature.^- In accordance 
with these resolutions, a "general improvement act" was passed, pro- 
viding for a great canal system at a cost of 84:0,000,000. Work was be- 
gun in 1827 ; the North Branch, from Nanticoke to the State line, was 
left to the last. State agents came through this locality, however, in 
1827, and obtained many releases for right-of-way.^-'' Chief Engineer 

^ The "Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Canal Convention," now a very rare pamphlet, 
may be found in the Herrick Collection in Tioga Point Museum. 

^^ Among the Herrick papers was found a newspaper clipping, dated July, 1827, which 
indicates the sentiment of the common people. It is headed, "By request — Copy verbatim et 
literatim of a letter said to be found near Tioga Point — 'Brother Jorthum. The Indianers 
ai'e all come up to see bout the grate Karnall; think tha call it — some of lun look plagey gen- 
teel, they're going to make a grate gutter all along the river bank, sos bots and evry thing can 
go in it, but Kusen Slocum duzent like the looks of them yung fellars, and got mad tother day 
about the Karnall & sed he'd * » ♦ never go down the river in such a nasty gutter as that 
would be — and he gess'd no Yankee boy wud as long as tha cud go on the river in haf the 
time in thare own way » * « tha sa unkle Sam duzent vera well like all this purade bout 
the Indianears Karnal and such like — he says it will make bundations of taxes, but we dont 
care about that, father he pays all them. » » » Now Jorthum I want to know what you 
think of all this hear. — Tabitha.' " 



NORTH BRANCH CANAL COMPANY 533 

Randall surveyed the route in 1830. The work in Bradford County 
progressed very slowly and was suspended in 1838. 

"Public sentiment underwent a change; the canals had entailed a heavy debt, 
they had been a football among politicians and yielded little or no revenue." 

At this period it was said that Governor Wolf always made the 
North Branch Canal a favorite measure, zvhen the vote of the North zvas 
zcaiited, but always had a coterie of friends ready to vote against any 
measure for its advancement. In September, 1841, in his campaign for 
re-election, Governor Porter visited Athens to inspect the public works. 
He made a speech very flattering to the people, and said of the canal that 
he had "its completion very much at heart." The town felt that it had a 
great boom in sight. Building lots were plotted out by several parties, 
who advertised in glowing terms the advantages of their particular loca- 
tion on the completion of the canal. But the project continued to lan- 
guish. Meetings to promote prompt legislation on the subject were held 
at Athens, Towanda and Tunkhannock at intervals soon after the Gov- 
ernor's visit ; all in vain. Rumors were afloat that the Legislature pro- 
posed to sell all the public works in the State to pay the State debt. 

"Jan 1, 1S42 A convention was held at Towanda of citizens from Bradford, 
Luzerne. Susquehanna and Columbia. Resolved. That the President appoint a 
committee of forty whose duty it shall be to collect all possible statistical infor- 
mation touching the North Branch Extension, and embrace same in a memorial 
to present to Legislature * * * This can perhaps best be done by showing 
the resources of our Valley ; whether of coal, iron, lumber or produce ; and the 
probable markets for either ; thereby conveying some idea of the vast amount of 
business which will be done to the great benefit of the State, when the canal shall 
have been finished, etc., etc. ' George A. Mix, Chairman." 

On the list of forty were Edward Herrick, Sr., Nathaniel Clapp, 
Lemuel S. Ellsworth and George H. Welles of Athens. We know of 
this only from papers of Judge Herrick. 

"Improvement meetings'" continued to be held in this coimty, where 
no benefit had yet been derived from the heavy taxation. The canal 
work was much injured by the severe flood of February, 1843. At this 
time Col. Foster was canal engineer, residing at Athens. In 1842 there 
were meetings to consider raising funds in the county to complete the 
work. Judge Herrick was one of the most active. The Legislature 
finally voted to incorporate the North Branch Canal Company, and put 
the work in their hands on certain conditions. The company failed to 
raise the necessary funds, and the Commonwealth again undertook the 
work about 1849 ; and after further suspensions, etc., it was practically 
completed in 1856, twenty years in building, twenty-two years after the 
inception. The annexed note is enlightening.^* 

To connect the North Branch Canal with the New York system, 
the Junction Canal from the State line to Elmira was projected in 1846, 
to be built by private enterprise ; chiefly John Arnot of Elmira, Chas. F. 
Welles of Athens, Geo. M. Hollenback of Wilkes-Barre, and Judge La- 
porte of Towanda. Legislative permission was obtained in 1846 and 

''■^Bradford Argus, Aug. 28, 1852: "No tidings have as yet been received from the long 
looked for allotments on the North Branch Canal. The lettings took place some six weeks 
since. We are not surprised at the conduct of the Canal Board in this matter, for they have 
and will stoop to almost anything for the purpose of swindling the state." (The lettings took 
place July 22d.) 



534 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

18,53, at which later date ground was broken, and according to the Ehnira 
Advertiser of March riil, 1854, "the meeting of the waters was effected 
the following Spring." Another enlightening note is appended in this 
connection/'^' There was also a projected "Chenango Extension Canal," 
which, like the Junction Canal, was largely a project of Col. Welles, as 
enthusiastic a leader of the "Canal force" as his father had been thirty 
years before. Excavations were begun for this from east side of the 
Chemung pool and are visible to-day south of railroad embankment'at 
east side of bridge. As the North Branch Canal approached completion, 
the construction was found very defective, due to political favoritism, 
careless engineers and lack of proper tools. The workmen were raw 
Irishmen, many having emigrated for the purpose. The canal was dug 
with pick and shovel, through loose soil and rocks near the river bank, 
all removed in wheelbarrows, to make the tow-path between canal and 
river. When the water was let in there was a heavy leakage, which 
created a strong current on the levels; the "ditch" would not fill. The 
banks frequently gave way, and when the river was low the matter was 
worse. At last David Rahm, an experienced canal builder, was brought 
from Catawissa. Land containing clay beds was purchased below 
Milan ; a deeper ditch was dug next the tow-path and spread with clay. 
This was called "lining the canal" and was temporarily effective. The 
canal was designed for boats carrying 80 tons. There was a dam at 
Athens near the end of Harris Street, above which for two miles the 
canal was in the Chemung River, operated by slack water. Four locks 
were constructed, the intake at the dam, the outlet at head of Chemung 
narrows, the high lock, and at the junction near Tutelowtown the weigh 
lock, with a weigh master in attendance. This contained a cradle of 
heavy timber, in which the boat rested ; the water was drawn off, and 
the boat lifted and weighed by an ingenious system of pulleys and 
weights. 

In 1854 a canal boat yard was established over against the hill, west 
of town, by Joseph Burt and John Drake, house carpenters, who soon 
found there was more to boat building than they had thought. They 
engaged Jabez Stone, of Mansfield, who had long been at work for 
New York canals. Jabez was an expert, and the vicinity of the boat 
yard was long known as Stoneport. The first boat finished was the 
Colonel Clover, probably a passenger boat, called a "packet." In Octo- 
ber of the same year Captain Wheaton Loomis brought a packet boat 
through the Junction Canal, intending to run between Elmira and 
Wilkes-Barre ; but the canal was not in good enough shape. Therefore 
he ran the "St. Louis" from the end of Canal Street (now Elm) to 
Towanda ; the trip occupied four hours. This passenger packet ])roved 
attractive and hurt the business of the daily stage, and in the winter of 
1856 Jabez Stone built a light packet boat, called the Gazelle, solely for 
passengers. Its first trip was to carry Towanda firemen to Athens for a 
]:;arade, July 4, 1850. Meals were served on board ; it was practically 

^^ Bradford Argus, Sept. 4, 1852: "The stock of the Junction Canal having all been 
taken, it is now a matter of some interest to know what will be the excuse of Gov. Bigler for 
witholding the money for the North Branch. Contractors and laborers are complaining that 
their pay for some months past is still witheld, and we have heard of instances where they have 
had to stand enormous sliaves in order to get money whicli should have been theirs long since." 



COAL TRAFFIC WITH WEST BEGUN 535 

an all-day trip, and great was the delight of the children if they could 
go to Towanda on the Gazelle ; to duck heads at the bridges, even to fall 
in the raging canal was joy indeed. This boat was run by Means Watts 
and Syke Smith. Indeed it was at the instigation of Smith and Powell, 
owners of the stage route, that the Gazelle was built. They controlled 
the packet ; the stage ran from Waverly to Stoneport, where both mail 
and passengers were transferred to the Gazelle. Loomis and his packet 
retired from business after some competition. Henceforth, until the 
abandonment of the canal, Stoneport was an active center of business. 
Freight rates were low, .90 from the mines to Athens per ton of coal. 
And not only coal, but all heavy freight was now brought to town, and 
country produce carried to the city markets by the canal. Jabez Stone, 
and after him his son P. J. Stone, built boats, and boats, and boats. 
Stoneport boasted a store-house, a canal grocery and a canal barn ; and 
with the loading and unloading, coming and going, was a veritable hive 
of industry. The great flood of 1865 practically destroyed it and ruined 
the fortunes of the boat builders. Though somewhat restored with the 
help of the Canal Company, the flood of 1870 was again destructive. 
With that misfortune, and the coming of the railroad, Stoneport passed 
away. 

In November, 1856, two boats laden with coal started from Pittston 
for Weston, New York. They had only half cargoes, and were drawn 
by double teams, but it was with great difficulty they reached their desti- 
nation. However, the much longed for coal traffic had begun. July 14, 
1858, five boatloads of coal left Pittston for Elmira. thence by Chemung 
Canal to Rochester, thence to Bufi^alo. There the coal was transferred 
to a steamboat, reaching Cleveland August 8th, the first cargo from 
Luzerne ; it retailed at $8.50 per ton. By the end of that year 38,000 tons 
had been shipped to New York State. 

While there was considerable opposition to giving right-of-way 
for the canal, and some claims for various damages brought against the 
company ; unquestionably the opening of "the ditch" for traffic was of 
inestimable benefit to not only this community, but all the inhabitants 
of the Susquehanna Valley. 

In 1858 the Legislature sold some of the State Canals.^" The Brad- 
ford Argus, June 10, 1858, has the following paragraph relating to a 
company which was organized for the purpose of purchasing the upper 
North Branch division : 

"It is with much pleasure that we are able to announce that this improvement 
(North Branch Canal) has been purchased by citizens of our own and adjoining 
counties. The purchase has been consummated, and the company has complete pos- 
session of the work from Northumberland to the State Line. The price paid the 
Snnbury and Krie R. R. company is $1,500,000. Tlie managers of the new North 
Branch Canal Company are G. M. Hollenback, John La Porte, G. F. Mason, H. M. 
Fuller, H. B. Wright, Col. Charles F. Welles Jr. ; Col. Welles is President and Col. 
Hollenback is Treasurer of the company." 

"Act for Sale of Canals, approved April 21, 1858: "Provides for the sale of the Dela- 
ware division, lower and upper North Branch divisions, and Susquehanna division of the State 
Canals, to Sunbury & Erie R. R. Co. for $3,500,000, sd. company to issue bonds to the amt. 
of $7,000,000 @ 5 per cent.; also to keep canal open and in good repair, * * forbidding any 
excess of tolls over schedule of 1856." — 



536 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

This company soon sold the portion below Wilkes-Barre, reserving 
104 miles. 1 leadciuarters were at Athens, and the "canal office," now 
the house of Dr. Joachim, was erected in the southwest corner of Col- 
onel Welles' house lot, and a private telegraph line was soon established 
from Athens to Waverly, the first in the region. The total tonnage for 
1859 was 88,115 ; 1188 boats south, 1210 boats north ; a goodly showing. 
Colonel Welles, who was the father of this latest scheme, remarked this 
year, that he wanted no better heritage for his children than his share 
in the North Branch Canal. It was the most promising business of 
the locality. 

It was in connection with canal traffic that Elm Street was opened 
through the property of Thomas R. and Eustace Davies. It was then 
called Canal Street. The dam, of course, formed a pool in which boats 
could lie, and at the period of greatest activity of the canal this pool 
often was full of boats. While Syke Smith and some others had drawn 
the Barclay coal to this region for blacksmiths' use, and indeed even 
as far as Ithaca, always by wagon, Thomas R. Davies claimed that he 
brought the first boat load of Barclay coal to Athens for sale here. In 
fact, he may be said to have established the first coal yard at the foot 
of Canal Street. The dam was so high that a chute was built on the 
eastern end to accommodate the lumbermen who were still running the 
river. It was one of the delights of our childhood to go over to the chute 
to see the rafts pass through. With the establishment of the railroad, 
rafting was abandoned, and a new era of traffic and transportation en- 
sued, upon which in this volume we do not propose to trespass. We 
must, however, not neglect to mention the railroad project of 18-41. In 
the Athens Scribe of August 6, 1841, we find an article headed "Tioga 
Point Rail-Road," a project which was evidently superseded by the 
Junction Canal. A charter was granted by Pennsylvania for this rail- 
road, which was to connect the canal ending at Athens with the Erie 
railroad, then in process of construction. The route was surveyed four 
and one-fifth miles long, and all requisite maps and plans made by Ira 
Spalding, Esq., engineer. The proposed cost was $30,000. and it was 
anticipated that it would be immediately built to connect the "Wyoming 
Coal Valley" with the interior of New York State. Indeed it was esti- 
mated that this would be the popular route to carry coal and iron to 
New York City. The article in the Scribe was copied from the New 
York Courier. We do not know what became of this project, as it is 
not mentioned in local history. We have also found among papers of 
Hon. Edward Herrick, in his handwriting, undated, a somewhat lengthy 
Ms. exploiting the great future of the "Athens and Ithaca railroad." 
The quotations in it indicate that it was written in 1841. We regret that 
we find no more data on this subject.. The final transfer of the canal 
to a private corporation, with the ultimate idea of using the tow-path 
for a railroad bed, has sometimes been called a "steal from the State," 
since the canal had been built for public use with public money. 

Note — We have neglected to state that the Erie Railroad, as first projected, was never 
completed on account of various technicalities. The section from Binghamton to Hornellsville 
was almost entirely constructed on piles, a flimsy affair, called "Stuart's pegs." From 1841 to 
1848 the project languished; no doubt this was the reason of the failure to build the proposed 
railroads from Tioga Point. The first surveys and roadbeds were finally abandoned, but the 
road was completed and opened in 1851. 




Old Pewter in Tioga Point Museum 



CHAPTER XXI 



PIONEER LIFE 



Homes of the Pioneers — Old-Time Sports — Hunting, FisJiiiig — Social 
Entertainments — Early Industries — Distilleries — Sazcinills — Grist 
Mills — Woolen ]\Hlls — Fires and Fire Companies 

The children of the present day would be greatly astonished could 
they see into one of the homes of the pioneers. The house was made 
of logs, and such chinks as there were filled with mud. Lath and plas- 
ter were unknown, often oiled paper in place of glass for the win- 
dows, and a roof made of bark or hand-shaved shingles. 

The floors were split logs, called "puncheons," doors were of heavy 
plank, stairways were unknown ; the most primitive fashion of reaching 
the sleeping loft was by pegs driven in alternate walls at the corner, 
where the children soon became expert in going up hand over hand. 
Much of the furniture was homemade ; for instance the one-legged bed- 
stead. This was built in a corner by nailing two strips on the difl:'erent 
walls, and where they met fastening one leg or support. Like all old 
bedsteads, this was corded up and supplied with well-filled ticks of straw 
or feathers. The small homemade table was supplied with slab benches, 
chairs being a luxury. The large families could seldom all eat at once 
for lack of space, and the younger children often fared poorly, having 
to wait. Pewter dishes were the rule, few of which are to be seen to- 
day except in museums. The light of the fire, augmented by pine knots, 
was considered sufficient ; then came the "taller dip" candle, then lamps ; 
whale oil, fluid, camphene, kerosene, not forgetting the curious lard 
lamps. 

In later days the high post bed, with its companion, the trundle bed, 
was more common ; the latter a low affair on casters, holding three to 
six of the small fry, was only in evidence at night, being trundled under 
the large one by day. Matches were unknown, and fire, if once lost, 

537 



538 



OLD TIUGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



had to be laboriously gained by the use of the flint and punk. Some- 
times even that would not start a blaze in the chips, and some one would 
have to go to the neighbors, a mile or more, to borrow fire, there being 



Y\- 


i 

iixt 

2) 




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Tire ^ji 


^ 6tx\ 


\0X 




J/0 


L ^?X,\\-5 


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a^teVe,s 



a special utensil for the purpose. The most primitive fireplace and 
chimney was the sort described by a pioneer of Troy, a neighboring 
town : 

"Our fireplace was constructed as was common in those days with a chimney 
built of chestnut sticks split out of proper length & laid up cob house fashion & 
covered with a coat of clay. The fireplace was of a size to admit a large log 14 
ft. long, by way of backmg to a rousing fire not seen indoors in these degenerate 
times. This style of chimney was not the safest and was perhaps as expensive as 
stone would have been. On each side of the fireplace & within its limits was a 
large thornbush. One of these my older brother kept well adorned with venison; 
the other it was my duty and no great task to have pretty generally strung with 
mountain trout which in those days abounded in all the streams." 

These early chimneys had sometimes a backing of stone, and a 
hearth laid with large flat stones that, perhaps, formed a large part of the 
fioor. A hardwood stick was made fast across the chimney, called a 
"trammel pole," from which hung by a chain a trammel bar arranged 
to be raised or lowered for a kettle. Later the crane came in use, far 
easier for the housewife, who often had a family of ten or twelve to 
cook for, in front of the roaring fire of huge logs.^ With a long-handled 
shovel she drew coals on the hearth for her spider, bake kettle, broiler 
or bake oven of tin. The cooking implements of those days are curious, 
indeed ; a large collection is to be seen in Tioga Point Musetim, as well 
as the old-fashioned copper friars, which, filled with glowing coals, gave 
a grateful warmth when thrust between the bed covers ; and the small 
footstove generally carried to the meeting house to prevent frosted feet. 

Old-Timc Sports were the various kinds of hunting, shad fish- 
ing, the antics of general training day, the ap])le bees, quilting parties, 
spinning bees, etc. 

A primitive form of hunting was called ring-hunting. Game, of 
course, was very plenty, and a small party would go out and set a ring 

^ Mr. Giles Iloyt tells how the big fires were built in severe weather: "With oxen and 
sled a large load of wood was drawn to the back door. The front door was directly opposite. 
Then the oxen were driven and hitched to a chain long enough to reach through the house and 
fasten to the largest log, which was thus drawn into the room, another for top in same fashion. 
Two short chunks butted against the logs served as andirons on which was placed the forestick. 
In a few hours the heat was intense." 



OLD TIME SPORTS 539 

of fire, leaving an opening where they would stand and shoot all the 
game that tried to escape. This method destroyed many trees, leaving 
the tops of the hills bare. Then there were the great hunts, well de- 
scribed in "Early Times," when a circle of men, several miles in extent, 
moved in regular order toward the center, driving before them the deer 
and other animals, and finally shooting them down ; after this the ani- 
mals were dressed and divided. Generally these events were ended by a 
grand hunt supper, sometimes held in Elm Cottage (at present Spring's 
Corners). Then there was the still hunting near the deer licks; a gun 
loaded with buckshot was set in a tree or crotched stick, trained on the 
lick. At night the hunter, hidden by a bush screen or in a tree, kept his 
finger on the trigger, and pulled it cjuickly when the deer was heard 
drinking. This often proved rare sport; indeed, "give a boy of those 
times a gun and a couple of bars of lead to run bullets, and he was a 
millionaire." There is many an interesting story told by the older boys 
of encounters with deer, bears and panthers. In time the deer learned 
that the sprouting grain was good to browse on and often wexe trouble- 
some. The last deer hunt was about 1852. 

When the winters were severe the deer often came near the settle- 
ments and were fed with hay if it could be spared. On the other hand, 
in very early times, when the corn was all converted into whisky, it was 
often difficult to keep the cattle, and early in spring they were driven to 
the woods to browse on the starting buds. 

Fishing was also an enjoyable sport ; the small streams were all full 
of trout, and pickerel also were plenty, looking for spring water ; in- 
deed, in the race across the Chemung the Snell boys often made pens 
of stakes, open at the lower end, and in a few hours they would be full 
of pickerel. There were also many bass in the rivers ; but of course, 
the shad fishing was the most important. In fact, "shad fishing rights" 
were zealously guarded, bought, sold and leased, like real estate. There 
were a number of so-called "shad fisheries," besides the one near Mill- 
town, mentioned in "Early Times;" There was one at New Sheshequin, 
owned by "the first Fishing Company," managed by John Spalding; 
there was one at the Point ; and one up the Chemung, controlled by 
Clement Paine. The season was evidently the entire month of May, be- 
ginning sometimes earlier. The shad generally came up the river as 
soon as it was clear of ice. They were always caught in nets ; the early 
settlers using the brush nets of the Indians, and later those made of linen 
twine. They were caught by tens, hundreds, and even thousands, and 
were sometimes sold as low as $3.00 per hundred. Next to venison they 
were the staple food, not only when fresh, but dried and salted for 
future use. Shad fishing time was a great joy to the boys, and one of busy 
pleasure and some fun to the men. New comers to this sport at the 
Point always had to undergo a so-called "initiation." On Queen Esther's 
Flats, opposite the Turn of Rocks, was a pond of fair size but very shal- 
low, called "Lake Champlain." This the proposed victim was al- 
ways told he must siviui across to reach the fishery on the Point ; a feat 
to be performed at night when deception was more easy, though shad 
fishing was often done at night. If unable to swim, like one poor fellow 



540 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



from the back country, a rope was tied around liim and he was dragged 
tlirougli Lake Champlain willy-nilly. There was no danger of cold from 
the wetting, as the first move for a fishing excursion was always the pur- 
chase of a gallon of whisky. In this instance the victim escaped and 
ran for home, announcing on the way that he had been "abused by Fos- 
ter Wright and Foster Wrong, Abe Snell and the devil from h — 1." 

The race, already mentioned, was often full of fish, and Mrs. Abner 
]\Iurray related that she frequently went down and caught shad in her 
hands in front of her home. Clement I'aine exacted a daily account, 
in the season, of the number of shad caught on his right, varying from 
sixteen to three hundred and fifty. Shad fishing ceased about LS35, 
when dams were built in the river. In connection with the hunting, the 
coming of the flocks of wild pigeons was as important as in earlier days 
with the Indians. These flocks were so large that when they lighted 
tree branches often broke with their weight. The pigeons were caught 
en masse by means of large nets fastened to the ground and to sj^jring 
poles. 

The chief sjjort of the militia was the custom of trying to surprise 
their appointed leader in bed. The men would often rise before day- 
break and assemble at the house of the captain ; for it was their privilege, 
if they caught him nap])ing, to batter in his door and demand a treat of 
doughnuts and cider, and much merriment was the result. Lack of 
space prevents a more detailed recital of these sports and pastimes. 
Many gay dances were the order of the hour. Fiddlers were always 
plenty ; Colton, Smith, Ross, Burns, Watkins, Forsythe, Gorham and 
others. 

James Wilson said: "We got up a dance any afternoon, would go 
to Sheshecfuin, Chemung or may be some place in town, may be dance 
all night and stay for breakfast." But if it were a holiday the dancing 
often began in the morning, lasting through the day, or early in the 
afternoon, as shown in the accompanying invitation ; and there are some 









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1 



■J- 

,<\ ,-> ■ J . ■ . ' 



invitations in existence timed for 1 j). m. The round dance of the pres- 
ent was unknown, but the old time dance, with its circles, pigeon-wings 
and reels, was a most healthful amusement and wonderful to see. The 
spinning bees, where every maiden strove to outdo her mates, and the 
quilting parties generally ended with a dance, the young men coming in 
at supper time. When framed buildings were introduced it was under- 



STRENUOUS LIFE OF THE PIONEERS 541 

stood that all the men in the neighborhood joined in the raising bee, 
often a great sport, and always a contest of strength and skill. There 
is one instance remembered when the tired men were unable to raise a 
heavy beam, and the women quickly responded to the call for help. It 
was not unusual for the Tioga Point men to go as far as Painted Post 
to a raising. Halsey has well said that the progress of the frontiers 
rested for many years on the men who built the gristmills, the saw- 
mills and the roads ; the lumbermen, the weavers, the potash makers, 
and those who sent the rafts laden with produce down the rivers to 
large markets. Before the days of easy transportation local manufac- 
turing was a necessity, and every commimity had its own fulling mills 
as well as gristmills, its own dye sho])s, hat factories, etc. 

There was also the chopping, logging, burning, grubbing stumps 
and roots and many other tasks recjuiring hard labor, patience and en- 
ergy. Let none fail to ap])reciate the deprivations, honest toil and 
energy of the pioneers. 

Indeed, the struggle for existence was something im])ossil)le to un- 
derstand to those of the ])resent day, who, as a lady over ninety ex- 
presses it, are lazy because everything is done for them. "Why," she 
exclaimed, "I do believe before long they'll have a machine to put the 
food in their mouths." Halsey only mentions the men, but what of the 
women, who raised large families, for whom they not only cooked and 
did all household tasks zvithout conveniences, but who hatcheled the 
flax, carded the wool and then spun, wove, knit, handsewed every gar- 
ment in use by her family except footgear ? That was made by the trav- 
eling shoemaker, whose work, like that of all traveling artisans, men 
or women, was called "whip])ing the cat." He would come once 
or twice a year, the leather having been provided, and stay until 
the entire family were equipped with shoes, which, however, were 
to be worn only when occasion or necessity demanded. Many is the tale, 
even of families of the better class, of carrying the shoes and stockings 
by hand to the outskirts of the town, where they were hastily donned, 
and much wear saved. The tailoress, who went from house to house 
in the same fashion, was considered a necessity when the families were 
large. 

As for the larger industries of the men ; the sawmills, grist mills and 
whisky stills, we will make extracts from a paper on the subject written 
by Giles M. Hoyt for the Historical Society at the request of the author: 

"Of all the old time enterprises there were none that could exceed in number 
the distilleries. Not a town in the comity but could boast of its full quota. Lo- 
cation mattered little, a good spring or well of water was all that was necessary, 
the buildings often mere hovels shingled with slabs. Within was an array of still 
tubs (large casks) which were partly filled with corn and rye meal, covered with 
water and fermented with yeast. The mash was then heated in a great caldron, 
the steam escaping into coils of pipe, and being condensed by cold water run in 
around them. The resulting liquor ran back into a vessel and was rectified by 
being passed through a cask filled with pulverized charcoal and gravel, leaving the 
completed beverage; a i)ure article, very difTerent from the present ordinary 
whiskey of commerce." 

Indeed, even wheii there were six whisky stills at Tioga Point, 
drunkenness was alinost unknown, although liquor was freely used in 



543 OLD TIOGA POINT AXD EARLY ATHENS 

every household, and it was a lack of courtesy not to offer it, Cc'oi to 
the iiii)iistcr. The terrific hand labor necessary in those days quickly 
worked off the fumes of liquor. 

The first still on the Point was on Hepburn's property near the 
Susquehanna ; the next, George Welles' ; the most pretentious in ap- 
pearance was Abner Murray's ; it was two stories high, the distiller hav- 
ing rooms above, and was surmounted by what was said to be an imi- 
tation of the steeple of the first meeting house in town. There were 
also the Satterlee's, Spalding's. Greene's and Watkins'. 

As for the saw mills, they were even more numerous. Mr. Hoyt 
indicates that to be due to the neglected ownership of the splendid 
native forests, proving a great temptation to many settlers, who fear- 
lessly built mills along every creek to manufacture lumber not their 
own. Indeed, it was commonly said that shingles being always "legal 
tender," if a man needed to make purchases at the store, he walked 
quietly back into the forest and shaved a bunch of shingles, and no one 
asked him whence they came.- Mr. Hoyt thus describes the primitive 
saw mill : 

"A small unpretentious structure, on one side of which, attached to the frame 
was a flume, that is a receptacle which when filled with water afforded power to 
drive the machinery. A wheel was placed at the bottom on the outside of the 
flume, made from a round log with buckets framed in a cast iron crank on one 
end, attached to which was a pitman rod, while the other end was made fast to 
the saw gate, doing away with gearing. Every revolution of the wheel produced 
one cut of the saw up and down. The capacity of those saws was about four 
thousand feet in twenty-four hours time. Farmers living in the vicinity of one 
of these mills, made it a point to fill up all spare time in the winter season cutting 
and hauling logs to the mill. That lumber when manufactured was of a superior 
quality, as clear and clean as a roll of modern creamery butter, and worth from 
five to seven dollars per thousand." 

The saw mills were built on the small creeks, where the flow of 
water was periodical, but quickly utilized at flood times. There were 
three on Murray Creek, built by Noah Murray, his son, and his son-in- 
law Lemuel Gaylord, who was a resident from 1791 to 1816; they 
manufactured lumber from their own property. On Redington Creek 
there were eight between the river and the old J. K. Wright farm, and 
on Buck's Creek six or seven. East of the river Col. Franklin had a 
mill on Franklin Creek, Elisha Satterlee on Satterlee Creek, Thomas 
Park on Park Creek ; and the Tozer brothers on Tutelow Creek, and Mc- 
Duffee on west bank of Chemung. Steam saw mills were not introduced 
until 1860 or later. There were many of these mills in Smithfield town- 
ship on the headwaters of Buck's Creek, and on Tom Jack Creek. In de- 
scribing the manufacture, Mr. Hoyt neglected to say that in the primi- 
tive mill, when the log had passed up its length by water power, it was 
gigged back by the foot of the operator. The first grist mills were gen- 
erally built near the rivers, where water power was available the year 
round. Mr. Hoyt thus describes the first IMorley mill : 

"About one mile south of Tioga Point, on the Chemung river stood one of 
those old fashioned grist mills owned and operated by Alvin Morley. The machin- 
ery consisted of two sets of burr stones, one of which was used expressly for mak- 

- Mr. Hoyt tells of another class of men, Algerines as they were called, living in huts 
back in the mountains and gaining a livelihood by making shingles, axe helves, and splint 
brooms, bringing them into the settlements to exchange for flour, meal and meat. 



THE FIRST FIRE COMPANY 



543 



ing wheat flour, while the other was calculated for coarse grain and feed. As the 
grain passed from the stone it was carried to the floor above by means of an ele- 
vator, to a bolt which separated flour from bran and middlings ; thence through 
spouts to the ground floor into a receptacle called the meal chest. People living 
in the immediate vicinity did much of their milling on horseback; two or three 
bags of grain were laid upon the horse's back and a boy was mounted on top of 
the bags, and off to the mill they went. In the absence of the boy a girl was sub- 
stituted. In the days referred to above, purchasing flour and meal at a grist mill 
or anywhere else was an unheard of occurrence." 

Prince Bryant, as has been noted, had the first mill, to which John 
Shepard added the fulling or woolen mills and cloth dressing mills, 
where people sent their own yarn, as they would their grain. 

Fires and Fire Conif^anies. 

The primitive fire com- 
pany was really a fire line, 
for in response to wild 
cries passed along the 
street, the citizens hasten- 
ed out and formed a long 
line from the fire to the 
nearest water supply, be it 
well, creek or river. Being 
supplied with all the avail- 
able buckets or pails, wa- 
ter was passed along from 
hand to hand and often 
helped to save valuable 
property. Next the axe 
and the ladder came into 
requisition, and the oldest 
citizens say there was a 
time when Dana F. Park 
and 'Squire Baird consti- 
tuted what may well be 
called the first Fire De- 
partment of Athens ; in- 
deed, so proud was Athens 

of this original company that it was photographed in somewhat recent 
years. It was thus described by a stranger : 

"Dana is in the lead with his ladder and-ax, and Baird is carrying his bucket 
as though it was full of milk and he had on his Sunday clothes ; — both stately, 
sure and determined with a "git there" expression on each face." 

Doubtless the first suggestion of an organized fire company was 
made in the Scribe of 1842 : 

"Fire Company for Athens — Considering the materials of our buildings and 
their contiguity as well as the want of organized means to suppress fires, what say 
the citizens — young men especially — tO' eff^ecting some kind of an organization. 
Shall we wait until we feel the necessity by some sweeping fire, or like wise men 
anticipate the evil by being prudent and prepared? Fire! The citizens willing 
to consult upon measures to prevent the ravages of fire are requested to meet at 
C. S. Park's Thursday evening Dec. 1." 




Thk First Fxrk Company 



544 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

This meeting was called shortly after the old Academy was de- 
stroyed. Ikit nothing came of it, as far as known, for it was not until 
LS55 that any action was taken. That year C. N. Shipman purchased 
for the protection of the Junction Iron Works a small fire engine that 
was on exhihition at a fair in Elmira. A fire company was at once 
organized among the foundry employees, and the following year it was 
decided to allow others to become members. Uniforms had been 
procured, and the laddies met and exercised with their new pet until, 
it is said, they all blistered their hands forcing the water through the 
200 feet of rubber hose to the top of the works. Alen from other shops 
were recruited, a hose jumper presented, and soon there was a complete 
borough fire company, to whom the engine was turned over. The first 
chief was Daniel P. Merriam, chosen, said the boys, "because he zvas 
the heaviest man in tlic crowd, zveighing joo pounds, and was an Old 
School Presbyterian, who alzvays stood up at prayers." It is said the 
next move was the first firemen's ball, a great event. In the following 
summer a parade seemed to be a positive necessity. The Glorious 
Fourth was chosen, and the new Towanda fire companies were invited 
to attend. They came on the very first boat that ran in the new canal. 
According to Brick Pomeroy's Athens Gazette of July 5, 1856, it was 
a great day, with new uniforms, banners, bands, parades, banquet, 
toasts, etc. Doubtless almost as great a day as Athens ever knew. The 
little hand engine has since known many vicissitudes, but is proudly 
preserved by Protection Hose Company, and it is here reproduced. 
It was first used a few days after the great celebration, when it proved 
inadequate to save Dr. Kifif's house and the Exchange outbuildings, but 
it has been useful in many village fires unnecessary to be enumerated. 




The First Fire Engine 



CHAPTER XXII 

SCHOOL AXD CHURCH HISTORY 

School Lands — Early ScJwoh — The Athens Academy 
Church Organizations — Some Early Pastors 

With a true Puritan love of education, the members of the Susque- 
hanna Company set apart school lands in every township, to be held 
sacred until the increased value warranted a sale ; the avails whereof 
should be securely invested, and interest used for maintenance of public 
schools in said township. These lands were under the care of a com- 
mittee, legally appointed by the Susquehanna Company for each town- 
ship. After the adjustment of titles under the Compromise law, an act 
was passed providing for three trustees, to be elected by the people, 
one new one to succeed in office every three years. The school land set 
off in the grant of Athens, in 1786, was between ]\Iain Street and the 
Susquehanna River, from Herrick to Ferry Streets, containing about 21 
acres, for which in 1812 the trustees received a state patent. Besides 
this public plot in the second division, there was a public lot (now occu- 
pied by Charles Hinton ) in the first division, and one in the third divis- 
ion, on a part of which the school house at Greene's Landing now stands ; 
this was long called "the commons," in true Xew England fashion. 
There was also in the original plot of Athens village the two lots now oc- 
cupied by the Academy and the JNIuseum-Library. As seen, both Lock- 
hart and Welles ignored these latter lots, having a street from river 
to river about 50 feet wide, called in the Pumpelly survey Academy 
Street. Of these school or public lands the first trustees, to whom the 
patents were granted, were John Franklin, Elisha Satterlee and John 
Shepard. Franklin presented the claim to the commissioners in 1810; 
for reasons now unknown it was not acknowledged until two years 
later. It has been said that Henry Welles gave the public squares, but 
this is an error. They were never his to give, as they were a part of 
Richard Caton's third. 

In 1813 a meeting was held of the proprietors of the town of 
Athens, the object being to consider the propriety of selling the town 
lands. The trustees, John Franklin. Elisha Satterlee and John Shepard, 
had obtained patents in 1812, and they were now authorized to sell one 
lot to Dr. Hopkins, and to lease another of about 23 acres, location not 
mentioned. The money thus obtained was used for school purposes. 

In 1815 the trustees called a meeting of the inhabitants of the town- 
ship, at which it was resolved to plot out the school lands ; a street was to 
be laid out along the Susquehanna, and along the north line of the land, 
which extended from a line east and west near Herrick Street to Ferry 
Street, including all between Main Street and the Susquehanna River. 
Four acres were to be reserved in the center, and a strip four rods wide 
at north line ; the remainder being divided into lots four rods wide, half 

545 



546 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

facing Main vStreet and half facing River Street. These to be sold at 
$50 each; $10 down, and remainder in ten yearly payments with in- 
terest ; easy terms, indeed. The jxirchaser was to "clear and fence with 
a good lawful fence" within one year or forfeit the lot. The principal 
thus obtained was to be held intact, the interest only being used for school 
purposes. As soon as plotted, lots were sold to the amount of $1257. 
The book of the trustees has no further record for nine years. Accord- 
ing to later deeds and titles, it is our opinion that only three sales held ; 
viz., that to Uriah Wilson, occupied by him and his heirs until a some- 
what recent date ; that to Isaac Boardman, and that to Michael R. 
Tharp, later transferred to the late Judge Herrick. In 1824 the trustees' 
records show some disagreement, of which there is no knowledge except 
the recorded resignation of David Paine, with these words : 

"I have this day resigned all authority in me vested as trustee of public lands 
in the township of Athens, and all authority that may be deemed vested in me by 
any vote or votes heretofore passed by the people at their meetings in said town. 
I beg leave to recommend the trust to the fostering care of the mob who sanc- 
tioned the recent riotous proceedings in wantonly destroying the fences and cutting 
away the trees around the public grounds." 

It surely would be interesting to know more about this quarrel. 
Probably, in the light of later events, the people considered that the 
trustees exceeded the privileges of their office. The next difficulty is 
indicated below : 

(Henry Welles to C. F. Welles, April 9, 1S29.) 

"If you were here now it would probably be beneficial to you and us; a sort 
of clandestine sale of the Public Square west of the Academy has been made to 
Guy Tozer, a cellar has been dug, and all of us are in a commotion about it. It 
will, if confirmed, injure your property, as well as the convenience of the public 
generally. If Mr. Tozer could get one of those lots of yours, it might avert a 
quarrel, and he would give a good price." 

In June, 1829, a meeting was called to vote on the action of tru.stees 
in selling "a lot on corner of the west public square" to Giiy Tozer. The 
sale was rejected by a vote of 58 against 23. Supposing it to be a proper 
transaction, Guy Tozer had already erected a house and store on his 
purchase. A second meeting being called August 10th, 

"It was resolved unanimously that the meeting wholly and totally disap- 
prove of the sale by the trustees of the township, of the Public Common in the 
centre of the village. That the sd. common having been surveyed more than 40 
years * * * and so appropriated from that time, cannot and shall not, without all 
proper legal resistance, be now converted to private use." 

The acting trustees were removed from office and others chosen, 
on whom it was enjoined : 

"Take prompt and efficient measures to remove all nuisances from the public 
square in this village on behalf of said township, which you as trustees may or 
can lawfully do or cause to be done, by suit or otherwise." 

The outcome of this matter was that the buildings were removed, 
the present Canfield house being one, and the other shown in picture of 
Main Street. This action of the trustees and the people caused a great 
deal of feeling, existing until recent years. 

In 1830 it was decided to cut up what remained of the u]iper lot 
and ofifer it for sale ; the borough having been erected, a division of the 



THE FIRST SCHOOLS 547 

funds and the remaining lands seemed necessary. In 183T a committee 
was appointed to make such a cUvision, an act having now empowered 
the trustees to convey by deed any school lands except the Public S(|uare 
in Athens borough. The report of this committee, after recommending 
how the debt on the Academy should be paid, suggested that the fund 
from sale of lands, also the lands remaining after sale, should be divided 
between the borough and township ; the interest from the fund to be 
used for benefit of district schools. The whole recommendations of 
this committee were unanimously accepted. The township fund reached 
the sum of $3000, and has been kept intact, the interest being annually 
paid to the school treasurer. We are indebted for these facts to the 
Walker Ms., the writer adding that the management of the township 
fund "completely carried out the injunctions of our forefathers."* 

Schools of AtJicns.— The first school in Athens was no doubt 
the one which Chester Stephens attended (according to his "Recollec- 
tions") in 1789. The teacher was Jared Root, who was one of the very 
first settlers of Athens, living on lot No. 1, just north of the Presby- 
terian Church. Chester Stephens says "Root taught in an old log cooper 
shop" (on the lot just north of the present Museum-Library). It may 
have been the house built by the Indians or by John Harris some years 
earlier. Z. F. Walker says Root's school was opened in the house of 
Samuel Hepburn, and that later the first school house was built on lot 
No. 35 ; now a part of the C. S. IMaurice property. Mrs. Perkins says 
the first school house in the township was built on the school lot, about 
where the present high school building stands. No authority being 
given by either writer, the matter is undetermined. Benedict Satterlee, 
w^ho had been a teacher at ^\'yoming, taught in the new school house in 
1791. The second public school house of Athens was built at an early 
date on the west side of Main Street, on the second lot above the present 
Presbyterian Church. Nothing is known of the building of this school, 
but the land may have been given by Henry Welles. Public or district 
school was kept here from 1830 to 1840. The building was then re- 
moved to Elmira Street, near Bridge Street, and was long known as 
"the old red school house." It is still standing, having been converted 
into a dwelling house. In 1841 a public school house was built where 
the high school now stands ; a small one-story building, in use until 1884, 
always called "the district school house." The first township school 
houses were in order as follows : One at Milltown, built probably about 
1790; first teachers, Daniel and Elias Satterlee, brothers of Benedict 
and Col. Elisha. This was burned about 1808, but soon rebuilt by the 
generosity of Josiah Crocker ; and also used for church purposes for 
many years. The next township school was built east of the river, on 
the farm of Col. Franklin, at a very early date (it is said 1792), rebuilt 
in 1815, and again in 1878; but still known as "the Franklin school 

* Much sentiment was created in recent years when the borough fund was turned over 
with the Academy for graded school purposes to the borough school directors without giving 
the township its pro rata share of at least the fund. 



548 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

house." The next was built, near 1800, on the eommons near Greene's 
Eddy : 

"It was a log house and the seats for all the small children were of split 
logs or slabs with wooden legs. Being hewn by hand these benches were very 
uncomfortable for the children, but woe betide them if they were restless, for the 
teacher stood at one end with a long gad and struck every one at once." 

So related of Noali Murray, Jr., by Matilda Watkins, who attended 
in 182'^. The first btiilding was on the high ground now occupied by 
the Plummer homestead. The later building, long known as "the White 
Schoolhouse," is still in use for school and church purposes, located a 
few rods north of the original. Isaac Morley 3rd was the earliest known 
teacher. The Toodleytown school house, located as at present, was the 
next erected, probably about 1800. It is said there was a very early one 
near Spanish Hill, but there is no definite record of location or date. 

Athens Academy. — Originally it was intended to reprint here the 
history of the Academy, compiled by one of its teachers, Mrs. Lydia 
Camer Park, and published in 1797 as a souvenir of the Centennial cele- 
bration. But so much of additional interest has been found, that it seems 
best to cull a more concise account from Mrs. Park's narrative. 

The high-minded New Englanders were not long satisfied with the 
crude methods and accommodations of their early schools ; and in spite 
of many vicisssitudes and uncertainties, boldly decided to erect an acad- 
emy. This may have been the thought of the settlers from Plainfield, 
Conn., long the home of a famous academy, or the suggestion of the 
Paine brothers, always zealous for the advancement of the little village. 
At any rate, a meeting was called at Matthewson's Red Tavern February 
11, 1797, at which the following preamble, also the usual resolutions, 
were adopted ; later transcribed by Guy MaxzvcU in a book of record 
still in existence in our Museum : 

Preamble. "Whereas, It is the earnest wish of many of the inhabitants of 
this town that a public building should be erected, to be occupied for the accommo- 
dation of an Academy, or Seminary of learning for the instruction of youth, and 
also to be occasionally occupied as a place of Public Worship or other public pur- 
poses ; and whereas, the erecting of such a building on Tioga Point, and making 
other public improvements would not only be of great use and convenience to the 
inhabitants, but would also have a tendency to advance the value of land and other 
property in the neighborhood of this place. The subscribers to this agreement do, 
therefore, mutually covenant and agree to form themselves into an association for 
the purpose aforesaid; to be subject to the following regulations." 

The twelfth regulation was as follows: 

"Twelfth. The building contemplated to be erected as aforesaid shall be 
built on one of the public lots in the township of Athens, on Tioga Point, and the 
construction thereof shall be as follows : it shall be forty-two feet in length, and 
twenty-four feet in width ; and to consist of two stories, the height of the posts 
to be twenty-two feet. The second story shall be formed into one entire hall, to 
be arched and finished in a handsome manner ; a chimney shall be built at each 
end; an elegant balcony shall be erected on the middle of the roof; and Venetian 
blinds shall be made to all the windows of the first and second stories ; and the 
said building shall in other respects be planned and constructed according to the 
judgment and discretion of the Trustees who shall be appointed as aforesaid." 



THE OLD ATHENS ACADEAIY 549 

A building fund was created by subscribing for shares, valued at 
$30, to be paid in building material or cash instalments of SlO. The 
subscriptions were as follows : 

"Noah Murray 1, Charles Bingham 2. Joseph Spalding 1, Levi Thayer 1, 
David Alexander 1, Nathan Thayer 1, John Shepard 2, David Paine 2, Joseph 
Hitchcock 1. Elisha Matthewson 1, Ira Stephens 1, Elisha Satterlee 1, Daniel 
Campbell 1, John Spalding 2, Nathan Bull 1, Clement Paine 2. Julius Tozer 1, 
Jonathan Harris 1, Joseph Farlin 1, Daniel Satterlee 1, Simon Spalding 1, John 
Jenkins 1, George Welles 1, John Franklin 1, Manton Rice 2, Stephens Hopkins 1." 

The last five were added in 1801. The name was adopted of "The 
Athens Academical Society;" and it was resolved to petition the Sus- 
quehanna Company for a grant of land to create an endowment fund ; 
also the L,egislature for grant of a lottery, funds from which were to 
pay "one or more able instructors." A committee was appointed to 
choose an eligible situation ; they first chose lot Xo. 25, but it was not 
acceptable ; and the frame was raised in the year lypy, where the Acad- 
emy now stands. IMany meetings were held for a while, and the frame 
was enclosed; and then, probably due to the commissioners' rejection of 
Athens, the whole project languished and the building was advertised 
for sale June, 1808, on long credit. However, it was not sold, and in 
July the New England spirit bestirred itself again. The records indicate 
that the building had been used as a grain storehouse, and thereby in- 
jured. This was ordered stopped, the building "repaired and painted," 
and there were a number of new subscriptions, John Shepard being the 
most liberal. Clement Paine was put in charge and assured of reim- 
bursement. He wrote to his wife that he should not only repair, but 
"make an inclosure and place some of my Lombardy poplars and locusts 
about it," also that the proprietors intended to petition the Legislature 
for aid by lottery or otherwise. (These trees perished within the last 
twenty years. Others were set out in 1871 by C. M. Hunsiker, and 
many of the present elms and maples were set out in 1890 by George T. 
Ercanbrack and Alillard P. Murray on both sides of the street.) The 
repairs cost $140, and ^Ir. Paine took a mortgage on the building for 
the amount. It was not yet fitted for school purposes, and again the work 
languished. In 1811 the proprietors sold to the Masonic Lodge all rights 
to upper story, provided that they finish ofif said rooms and assume half 
of the mortgage. The Masons finished the room as an arched hall, ac- 
cording to original design, and occupied it until about 1835. 

In 1813, armed with a petition from the Athens Academical Society, 
Henry W^elles obtained the enactment from the "Assembly of the Com- 
monwealth of Pennsylvania," which not only established the "Athens 
Academy," but appropriated $2000, to be under the care of an incorpo- 
rated body of trustees safely invested and interest applied to purposes 
of the institution :^ Provided, that the present owners relinquish all 
right to the building forever : and that the Academy school four poor 
children gratis. 

After some deliberation, the fund was loaned to Henry Welles at 7 
per cent., he giving a judgment bond, which was found by the writer 

1 Clement Paine, being treasurer, wrote to Mr. Waterman and Orrin Day of Catskiil, 
asking advice as to a safe and permanent stock for investment, mentioning that possibly anotlier 
thousand would be added. 



550 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

among Paine papers. Clement Paine's claim was adjusted, the property • 
relinquished by original subscribers, and the peoi)le once more looked 
hopefully forward, after a wearisome waiting of sixteen years. The 
lower room was completed at a small cost, and the trustees began to 
look about for a preceptor. General Welles in January, 1814, wrote that 
he had found a young man at Harrisburg, who would come for a salary 
of $500, and seemed well c|ualified, whereupon he was authorized to en- 
gage him. Tuition was fixed at $2.50 a (|uarter, each scholar to furnish 
a due proportion of firewood ; and the opening of the Athens Academy 
was advertised in the Wilkes-Barre and Towanda papers. The follow- 
ing letter was recently discovered among Henry Welles' papers : 

"Sunbury March 29, 1814. Sir: I arrived in this place last evening on my 
way to Tioga — I expect to be detained here perhaps some days for want of con- 
veyance to Wilkcsbcrry. The carriage which I was expecting to go in from Har- 
risburg, arrived too soon to permit me to settle my business and go with it. At 
any rate I shall arrive in all probability at Tyoga in a week or nine days at the 
* * * You will have things in readiness for commencing the school at the farthest 
next Monday week. Yours with due respect, Sylvanus Guernsey. 

"P. S. You will excuse my brevity and scribbling when I te'.l you the post 
boy is waiting with impatience at my other elbow — 

Mr. Henry Welles, Athens, Tyoga, " 

It must be observed that the general appearance of the original let- 
ter does not indicate many qualifications expected in a teacher. 

On Monday, April 25, 1814, school was opened ; there is no record 
of number of scholars or studies pursued ; but July 4th a visiting com- 
mittee was appointed to examine the state of the school and progress of 
the scholars. Mr. Guernsey taught ten months and then asked for a dis- 
charge by reason of ill health. And now the Academy had its vicissi- 
tudes ; a perfect kaleidoscope of preceptors followed, doubtless from 
difficulty in procuring funds. Interest in the progress of the institution 
was not wanting, however. - 

May 27, 1817, the following advertisement appeared in the Brad- 
ford Gazette, Towanda : 

"ATHENS ACADEMY. 

(at Tioga Point, Pa.) 

"The public are hereby respectfully informed that the summer term in the 
Athens Academy will commence on the twenty-first day of April. Terms of tui- 
tion for Latin, Greek and Mathematics will be, $5. Geography with use of maps 
and globes 4-50, Rhetorick and Logic, $4. English grammer and Punctuation, 
$3-75. The students will also have frequent exercises in Oratory, composition 

== July, 1815, Clement Paine started a subscription paper as follows: 

"We the subscribers do hereby respectfully obligate ourselves to pay the sums affixed 
to our respective names; for the purpose of procuring proper geographical maps and a suitable 
terrestrial globe for the use of the Athens Academy: David Paine $10, Clement Paine $10, 
Kdw. Herrick $0, D. R. Tallmadge $5, John Shepard $5, Jeremiah Decker $5, John F. Satterlee 
$5, Mich. R. Tharp $5, John Saltmarsh $5." 

These subscriptions were all paid, and in October four of Arrowsmith's Maps were pur- 
chased in New York for $40, carriage, etc., pd. and $10 reserved to purchase globe. This orig- 
inal subscription list has been preserved, also another, started in 1816, by Clement Paine: 

"We the subscribers hereby agree to give and pay the sums by each of us annexed to our 
respective names; for the purpose of purchasing a suitable bell for the use of the Athens Acad- 
emy. Nov. 28th, 1816." 

This list may be seen in Academy Collection, $80 was raised. For some unknown reason 
the bell was not purchased, or at least not hung until 182.5, as attested by R. J. Jenks' bill for 
building "Belphrey," providing bell rope, etc., September, 182.''). For this the trustees gave 
Jenks an order on Col. Franklin, treasurer of Athens Bridge Company. The treasury must 
have been low, for on the back is written, "This order accepted. General Welles or Mr. Wm. 
Briggs, please to pay the above sum out of monies in your hands if any. J. Franklin." 



ACADEMY HISTORY 551 

and history. It is anticipated, that the society library will soon be connected with 
the academ3% for the improvement of scholars in Historical and miscellaneous 
knowledge. The location of this seminary is very eligible and pleasant. It stands 
on the west bank of the Susquehanna a few yards from the channel of the river, 
where the water glides sweetly along in a smooth still current a considerable dis- 
tance, nearly opposite the building the river inbosoms a small island which with 
other rural prospects, meets the eye very agreeably. The salubrity of the air, con- 
veniences for bathing and pleasure grounds for exercise, conspire not only to 
preserve the health of youth, but to exhilirate their spirits in prospecting their 
studies. Here likewise youth are secluded from scenes of riot and dissipation 
which are frequently to be met with in cities and other populous places. The 
preceptor is a graduate from Dartmouth university in New Hampshire. He is 
wishing to continue in the employment of instructing in the academical arts and 
sciences, and fitting young gentlemen for the universities. He considers it his 
indispensible duty not onlj^ to instruct youth in literature, but in the correct prin- 
ciples of morality and religion; and strenuously to injoin it upon them to observe 
a suitable decorum among their associates and in society. E. Wellington, Pre- 
ceptor. 

"The undersigned, who have visited the school, feel themselves justified in 
asserting, that from what they have seen of the facility and correctness with which 
the young gentlemen and ladies have hitherto performed their recitations and the 
judicious method taken for their instruction, they will receive every advantage for 
becoming good proficients in the above mentioned branches. The school will be 
vacated twice in a year, in the month of March and September. 

"Stephen Hopkins, David Paine, C. Paine. Michael R. Tharp, John Shepard, 
Henry Welles, Trustees." 

Mr. Wellington only staid a year, but obtained some improvements 
in the building, and was followed by several in quick succession. 

In 1820 it was determined to apply the state fund to aid in erection 
of the bridge over the Tioga River. The trustees accordingly subscribed 
for forty shares of bridge stock at $50 each, the note of Henry Welles 
having expired. He wrote to the cashier of the Philadelphia Bank to 
arrange for cash, saying the call for payment was sudden and unex- 
pected, and he could hardly meet it without assistance. He finally ar- 
ranged to pay it by building the bridge. This use of the fund suspended 
interest for a season, and was considered unjustifiable ; but existing let- 
ters show that even General Welles thought "best to let the Academy 
dowm and use the fund." The letters also say that there was a violent 
contention among the trustees as to whether they would hire any teacher 
or let the building for a common school. An effort was made in 1825 
to partition the lower room for such purposes ; whereupon Judge Her- 
rick, Edward Overton and Clement Paine issued a vigorous and effectual 
protest. As funds were insufficient, it was resolved to make application 
to Legislature for permission to sell the school lands. Meanwhile, school 
w'as kept irregularly by various preceptors. Herrick, Overton and Hop- 
kins were firm in their protest, and in 1827 a petition, with many signa- 
tures, was presented to the Court of Bradford County, suggesting breach 
of trust, and asking that the trustees be removed from office, etc. This 
was done, and a new board was appointed from the county, only three 
being from Tioga Point. The change inaugurated a new era. From 
that period the Academy knew regular preceptors. "Public Exercises," 
in which the students aired their oratorical powers, were a strong feat- 
ure of the school and maintained general interest. The bridge stock was 
sold, and the fund once more let out at interest. In 1839, at the sug- 



553 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



gestion of a progressive preceptor, C. A. Baldwin, mathematical, chem- 
ical and j)hilosophical instruments were purchased,^ at a cost of $250; 
an addition for laboratory purposes was built, and an assistant teacher 
employed at a salary of $150. In 1840 J. G. Alarvin became principal, 
with two assistants. The condition of the institution may be understood 
from the handbill issued at this tituc, wliich wa^ pfoserxcd in a curious 

■■■■-■■■. ■ •■ ■ ,• .-;^.- ^v: ^ 



Atlic^ns Acadeim . 



The Trii^teef!i ofUii^ilii^ititiitioii woiiUI 

rcN|>ectftilly infuriu tlif- public, (haf (licj Iinve rc-nix-iu'd »I)«ir roiuaiodioiis 
hailtliiiis; for the n-<-«ptioii of Studonts, uihUt very au»iii«ioiiB cirfumstanrcs, 
being HiMler tin- cburjjc ol' tin- foilowiiiir 1fin-hrr« : 

♦f. CJ. MARVrX:, Fr5n<!ii>al. 

Mis).< STS.VKNS, Teaciier of ihiisie. 

Tlie Ix-oiilil'iil onil bralthy loi'atiuii of tbo .■Icudeiii} . Ilic morality niid iulel- 

lMr»'u<'»' of llio citizoiis, aini ihe ;^rotit tiicililics tor acquiring an <xitj<-au<ni, rrncl4T it a sitmiiHiti 
Mill calculiiiiil to frivc satisfa.-tioii [o t!i.' l'atrun» oflliu iSitioo) 

Mesn-iiires are l>eiii^' taken to proeure 

Bovernl hmiilri'il iloHnrs" -north of i'liilovojihUal, <'lunii<'iil and AslrouomioQl 
AppiiratuN, ivhioli will make the Institution one of thf best in the coonlry for 
ncqnirin;.'^ an infiniolc kiio«l<><l£;o of the i^'iitural Sficaci-:*. 

Vht ^ieatltm'n-at War uiU be diridrd inio J'aur Ttrma. nf eIrFcn verks racJt. 

Terms of Tuition. 

Rt-adin;^, Wrilinj; ami Kpcliing, $1 50 

Aritliinctic, Knglish Orauimar ond Gcoirrajihy, . . - ^ 50 

Rbotoric, History. Lopic. .tluthriniitio iiud the .Natural Srien^-H, 4 OO 
Lntiii, <«r<<U, and thr tSodcrn Lunyiiajros, .... 5 OP 
91iuic, exlni cbarscc. 

Board can b^ obfdSuecl frciiii one dollar 

nuU fifty ccut.s to two dollars per wt'ck. 

Ntudeut^i will be ebarsred only at tlie 

aboTc rates iu prnjH>rtion to the tiiuf they attend, 
ran be had in the villairc. 



■Vf i.- 



SuitaUlc S^lioiil Books ;« 



11 ii; iit!i( K, 
N rvi.i:ii ■ 



IHil! 

Klnv 

ri!A' 
N CI.AI'I', 
CKO \ PKUKlNS 
J-;i)«AUP 11 I'KHKl.N 








'■'■ .\pparatus and Library. — Tlie .\)i|)aratus beUniging to the .\caileniy is new and sutHcient 
to illustrate most of the subjects treated of in Natural Philosophy, Chemistry and .\stronomv. 
Among the articles are a superior plate Electrical Machine, a complete Pneumatic and Magnetic 
Apparatus and Orrery and seventy or eighty Telescopic \'iews of the Planets, beautifully delin- 
eated upon glass slides, which arc adapted to the Phantasmagoria Lantern. In connection with 
the above, is a Cabinet of about 400 specimens of Fossils and Minerals which are indispensat)le 
in Chemical and Geological explanations. Lectures with experiments will be given from time 
to time, which are designed to facilitate the progress of those students attending to the Natural 
Sciences. The Library contains 100 valuable works, which students have access to without any 
additional charge. No pains have been sjiared to make the Institution every wav worthy of 
patronage. 



THE ATHENIAN 553 

manner ; having been rolled np and used as a winder for lace edging in 
a little country store, where it lay nearly sixty years, and was found and 
presented to the Museum by Mrs. George Pendleton. Mr. Marvin gave 
great satisfaction ; the following year two hundred pupils were enrolled 
and there were three assistants ; the trustees appropriated .$100 for a 
school library, and a "Catalogue of the Teachers, Trustees & vStudents 
of Athens Academy" was published. The Academy now became justly 
celebrated as one of the best schools of the state,* and its usefulness was 
largely increased by the expenditure of a general State appropriation "to 
promote useful knowledge, and encourage the Arts and Sciences." Ac- 
cording to the catalogue, Latin, Greek. French, Spanish, Drawing and 
Painting were taught, besides usual branches. As to its equipment, see 
note 3, also copied from catalogue. 

It was under J. G. Marvin's influence that the various societies men- 
tioned in Athens Scribe flourished. The pupils issued the Athenian, a 
weekly paper printed by the Scribe press. Only two copies have been 
found, and those of little interest, although wondrous, indeed, were the 
youthful effusions. Some remembered are Samuel Parry's "Early His- 
tory of Athens," Raymond Welles' "Epitome of the Progress of the 
United States," Pythagorette's "Aerial Adventure in an Elastrometre," 
in 1941 ; Anna P. Warner's fanciful "Excursions," and many transla- 
tions, "Scraps from the Greek," etc. Would we might read them! Ac- 
cording to the Scribe, there were many new schemes for the advance- 
ment of the now famous institution, that were rudely dashed to the 
ground. For March 5, 1843, the Academy burned to the ground, acci- 
flentally set on fire by some boys, who, having had an unexpected duck- 
ing, repaired there, via the window, of a Saturday afternoon to dry 
themselves. The story has been often told by Isaac Le Dioyt, one of 
the boys. Practically all the ecjuipment was destroyed. A more pre- 
tentious building was at once planned at the instigation of the promoter 
of improvements, Charles B. Stuart; who drew the plans for a three- 
story brick building. But the aspirations of the people exceeded their 
means, and a less pretentious structure was soon planned "at as cheap a 
rate as possible." Horace Williston, Jr., and 'Harris W. Patrick were 
given charge, and by October, 1843, the present building was completed 
in the fashion shown in illustration. The interior was well and com- 
modiously planned, and the Athens Academy continued to have an ex- 
cellent reputation throughout Northern Pennsylvania and Southern New 
York. It was the pride of all the citizens, and stands restored to-day, 
a monument to the love and honor of former pupils, who trust it may be 
forever preserved. L. B. Pert was the first instructor in the new build- 
ing. He was a fine teacher, and drew a large number of his former 
pupils to Athens. A printed program of one of his public exhibitions 
has been preserved."' 

* It attracted the attention of Col. W. B. Foster, a noted engineer, who was at this period 
often in the valley as one of the Canal Commissioners. He placed his young brother Stephen 
C. Foster, in the school, whose musical talents made him the life of the young society of the 
place, and his first musical composition was the "Tioga Waltz," written for a school entertain- 
ment, and dedicated to Frances, daughter of Herry Welles. 

5 Athens Academy Exhibition, Wednesday, February 5th, 1845. Order of Exercises, 
Distribution of Schemes. ^ , . -r^ 

Music; Latin Oration, A. A. Brooks, Factory ville; Resistance of the Colonies, E. Whalcn, 
Athens; Government, Wm. Ellsworth, Athens; Education, H. A. Kiff, Athens; Weehawken, 



554 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 




Athens Academy, 1856 



The school was evidently 
in a most prosperous condi- 
tion under Jonas G. French, 
from 1851 to 185G. A pre- 
tentious catalogue was is- 
sued in 1854 of the officers 
and students ; the instruc- 
tors were Jonas G. French, 
Miss Mary A. Parry, Miss 
vSarah W. Huston and Rev. 
William G. French. Under 
these, students were pre- 
])ared for college, and a 
teachers' class was formed; 
218 pupils were enrolled- 
The different religious asso- 
ciations that held their meet- 
ings here were charged fifty 
cents a meeting, and re- 
(|uired to furnish their own 
wood. The institution was 
generally prosperous and be- 
loved by teachers, as well as 
scholars, as indicated by 
the various records preser- 
ved and sent to the Acad- 
emy collection. The last year of Academy school was 18G8; principal, 
Coe Mullock. The graded schools having been introduced, after due 
consideration the trustees of the Athens Academy transferred their right 
and title therein to the school directors of the borough, who used the 
building until completion of present High School building on the orig- 
inal school lands. The Academy centennial was appropriately celebrated 
August 11, 1897, six months later than date of organization, that all its 
lovers might return ; four thousand people w^ere present. 

"It was the love of an old pupil for the Old Academy and the haunts and 
play grounds of his youth, that prompted the gift of the New Museum and 
Library, whose corner stone was laid on the day of the celebration. As the beauti- 
ful new edifice looks benignantly across at its ancient neighbor, so we trust new 
generations will hold in reverent esteem this old landmark of their fathers and 
care for it most tenderly — Dear Old Academy ! What hosts of recollections cluster 
around it ! — Joys, sorrows, noble aspirations, struggles and success, or failures and 
despair. Many have gone out from its classic halls to win wealth, position, fame 
and honor — but the greater number, life's lessons finished, have gone over the 
River, and are waiting for us in the Radiance beyond." (1897) 

G. B. Perkins, Athens; Thrilling Eloquence, J. Thompson, Athens; The Guide Post, J. Ilayden, 
Athens; National Glory, IJ. Hopkins, Athens; Sin, Satan & Death, E. Morgan, Athens; Suc- 
cess of the Gospel, J. H. Scott, Athens; The Toper's Address, R. Tozer, Athens; Pursuit 
of Knowledge, J. Whalen, Athens; The Chameleon, D. A. Overton, Athens; The Rubicon, 
C. M. Comstock, Athens; Greece, M. F. Kinney, Sheshequin; Colloquy; Eloquent Appeal, J. 
F. Satterlee, Athens; Cato, Wm. II. Parry, Waterloo; Sale of Bachelors, K. Spalding, Waverly; 
Mysteries of Being, G. A. Welles, Athens; Mysteries of Being, T. Pert, Spencer; Colloqtty; 
Our Country, G. S. Bennett, Poultney; America, C. D. McDuffee, Athens; Pilgrims, A. A. 
Brooks, Factoryville; Preservation of the Church, A. A. Perry, Smithboro; Colloquy; Crockett 
Outdone, G. B. Perkins, Athens; Parhassins, G. W. Fish, Sheshequin; Rising Glory of America, 
F. A. Allen, Athens; The Last Day, J. H. Scott, Athens; Colloquy; Music. 



GIFTS OF ACADEMY STUDENTS 



555 



(As we go to press, she who wrote the foregoing, the historian of 
the Academy, has joined the throng beyond, and we here pay tribute to 
one who long planned and promised to help us in our task ; but heard 
the higher call, and only tarried long enough to give us much wise 
counsel; Lydia Carner (Park) of blessed memory as one of the fore- 
most educators of Athens.) 

Another recent gift to 
the town was prompted, 
like the one across the 
way, by love of old haunts 
and childhood memories ; 
the soldiers' monument, 
erected by Joseph Stickler 





and his wife, Charlotte Snell (Stickler), 
a descendant of the pioneer settler Jacob 
Snell. It seems most appropriate here 
to introduce the Museum-Library (erec- 
ted by Jesse Spalding, grandson of Jos- 
eph Spalding, the pioneer) ; and the 
Stickler monument, both neighbors of 
the old Academy, where Charlotte Snell 
and Jesse Spalding were pupils in the 
long ago. 

Lack of space forbids 
more than a mention of the 
private schools, beginning 
with that of Jane Hopkins, 
about 1835 ; then Miss 
Purse, in 1845, and ending 

with that of Mrs. Lydia C. Park in 1895, who was a pupil of Miss 
Purse. No room for Miss Goodrich, the Misses Robb, Mrs. Paine, 
Mrs. Bradley, the Misses Smith and several others, some of whose 
schools were kept in extra session in the old Academy. 

Church History. 

It is on record that the region about Tioga Point was in a de- 
plorable religious condition at the beginning of the nineteenth cen- 
tury. Sabbath desecration, profanity, horse racing, etc., abounded; 
wives were turned out of doors for attending religious meetings, 
and it was even boasted that an orthodox sermon had not been 




556 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



preached there for years. Apparently the UniversaHst doctrines, widely 
spread by Noah Murray, did not elevate the community. So-called 
domestic missionaries sometimes held meetings in Tioga Point or vicin- 
ity in the first decade. In 18()2 was formed the Massachusetts Baptist 
Alissionary Society, "to promote knowledge of evangelical truth in the 
new settlements." Peter Philanthropos Root, one of the appointees, 
preached in Athens in July, 1805, and labored in the vicinity several 
months. In 180(5 came Lorenzo Dow, "a queer looking Quakerish 
dressed traveler." He spoke at 'Squire Saltmarsh's, where, no doubt, 
he put up. His self-introduction was : "My name is Lorenzo Dow, — my 
business is to sai'e souls from hell — my credentials are these;" holding 
up a Bible. The Methodists also sent traveling preachers through the 
new settlement, and the year 1807 was memorable on account of the visit 
of the Right Rev. Bishop Asbury, who was consecrated by John Wesley 
himself. He came down the river from the lake country to ^Ir. Light's 
(name unknown ), east of Athens, where a camp meeting was in prog- 
ress. There the bishop preached, and said afterward, "It may be I spoke 
to one thousand people." The next day, the Sabbath, he preached again 
to about double the number of first meeting. He produced a pro- 
found effect, and stirred the hearts of many people. Previous to 1800, 
it should have been stated, that Moses Park, an unordained Baptist 
preacher, was working in Sheshequin, but he was converted in 1793 in 
the famous discussion with Noah JMurray, and thereafter preached uni- 
versal salvation. Sheshequin and Athens became the ]\Iecca of Uni- 
versalism, at which the infidels rejoiced. This was about the condition 
of things in 1812. The next religious episode may be told by an extract 
from Dr. William Wisner's "Incidents in a Pastor's Life." When first 
licensed to preach (1811), Dr. Wisner was invited to a pastorate in 

^Western New York. He started 
on horseback to visit the place. On 
the first day the horse became so 
lame from calking himself that he 
was obliged to turn back ; he says : 
"There was a little village on the edge 
of Pennsylvania where there was no 
cliurch and no preaching except that of 
two UniversaHst ministers; there had not 
been an orthodox sermon for more than 
tliree years. The missionaries shunned 
llie place because the population were so 
inveterately Universalists that they would 
not hear them. As the writer had been 
called there while at the bar to try an 
ejectment case, he thought the novelty 
of hearing a lawyer preach would bring 
the people out, so he resolved to spend 
his unappropriated Sabbath there. Hav- 
ing no expectation of more than one 
service, he proposed to show in a single 
discourse the total depravity of the 
human heart." 

He found the Academy crowded, 
was listened to with profound 




ORGANIZATION OF FIRST CHURCH 557 

attention, and was asked to hold a second service. He preached the fol- 
lowing Sabbath, and a general revival followed. He urged the people to 
ask for aid from the missionary agency, but they insisted that he was 
the needed man, and thus, he says : 

"By the laming of my horse I was sent to commence my labors among Uni- 
versalists and infidels where it might be said with truth 'Satan's scat was.'" 

On July 8, 1812, the Congregational Church of Athens, with twen- 
ty-two members, was organized by Revs. Ard Hoyt, Joseph Wood and 
Manasseh M. York, a committee from the Luzerne Association, with 
which the church was at once connected. Dr. Wisner, called "an able 
theologian and debater," was "chosen standing moderator," at $820 per 
annum, '^ and occupied the pulpit until 181G. Services were held in 
the Academy until the erection of the first "meeting house." Dr. Wis- 
ner was greatly beloved and preached at Milltown school house, as well 
as at Athens. The next pastor was Rev. James Williamson, "mild and 
amiable," who continued irregularly until 1825. The church was now 
greatly enlarged, and in 1822 part of the members wished to adopt the 
Presbyterian form of government, a measure that roused opposition and 
resulted in compromise. Two ruling elders were elected to have direc- 
tion of the spiritual affairs, and to be a court for the adjudication of 
matters pertaining to the spiritual interest of members who should 
desire a Presbyterian form. The elders were ordained, and the 
church adopted into the Susquehanna Presbytery. The church records 
from 1812 are still in existence, and are amusing as well as interesting, 
especially on account of the discipline exercised over members, young 
and old, and the humble public confessions of those who desecrated 
Saturday night by attending singing school. 

There are differing records as to the pastors of this period ; there 
seem to have been several ; but no doubt it was under the pastorate of 
Isaac W. Piatt that the "meeting house" was built ; the first house of 
worship in Tioga Point. General Henry Welles gave "the lot, two cows 
which sold for $27. and $30. each." John F. Satterlee, an active mem- 
ber, also contributed largely or made generous loans, never fully repaid. 
This meeting house had the high pulpit, box stall pews with doors, and 
hanging gallery of the period, and in the course of time a bell and pipe 
organ. 

Isaac W. Piatt was a profound thinker and had great influence in 
the councils of the Presbyterian Church. It used to be said of him that 
"when he took his coat off no man could surpass him as a sermonizer." 

The Revs. Samuel Schaffer, Wm. C. Wisner, Jr., and Wm. M. Ad- 
ams had short pastorates. In 1837 came Charles Chapin Corss, a grad- 
uate of Amherst and of Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Corss was 
a man of stiperior education, and was a distinct help to the little commun- 
ity in every way. Various acts of the General Assembly resulted in a 
rupture of the church, and the organization of two distinct bodies, the 
Old School Church and the New School Presbyterians. Having divided 
themselves, it was impossible to divide the church property, and the two 

8 As this was insufficient, aid was afforded by the New Hampshire and Connecticut 
missionary societies. 



558 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 




^.^^My'U^ -^^^-^^ 



C^^H^L^ /^, I ^ Cjtf 



congregations resolved to use the meeting house alternately ; one body- 
worshipping in the morning, and the other in the afternoon, causing, said 
a devoted member, "much that was p^iinful if not reproachful to the 
cause of religion." One body claimed the bell, the other the organ ; each 
entered by separate doors. One body stood up in prayer, and the other 
knelt. Dr. Corss labored faithfully for the Old School, and strove to 
heal the schism,' as doubtless did his successors. In 1841 came the Rev. 
Curtis Thurston, to preach for the New School. His daily diaries reveal 
some of the depressing effects of this foolish schism. In 1845 he writes : 

"Congregation much as usual, all 
seem dead, myself among them." 
Most of the pastors preached in 
Milltown, as well as Athens, the 
New School being under the care 
of the Presbytery of Chemung. 
Both pastors bore heavy burdens, 
and the separate bodies grew more 
feeble. Dr. Corss left to minister 
to a Congregational church in 
Smithficld, and Rev. Curtis Thurs- 
ton resigned from active pastoral 
work, although he spent his life in 
the valley ; having married Julia 
Ann, daughter of John Spalding, 
and settled on the old home, where 
Rev. Curtis Thurston they lived and died. In 1858, 

' To both the pastors the schism seemed foolish, and when a layman, seeking knowledge, 
asked Mr. Thurston the difference, he replied that one was tweedle-dum, and one was 
tweedle-dee. 




CHURCH HISTORY 559 

after much deliberation, the members of the two schools decided 
to unite as a Reformed Dutch Church. By request a committee from the 
Geneva Classis came to the village and reorganized the church as pro- 
posed July 20, 1858. The first pastor under this dispensation was Rev. 
Augustus F. Todd, the most energetic pastor the church has ever known. 
The meeting house was burned in 1861, and the pastor raised nearly all 
the funds necessary to build a much larger brick church in less than two 
years, which was dedicated in the fall of 18(33. Thus passed the quaint 
old church of early days, w^ith its melodious organ, often supplemented 
by Air. AIcGeorge's bass viol ; its queer pews, and the red silk bags on 
long sticks for the collection. In the course of time the church became 
again Presbyterian, and has to-day its third edifice ; the second, like the 
first, having been destroyed by fire. In the summer of 18G8 Dr. Wisner, 
the original pastor, aged nintey, revisited the church, and refusing to 
preach, yet stood upon the platform and told the story of his first Sun- 
day, and of the organization of the church. 

While Methodist preaching had been comparatively frequent at 
Athens, especially that of Seth Williston, brother of Hon. Horace Wil- 
liston, a class was not formed until 1832, after wdiich the circuit preach- 
ers had regular appointments at the Academy. The first members were 
Rhoda, wife of John Saltmarsh, and Cornelius Harsh. In 183-1 the class 
was reinforced by the coming from Sheshequin of Chester Park'' and 
his wife to reside in the village, where they spent the remainder of their 
lives, faithful and devoted members of their church. In 1838 Mr. Park 
received the following license : 

"This is to authorize Chester Park to Exhort in the Methodist E. Church 
so long as his doctrine and practice agree with the gospel of Christ, and Discipline 
of said Church — Bv order of the Quarterly Conference held at Barton 11 Aug. 
1838. H. Agard P'. E." 

George Shippy was the earliest class leader in the village. The 
Academy was occupied as a place of worship until it was burned, when 
the society became incorporated and built a commodious wooden meet- 
ing house on Chemung Street, which was burned in 1852. The cor- 
porators were Chester Park, Wm. Norton, Elias Alathewson, C. M. 
Harsh, and others. The second edifice was of brick, erected in 1853, 
on the old site. In place of a bell the congregation was called to assemble 
by a large iron triangle, struck with a rod, a most musical sound. This 
church was famed for its sweeping revivals never to be forgotten. Ches- 
ter Park w'as the most prominent leader throughout his long life, and 
his godly teachings led his daughter Myra to go as a missionary to 
foreign lands. 

While Moses and Amos Park, brothers, both were licensed to 
preach the Baptist doctrines, they were not ordained. Yet from their 
settlement in 1792 they held meetings along the river. When both de- 

9 Chester Park, b. 20th Jan., 1802, d. 1881, was the son of Rev. Moses Park, a native 
of Preston, Ct., ancestry unknown, who early settled at Sheshequin and married Mary, dau. 
of Simon Spalding, and had eleven children, nearly all of whom lived and died in this vicinity. 
Chester was reared in Sheshequin and educated in the common schools and the Academy. He 
m. Lemira, dau. of Jabez Fish (b. in Wilkes-Carre 25th July, 1803), and had Dana F., who 
lived and died in Athens, a reputable merchant and a highly respected citizen; Harriet, m. 
Charles E. Johnson; Horace Agard, who lived and died in Patterson; Lemira A., m. Rev. C. C. 
Tracy; and Mary, m. Charles Greer. 



560 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

fected from the faitli the spirit was not dead. The first known Christian 
preachers in the A'alley were the chaplains with SulHvan's army, Rogers 
and Gano, both Baptists, the latter one of the most forceful preachers 
of his day. The two Smith brothers, Lockwood and Joseph, living in 
Old Ulster, were ardent Baptists and were promoters of the truth even 
down to old age. Their homes were very fastnesses of prayer, and both 
the Smithfield and the "Ulster and Athens" churches were started by 
these brothers. The latter was organized at Milltown in 1825. The Bap- 
tist meeting house at Athens was built in 1845 on the present lot, which 
was presented by Judge Herrick. Levi Morse was the first pastor, an 
energetic one, and his successor, Elder King, is still remembered by the 
older residents. Previous to 1845 the Baptists worshipped at Milltown. 

The Universalist stronghold was in Sheshequin, and there was no 
regular organization here until 1851, at which time they erected the pres- 
ent church edifice. LTntil recent years this church has not held regular 
meetings, and at one time the edifice was rented and used by the Epis- 
copalians. 

The few early Roman Catholics in the settlement went to Wilkes- 
Barre for mass and confession, or were visited by the missionaries, 
Father Clancy and Father Fitzsimmons. With the building of the 
canal Irish emigrants poured into the country, and various priests 
worked among them. The first Catholic Church in Athens was built in 
1855 by Father O'Hern, and ministered to by the pastor of the district, 
having no priest in residence until 1868. 

In the early days of the circuit riders the Methodists were very 
strict, especially about dress, as is intimated in following story : 

"When I was a boy I went to Quarterly meeting — the school house (Milan) 
had two front doors. Mr. Bowman stood at one, and Simon Harvey at the other 
— the women all wore shawls and long bonnets, — every woman's shawl was pulled 
open, no jewelry or ribbons were admitted; a ribbon one inch wide for a bonnet 
string must be removed." 

Such discipline might be very wholesome at the present time. The 
ardent Methodist meetings superseded the Baptists' in Milan, wild young 
men becoming powerful exhorters. ''Aunt Sally Piatt was class leader — 
she was firm as Gibraltar." Some other women were "hosts in prayer," 
and one man is now remembered as a "perfect cyclone in prayer." These 
meetings continued until 1855 and gave the road to Milan the name of 
"Christian Street." Ezekiel Curry was famed as a local ])reacher. 

An interesting religious episode in the forties was the visit of the 
brother of Mrs. William Parry, Rev. Evans Jones, long a missionary 
among the Cherokee Indians in Tennessee and Arkansas. He was ac- 
companied by four Indians : Peg, Lewis, Oganiah and Mr. Downing, so- 
called. They remained several days and held a service in the Presby- 
terian meeting house, in which the Indians took an active parf. Doubt- 
less this was the first missionary meeting ever held in Athens. 

Protestant Episcopal. — Organization of Trinity Church, as re- 
corded in the Scribe, August 3, 1842 : 

"By the annexed communication it will be seen a chapel is to be erected 
speedily for the use of a congregation of the Episcopal persuasion. Another 



TRINITY CHURCH ORGANIZED 561 

house where families can obtain seats is needed here, and might be well filled. 
The site selected is on tlie bank of the river south side of Chemung St." 

'"At a meeting held at the Academy on Monday evening Aug. 1 for the pur- 
pose of organizing a Protestant Episcopal Church to be called 'Trinity Church 
of Athens Pa.,' the following were elected vestrymen, viz. C. Comstock, W. Ken- 
dall, C. B. Stuart and E. Wheeler of Athens ; and J. G. French, Thos. Yates and 
E, J. Glover of Factoryville. At the first meeting of the vestry, the Rev. Geo. P. 
Hopkins was chosen Rector for ensuing year, and C B. Stuart and E. Wheeler 
Church Wardens. Until completion of Church edifice public worship will be held 
in the Academy Roo)ns, N. corner of Main and Chemung streets every Sunday 
at 10.30 A. M., and at the district school house in Factoryville at 5 P. M. Persons 
wishing to rent slips for coming year in the church, are requested to give early 
notice to one of the Wardens." 

The next notice says that worship will be in Miss Paine" s school 
room. The little chapel was completed in November, being bitilt by 
the instrumentality of C. B. Stuart, and by the generosity of the family 
of General Welles. For it was said of it : "The church belonged to the 
Welleses, although they did not belong to it." The annexed notices 
from the Scribe show the generous spirit of other denominations.'' This 
edifice was burned in 1852, and the present Stone Church, built in 18(51, 
largely due to the efiforts of Rev. J. McAlpin Harding. The early rec- 
tors, Watson, Marple, Smith and French, were supported by the mis- 
sionary society of Grace Church. Philadelphia. The most effective work 
in the early parish was under the Rev. William G. French. 

* "Sacred Concert. — A concert of vocal and instrumental music will be given at the 
Fresbyterian Meeting house, for the purpose of aid in procuring an organ for Trinity Church, 
which can be recommended as worth attending. A well-sounding organ was lately put in the 
meeting house, which will be used. * * The design of the concert none can object to." * * 
The sleighing being poor, the concert was not well attended, and a second was advertised for 
February 19th, in which it was advertised: "The duets will be accompanied with a Piano, Solos 
v/ith guitar, and full choir with the organ." This program was evidently too frivolous for the 
Presbyterian elders, and the concert was indefinitely postponed. However, a pipe organ was 
installed in Trinity Church, Towanda ladies giving an entertainment to raise funds. 



CHARTER XXIII 

EARLY PROFESSIONAL MEN 

Early Lazvycrs — Early Physicians — Rural Amity Lodge, No. 70 
Early Ncwspaf^crs. 

It has already been noted that Wilham Prentice^ was the first 
lawyer at Tioga Point. He was a native of New London, where he 
was admitted to the bar; he followed his father to this country in 1798, 
and settled at Athens the following year. He was the first postmaster 
as well as first lawyer of the village. "He was a young man of good 
talents and fine personal appearance ; he wore his hair braided, hanging 
on his shoulders," a custom of the time. He died suddenly with the 
prevalent fever in 180G. He practiced in the Lycoming County courts 
during his residence at the Point, and was admitted to the bar in Lu- 
zerne County at the November session of 1799, being then thirty-four 
years old. Craft says, "he was the first full-fledged attorney in what is 
now Bradford County." 

Alphonso C. Stuart is generally given as the first, but that is be- 
cause he came first after the organization of the county. The follow- 
ing letter has never before been published : 

"Wilkes-Barre June 1, 1812 — Dear Sir — I take the liberty of introducing to 
your acquaintance Mr. Alphonso C. Stuart, a gentleman who purposes taking up 
his residence at Athens for the purpose of practising the law in the new counties. 
Mr. Stuart brings with him excellent recommendations from gentlemen of the 
first respectability in Reading, as a gentleman of education, talents and character, 
and from his deportment here I have no hesitation in introducing him as such to 
you. By introducing him to proper characters and paying attention to him, you 
will confer a favor on sir, your Democratic fellow citizen, Samuel Maffet — to 
Henry Welles Esq." 

Mr. Stuart came and purchased the Miller lot next north of library, 
which he occupied for a few years, and married the widow of Johnson 
Miller; going West about 1815. Little is known of him further than 
that he was a bright young man, who came to an untimely death. The 
next lawyer was C. F. Welles, already mentioned ; the next was Hon. 
Edward Herrick,- whose portrait is here presented. In those days the 

^ William Prentice was the son of Dr. Amos Prentice, who came from New London, 
Conn., and settled at Milltown in 1797. Amos m. Annie, the daughter of Rev. Mr. Owen, and 
they had six children; the three daughters married Dan El well, John Spalding and J. F. Satter- 
lee; one son lived at Sag Harbor, and one was a tanner at Milltown. Dorothy Prentice, 
sister of the doctor, m. Isaac Shepard in Connt. The pioneer, John Shepard, was their son. 

- Edward Herrick, b. at Amenia, N. Y., Oct. 26, 1787, was the son of Samuel, son of 
Rufus, son of Edward, son of Stephen, son of Ephraim, son of Henry, the first American 
progenitor, who was born in Leicestershire, England, and came to America in 1629, being one 
of the famous Massachusetts Bay Colony, settling at Salem, whence the family at last mi- 
grated to New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The family history is of great interest, and 
may be found in Craft's "History of Bradford County." Edward Herrick studied law at Pough- 
keepsie, and was admitted to the bar in Ohio, where he not only practised, but was made district 
attorney for three counties, a member of the Legislature, and Colonel of a militia regiment 
at the time of the War of 1812. He was an ardent patriot and tried to organize the whole 
legislative body into a company for the defense of the frontiers. .'Xfter his settlement in 
Athens he was made Brigade Inspector for five counties. In 1818 Governor Findlay appointed 
him Judge of the 13th Judicial District, also five counties, immediately following those eminent 
jurists, Gibson and Burnside. That he was qualified to be their successor is shown by the fact 
that he remained on the bench twenty-one years, at which period, 1839, the new constitution 

562 



ATHENS LAWYERS 



563 




^^t^^^ctjC ^^4^^ 



lawyer not only had to be versatile, 
but as judge was obliged to ride the 
circuit, holding court in various 
parts of the district, which compris- 
ed Tioga, Bradford and Susquehan- 
na counties, which was done by both 
Judge Herrick and Judge Williston. 
Edward Overton, later of To- 
wanda, lived and practised at Ath- 
ens from 1813 to 1816. Horace Wil- 
liston^ was probably the next resi- 
dent lawyer, and doubtless heard of 
Tioga Point from his talented broth- 
er. Rev. Seth Williston, who fre- 
quently preached at Athens. Yet he 
had been some time in this vicinity, 
as he studied law with Vincent Ala- 
thews of Elmira, and had practised 
at Chenango Point (Binghamton) 
for several years before coming to 
Athens. He was a power for good in 
the community, as he was not only a just and careful lawyer, but an active 
and earnest Christian. He was unwilling to take a case unless he knew 
it could be proven as in the right. An old diary records his death, add- 

limited the judicial tenure. A tribute from Tioga County may not be amiss here: "Edward 
Herrick was not quite thirty-one when in 1818 he came to hold court in this part of the district. 
*_ * * If immediate public advancement is a trustworthy evidence of capacity, Judge Her- 
rick was a man of ability as well as of early maturity. He was an example of well-appointed 
talents, probity and prudence." He was ever alive to the advancement of his town and State; 
was a delegate to the Canal Convention in 1825, and strongly urged the building of the proposed 
canals. He accumulated a handsome independence, and invested all in the vicinity of the growing 
village, where he lived in peaceful retirement until eighty-seven years old. The tall, stately 
old man, often seen on the streets, and a prominent figure in the church, is still well remerri- 
bered. His character and appearance have been well portrayed by two of his friends and con- 
temporaries, Gen. Horace Williston and William F. Warner. "In person he was above the 
ordinary stature, graceful in carriage, and in age as in youth, a model of comeliness and dignity. 
His bearing bore the traces of that peculiar discipline to mind and manners which comes of 
a temperate habit, and an intelligent will, animated by earnest principle. * * Of him, with 
all his worldly honors, his spotless life, and manly virtues, his talents of head and heart, it 
may be said as justly as it was ever said of mortal man, 'He bore zvithout abuse the grand old 
name of gentleman.' " — H. W. "It is not probable that Judge Herrick and King Louis Philippe 
ever met, therefore it cannot be said that one copied the manners of the other; yet in manners 
and in general apparance there was a striking resemblance. Dignity of deportment was a 
marked characteristic of each; and it was not assumed, it reposed upon them like a well fitting 
garment, but unlike a garment it could not be laid aside." — ^W. F. W. His retirement from 
the bench closed his active professional life, from that period he chose to live among his books 
and his children in the beautiful home close by the Susquehanna. Judge Herrick was thrice 
married, and had six children, but one of whom is now living, Edmond Per Lee, a namesake 
of a Huguenot ancestor. His older sons, Hopkins and Curran, married, lived and died in 
Athens, and some of the descendants still occupy the homestead. Most of his portraits are 
austere in their dignity, therefore we have chosen to reproduce one showing the genial side, 
which we well remember. 

^ The origin of the Williston family is unknown to the writer. Judge Horace Williston, 
b. in Suffield, Connt., 31st May, 1783; 8th Jan., 1809, m. Hannah Parsons, b. 13th June, 1779. 
at Richmond, Mass. They had nine children; Rhoda, George, Horace, Lorenzo, Eliza, Hannah, 
Clarissa, Lorraine and John; the three latter b. at Athens. All grew to maturity, except 
Hannah, and all but George, Lorenzo and Clarissa lived and died in Athens, though there is 
now no descendant there. Judge Williston d. at Athens, Aug. 14th, 1855. No family was ever 
more admired and regretted than that of Judge Williston. The portrait given was painted 
from life about 1840. As it was not well executed, the family relegated it to the attic, where 
it lay unheeded for about fifty years. Being then unearthed, it was found time had mellowed 
and improved it, and it is now highly treasured. It is reproduced by the courtesy of a grand- 
daughter, Mary Williston (Stockbridge), daughter of John S. Williston, who was an active cit- 
izen of Athens most of his life. He and his family were the last Williston residents in the old 
home. 



564 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



ing, "the community has 
lost an honest lawyer." In 
1849 he was made Presi- 
dent Judge of the district, 
but held the office for only 
two years on account of the 
"elective judiciary act." 
However, he had an ex- 
tensive business, as evi- 
denced by the fact that he 
did not miss a sitting of 
the Supreme Court for 
more than twenty years. 
At his death, in 1855, the 
l>ar of Ikadford, in a spe- 
cial meeting, paid a high 
tribute to his character as 
a lawyer and a citizen, as 
did also several friends in 
various newspapers. He 
was thus described by W. 
F. Warner : 

"Judge Horace WilHston 
with his leonine look, flowing 
lirown hair and heavy features 
was a man of fine intellect, a 
sound lawyer and an able up- 
right judge. He bore a striking resemblance to Prof. Willson, the Christopher 
North of the Edinburg Review." 

Many young men studied law with Judge Williston, one of whom, 
his own son Lorenzo, inherited his father's talents and integrity and was 
admitted to the bar before he was twentv-two. He was United States 





Judge Wihiston's Homestead, 1825 



ATHENS' THREE JUDGES 



5G5 




William Elwell 



Judge for Dakota, and of him it 
was said "he was a lawyer by intu- 
ition, he took a broad, hberal view 
of the law and seized at once the 
equities of the case and the legal 
principles involved." About 1825 
Horace Williston built the fine old 
house, still standing, which was a 
family home for over eighty years. 
It was surrounded by ample 
grounds, which were planted with 
trees, shrubs and flowers of every 
sort. The Williston garden until 
very recent years was the most 
charming and labyrinthine tangle 
one could imagine. Many children 
of the village loved to visit it, and 
never came away empty handed ; 
for the Judge's daughters, who 
for long years lived in the home- 
stead, were bountiful in their gifts, 

and seemed themselves a very part and parcel of the garden's mystery 
and beauty. 

Old Athens can boast of three judges, as it was the birthplace of 
William Elwell, the son of Dan ElwelP* of Milltown, who married a 
daughter of Dr. Amos Prentice. He was educated at the Academy, was 
a teacher for some years ; then studied law with Judge Williston, and 
practised for thirty years in the northern counties. He was elected 
President Judge of the 26th Judicial District for three successive terms, 
served twenty-five years, and resigned at the age of eighty. Edward 
Elwell, his brother, was also a prominent lawyer and judge in Wisconsin. 

These annals would not be complete without some mention of Henry 
C. Baird. He was born at Huntington, Conn., July T, 1820, the youngest 
of eight children of Samuel Beard, a pioneer of Connecticut. Both of 
his grandfathers were Revolutionary soldiers. When he was a boy his 
parents moved to Chenango County, and also lived for a while at 
Tioga Point and Troy. He studied law with his brother and then with 
H. W. Patrick, and practised in Athens and the county courts for nearly 
fifty years. He won high rank as a lawyer, and was considered an ex- 
pert on land titles. He always declined to act if the suit involved manip- 
ulations to warp the cause of justice. He was so prominent in the affairs 
of Athens that an Elmira paper wondered "if there zvas more than one 

3* Dan Elwell settled in :Minto\vn about 1797 and resided there nearly fifty years, al- 
though his last days were spent in the home of a daughter at \'an Etten. He married a daugh- 
ter of Dr. Prentice, one of three sisters; sterling women, who as Mrs. Elwell, Mrs. Satterlee 
and Mrs. Spalding, left their impress on the community; not only by their noble lives, but 
by their discipline and influence with their sons and daughters. 

The Elwells had nine children; John, Nancy, Prentice, William, Evert, King, Edward, 
Phoebe and Tulia, closelv connected with the early days of Tioga Point. William or Judge 
Elwell was twice married and had several children, one son, Ephraim, still residing in To- 
wanda. Judge Elwell removed to Bloomsburg, Pa., after his first appointment, and continued 
in residence there until his death. 



566 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 




Henry C. Baird 



person in Athens, for Squire Baird 
marries everybody, buries everybody, 
collects all the tolls on the canal, and 
handles all the mail/' He was one of 
the most genial men ever known in the 
town, replete with history, and bub- 
bling over with wit. The little picture 
of the bright eyed young man is from 
a group photograph in the Tioga Point 
Museum. We greatly regret that he 
did not put on paper, as promised, his 
most interesting recollections. At his 
death he was the oldest practising at- 
torney in Bradford County, a position 
now held by an old Athens resident, 
Isaac N. Evans. (See note on page 
574.) 

George O. Welles, son of Ashbel ; 
James H. Welles, son of Henry ; 
and Hugh Tyler, son of Francis, were admitted to the bar in the 40's, 
and practised at Athens. George O. Welles was also active in the town, 
erecting buildings, etc., and was a prominent member of the Pres- 
byterian Church. His home was on the plains, near Hayden's Cor- 
ner. He and his family were highly regarded by all residents of 
that time. About 1850 he 
left Athens and removed to 
West Virginia, where his 
son, George A. Welles 
(well remembered by the 
older boys), now resides. 
Hugh Tyler was a brilliant 
young man, who died be- 
fore his prime. N. M. 
Stevens, a temporary resi- 
dent, was a lawyer of this 
period. 

There seems no more 
appropriate place to intro- 
duce Edward Herrick, Jr., 
who, though much younger 
in generation, was one of 
the lawyers of Athens. He 
is included in our portrait- 
ure as a tribute to his work 
in rescuing from destruc- 
tion so much that has 
proved most valuable to the 
history of the town. He was 
the son of Castle Hopkins g^^ (Hv^y^xJC ■ 




EARLY PHYSICIANS 



567 



Herrick and Rachel Herrick ; born at Athens, 1841 ; died at Washing- 
ton, D. C, February 21, 1890. He studied law at Albany, N. Y., also at 
Lockhaven under Richard Peale, and was admitted to the bar in 1866, 
practising in Bradford County courts until 1880. He then had an ap- 
pointment under the state and later under the National government. He 
was a natural antiquarian, and made considerable preparation to write a 
history of Old Tioga Point, which he abandoned on leaving the town. 
He married, in 1872, Miss Ella Jackman, and four sons survive them. 

Early Physicians. 




The Old Doctor's Saddlebags 



To the pioneer the doctor was sometimes a necessity, even if he had 
to come from fifty miles away, for in this lovely valley the population 
were unusually afflicted with terrible scourges of fever of various sorts, 
doubtless all malarial, but designated as "the cold fever," "the She- 
shequin fever," "the Newtown fever," etc., showing that there was a 
distinction and a difference. It required fortitude and bravery to 
practice in the wilderness, where long journeys were made on horse- 
back, often in darkness, fording deep streams, the horse almost 
making its own path. 

The illness that arrested the progress of Dr. Stephen Hop- 
kins'* and led him to settle at Tioga Point may well be called a bless- 
ing. He was just twenty- four years old, and had practised some 
years before coming here, having studied with Dr. Stephen White, later 
of Fort Stanwix. For fifty long years he pursued his practice in the 

* Mr. Charles C. Hopkins, the genealogist of the family, has furnished such facts as 
he has gleaned. It would be very natural to think this Stephen Hopkins was a descendant of 
Stephen Hopkins, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but the American 
progenitor and line of descent is not known, further than that Dr. Stephen was the son of 
William of Roxbury, Morris Co., N. J., where Stephen was born, .3 Sept., 1766, one of a fam- 
ily of five children. The father, at an advanced age, served as artificer in the Revolutionary 
War, and later removed to Palmyra, where he had made a large purchase of lands; emigrating 
thither in 1791, where both he and his wife died a few days after their arrival, probably from the 
exposures of the journey. Dr. Hopkins m. Jemima Lindsley and had Minerva, m. Walter Her- 
rick; Celestia, m. Edward Herrick; Eliza, m. Dr. Thomas T. Huston; Charles E., m. Amanda, 
dau. of John Shepard; Phoebe, m. Rev. James Williamson. Their posterity is well known in 
the valley, though few remain to-day. Edward Herrick, great grandson, made some investi- 
gation, according to which Albert Holbrook, a distinguished genealogist of Rhode Island, 
thought William to be a son of Col. Wm. Hopkins, the elder brother of Gov. Stephen Hopkins. 



568 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

valley from Newtown to Shesheciuin and in frequent consultation from 
Palmyra, N. Y.,to Wyoming. His journal records him as present at 3500 
births. For twenty-five years or more he was the only physician at the 
Point, although soon after his arrival Dr. Adonijah Warner came from 
Granby, Mass., and was his partner, but he soon removed to Wysox. 
Probably a more successful physician than Dr. Hopkins never practised 
in this region. He willingly traveled night and day on horseback over 
rough patlis to minister to his patients. He used some heroic methods 
of his own ; for instance, his treatment of the prevalent fevers with hem- 
lock sweats and rye mush, a less debilitating process than more usual 
methods. This was universally successful, except with the peculiar 
"cold fever" already mentioned. While he had a fiery temper, it was 
usually well controlled ; and to his patients, young and old, he was not 
only a life saver, but a genial, loveable man. To-day he lies unknown 
and forgotten in the old burying ground. There is, however, one old 
lady of ninety-four who grows eloquent in her praises. Yet she knew 
his heroic treatment when a child, for after a prolonged illness, having 
little relief, he ordered her parents to take her down to the creek and give 
her a veritable cold plunge, which proved the needed tonic. Dr. Hop- 
kins was short and stout, with blue eyes and a ready smile and pleasant 
word for all. His hospitality was far-famed and unsurpassed ; he w^as 
in very truth a royal entertainer, for it was he who made welcome the 
three distinguished French princes in his private house, although in later 
years he kept a famovis hotel. In those days he wore the ruffled shirt, wig, 
knee buckles, etc., to which in later years he laughingly alluded. It is 
difficult to picture him as a young man, for he has long been known to 
us as "old Dr. Hopkins," and we have been wont to think of him as in 
the lost and only portrait painted by Curran Herrick, with white hair and 
beard, and big white tie. W. F. Warner wrote: "Dr. Hopkins, with his 
flowing locks, white as snow, would have been selected by Pericles as 
a model to represent Galen, the originator of practical materia medica." 
That he became more careless of personal appearance may be assumed 
from the last recollection of him "standing on the abutment of the 
Chemung dam watching the rising river, his long loose house gown blow- 
ing around him in the wind." That his practice was lucrative is shown 
by his continued investments and erection of the most pretentious house 
in the village. 

The esteem in which he was held is evinced by his election or ap- 
pointment to very many positions of trust in Tioga Point, being asso- 
ciated with the Presbyterian Church, the Academy, the Masonic Lodge, 
etc. He died without previous illness March 29, 1841 ; yet not without 
some premonition, for his last act was one in keeping with his life. He 
burned all accounts against patients, saying he knew many were too 
poor to pay, and he feared his heirs would attempt collection. His son 
Charles inherited the homestead and opened the street that bears the 
family name. In his youth that son Charles was a madcap boy, whose 
pranks are still town talk, and often found recorded in letters. There 
is to-day in our Museum the old doctor's desk, time-worn and honored, 
containing some few family relics. 



EARLY PHYSICIANS 



569 



Dr. Amos Prentice, son of Thomas, son of Thomas R. of England 
and the Massachusetts Bay Colony, came from New London to Mill- 
town in 1797, and had probably the first drug store in the valley. He 
practised until his death in 1805, and was succeeded at Milltown by Dr. 
Ozias Spring, the ancestor of the well-known family of that name, now 
practically extinct in the valley. Dr. Spring was called "a travelling 
drug store," who freely used the lancet. Dr. Thomas T. Huston was son 
of Dr. Thomas Huston, of the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, who have 
given so much moral character to Pennsylvania. He was born at Car- 
lisle, Pa., in 1T93. graduated from Dickinson College in 1810, and from 
Philadelphia Medical College in 1813. In 1820 he came to Tioga Point, 
where he practised for four years, and married Eliza, daughter of Dr. 




Er,M Cottage, Built by Dr. Prentice 

Hopkins, with whom doubtless he was associated. Yet it is likely that 
the old physician's jealousy of his practice drove the young man away, 
as he left in 1824:, practising for several years in other parts of the state. 
However, he returned to Athens in 1832, and was in active practice until 
his death in 1865. "His reputation as a surgeon and physician gave him 
a good practice, but much of it was among the poor, whom he served as 
long as he could go." It was his custom to give a pound cf tea to who- 
ever named a boy for him. He was as careless in collecting his fees as he 
was generous ; therefore he never amassed property. "Dr. Tom, as he 
was familiarly called, was long, loose and lank, a veritable Scot, with a 
kindly eye and a fund of ready Irish wit." In an old diary we found the 
following description : "The Doctor's Points — Very tall, buttermilk 
eyes, sandy hair and whiskers, good form, straight." He always wore a 
tall silk hat, and in later years carried a cane, which was more often 
swung than used as a support. W. F. Warner says : 

"A notice of the reputable men of that generation would be incomplete with- 
out mention of Dr. Huston, the ubiquitous ! the multitudinous ! the perambulating 
news-gatherer and communicator ! a worthy and excellent man who in a wider 
field of action, might have become as famous as his brother, Chief Justice Huston." 



(0 



OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 



Dr. Huston, at his second coming, purchased the house on the river 
bank in lower part of town, where he and his family long resided. He 
had four daughters and one son, Charles, well known later as lawyer, 
editor, etc., in Bradford and Lycoming. The father of "Dr. Tom" had 
an interesting Revolutionary career, told in State Archives. He never 
had any sort of a portrait. That he was ready to practise wherever 
found is evinced by the story attached to one of his instruments now in 
Tioga Point Museum, and here reproduced. Very near the close of the 
old doctor's life, Air. George W. Walker came hastily to town seeking 
to have a refractory aching tooth extracted. Not finding "Dr. Tom" at 
home, he sought him on the street. They met near the old Exchange ; 
the doctor, without ado, bade his patient be seated on the hotel steps, and 




Dr. Huston's Turnkeys 

applied the old-fashioned instrument of torture, the turnkeys. Having 
extracted the troublesome member, instead of collecting a fee, he pre- 
sented the patient with the turnkeys, saying, "Put those in your pocket, 
I never want to see them again." 

April 25, 1825, a stranger on horseback drew up at the door of Sat- 
terlee's tavern. Being questioned, he gave his name as Dr. William KifT, 
on his way to Virginia to practise his profession. Dr. Huston had just 
left town, and Dr. Hopkins was disliked by some few people. Here was 
a good opening for a young physician, and Mr. Satterlee urged the young 
man to stay, and so he did. Dr. Kiff was of Irish descent ; his parents 
came to America previous to the Revolution, in which his father took 
part. They settled in this vicinity, but were driven out by the Indians, 
and finally made a new home in Bloomsville, Delaware County, N. Y., 
where William was born May 22, 1790. He served through the war of 
1812 under Captain Penfield. When mustered out at New York City he 
returned to his old home and studied medicine under Dr. Clark. At 
Tioga Point he very soon acquired an extensive practice and wore him- 
self out in hard country practice, riding hither and thither on his little 
horse Lightfoot, who could pick her way even across a ford in the night. 
He was an active and upright Mason, at his death one of the oldest mem- 
bers of the fraternity in the state, being ninety-six years old. July 9, 
1829, he married Jane Walker and had four children, William d. young; 
Horace, a well-known citizen, dec'd ; Frances (Mrs. Hancock), and Isa- 



EARLY PHYSICIANS 



571 



bel, d. 1854. His first house 
near the old Exchange was 
burned, the later one is still 
occupied by his daughter, 
to whose courtesy we are 
indebted for the excellent 
portrait of young Dr. Kiff 
here presented. His prac- 
tice extended over a longer 
period than that of Dr. 
Hopkins, whose enmity he 
incurred by intruding upon 
his circle of patients. 
Nevertheless, he was a suc- 
cessful practitioner, and 
was finally considered one 
of the ablest members of 
his profession. In all the 
long rides the early doc- 
tors carried their medicine, 
etc., in saddle-bags, the 
quaintest of which were 
Dr. Warner's, not easy to 
photograph. Those shown, 




Dr. William Kiff 



which were of the sort more generally used, were carried by a physi- 
cian of much later date. 

In 1841 Dr. Fred S. Hoyt, a graduate of Berkshire, Mass., Med- 
ical College, opened an office in the Athens Exchange, and had for many 
years an extensive practice. After bis death, in the sixties, his family 
moved away, and their history cannot be traced. Dr. Hoyt was a hand- 
some and attractive man, and a skilful physician, and made many warm 
friends. 

The system of homeopathy was introduced into this vicinity by Dr. 
Leonard Pratt. Among his students was John L. Corbin, who had al- 
ready attended medical lectures at Hobart College. Dr. Corbin began 
practice at Factory ville in 1848, and settled in Athens in 1853, where he 
became a successful practitioner and spent his entire life. He was the 
son of Oliver Corbin and Lucy Hill, Connecticut settlers at Warren, 
where the doctor was born July 26, 1819. He married Mary, daughter 
of Julius Tozer Jr. His wife and two children are still town residents. 

This sketch should have been prefaced by an account of the grave 
of what may have been the first physician of Tioga Point. It was acci- 
dentally discovered in 1897 on the river bank, back of the Museum-Lib- 
rary. With the skeleton evidently of a zuhite man, buried in a box with 
buckles, buttons, coins, a dirk and peculiar clay pipes, were found sur- 
geon's knives of various sorts and much broken crockery, evidently 
surgeon's paraphernalia of a primitive time. Absolutely nothing is 
known about this, further than the find. 



572 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Doubtless the first practice of medicine at Tioga Point was in the 
hospital of Fort Sullivan, where there were very many sick, besides the 
wounded. 

It seems hardly fair to omit from this chapter a notice of Dr. Ezra 
P. Allen ; for while he did not reside in Athens during the period of our 
history, he belonged to this locality, as he was born in Smithfield in 1821. 
He was the son of Ezra Allen of Halifax, Vt., who settled in Smithfield 
in 1819. Dr. /Vllen was sixth in descent from James and Anna Allen, 
original emigrants, who settled in Dedham, now Medfield, Mass., in 
1()39. and are supposed to have come from Scotland. He was a graduate 
of the Berkshire Medical College of Pittsfield, Mass., also attended lec- 
tures in other medical colleges. He had an extensive country practice in 
the vicinity of Smithfield previous to 18G0. After the Civil War he set- 
tled permanently at x\thens, although for eight years he occupied a pro- 
fessor's chair in the medical department of Hobart College, Geneva, N. 
Y.. delivering each season about one hundred lectures. He was an adept 
and expert surgeon, well known and appreciated in medical circles 
throughout the state. January 18, 1844, he married Honnor H. Harris, 
of Coleraine, Mass., and they had eight children, several of whom still 
survive, though only one is now a resident of Athens. Both the doctor 
and his wife died in 1896. For many years he was the foremost physi- 
cian of the regular school in this vicinity. The old saddle bags pictured 
were carried by him in the early days of his country practice. 

Rural Amity Lodge, No. yo. 

The first Masonic service in this valley, of which we have any 
record, was the Masonic funeral sermon, "a discourse delivered in the 
Masonic form," at Tioga Point, August 18, 1779, on the death of Capt. 
Davis and Lieut. Jones, by Dr. Rogers. 

It may be observed that Col. Proctor, commander of artillery under 
Gen. Sullivan, was an ardent Mason, and had been given a warrant to 
form and hold a traveling military Lodge, the first warrant of this kind 
granted to the American army. 

There were some settlers at Tioga Point who had been made Alasons 
before they came thither ; and diversified as their individual opinions 
were on public questions, as Masons they met each other as chosen 
brethren. About 1795 Arnold Colt, Secretary of Lodge No. 61, at 
Wilkes-Barre, came to Tioga Point to reside ; and with other Brethren 
soon petitioned the Grand Lodge for a warrant to hold a Lodge at Tioga 
Point, with Arnold Colt, Master ; Stephen Hopkins, Senior Warden, and 
Ira Stephens, Junior Warden. The warrant was issued July 6, 1796; 
it is on parchment and still preserved. For various reasons the first 
meeting was delayed until May 21, 1798, when it was held at the house 
of Mr. George Welles, now better known as Pike's Hotel, burned in 
1875. Clement Paine, already a Mason, was made Secretary. Arnold 
Colt's residence was brief, and in 1799 Col. Joseph Kingsbery was 
elected Master and re-elected annually for sixteen years. The Lodge 
met altcrnatelv at Ulster and Tioga Point, and was likened to "a Palm 



RURAL AMITY LODGE 573 

tree sprung up in a desert. Around the altar of that lodge the angry 
waters were stilled ! The Yankee and the Pennamite sat down together 
for the first time, and ate and drank, and gave to each other the hand of 
brotherly love." The lodge was a place where our forefathers loved to 
meet ; many of the members came a day's journey to attend its meetings. 
A portion of David Paine's house was finally rented, and later, as seen, 
the upper room of Athens Academy. While for a season in later years 
they suffered from the general debasement and persecution, they re- 
vived, reorganized in 1847, and have ever since enjoyed unusual prosper- 
ity. Among the more prominent speakers of early days were Noah 
Murray, who delivered a discourse June 3o, 1798 ; Clement Paine, Jo- 
seph Kingsbery, Moses Park and Samuel Satterlee, already known to 
our readers. Many of the pioneers were devoted Masons for long 
periods, even to 50, GO and 70 years. An excellent history of this 
lodge has been printed, prepared by Joseph AI. Ely, Jr. 

Early Nezuspapers. 

Although Clement Paine was importuned to print a paper 
at Tioga Point prior to 1800, it not only was not done, but the 
town had no paper until 184L when the Athens Scribe was started 
as an advocate of the New York and Pennsylvania Improvements. The 
editor was O. N. Worden, a Whig in politics, although the paper was 
originally sustained by both parties. The first issue was August 5, 1811, 
and the office was in Chester Stephen's old store building (next lot north 
of library). The Athenian, edited by Academy pupils, was printed on 
the Scribe press, and sometimes included in the paper. The best men of 
the valley assisted in editing the Scribe, and it had three hundred patrons. 
The paper was suspended in 1843, the improvement boom having sub- 
sided. It was immediately succeeded by the Democrat Laborer's Advo- 
cate, which gained the largest circulation of any paper in the county, 
Mr. Worden having as partner Jason K. Wright. The suspended work 
on the canal bankrupted the patrons and the paper in 1815. In 1852 
Charles T. Huston, having the use of press and office, started the 
Athenian, published for a short time only. ]\Ir. Hviston was a brother- 
in-law of i\Ir. Worden, and has been a printer for a large part of his 
v:seful life. In 1855 M. M. Pomeroy, familiarly known as "Brick," 
published the Athens Gazette for about two years. He was a bright but 
eccentric man, and published a very newsy paper, of which but one copy 
has been found. But after a visit, in 1871, "Brick" wrote his venture up 
himself, as here appended.^ No other paper was published prior to 

^ "Sixteen years ago Athens, or Tioga Point, as it was then more generally called, was a 
quiet place of six hundred people. Our editorial pin-feathers were sprouting ambitiously then. 
A friend told us there was a fine opening for a weekly paper at Athens. In those days we 
believed all we heard and took the advice of a friend. 

"He was correct! It was a fine opening. In two years the bottom fell out, and we went 
through the 'fine opening' we had fallen into. 

"The how of it was this: Nat. Harris was a merchant. J. E. Canfield was the active 
secretary of an insurance company. Shipman & Welles were owners of a big foundry, where 
much work was done. R. M. Welles was a maker and seller of agricultural implements. G. A. 
Perkins kept a store. Hen. Baird was a justice of the peace. Nate Edminster was constable, 
and John E. Snell was another. C. Comstock was a grocer. 'Squire' Patrick was a lawyer. 
W. S. Burdick was a jeweler, and Jim Wilson kept a saloon. Ike Evans was a lawyer, and 



574 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

1866, doubtless because the many Towanda publications took tbe patron- 
age. A complete file of the Scribe and the Advocate was preserved by 
the editor, and presented to our Museum by the well-known Charles T. 
Huston, editor of the historical Gleaner of later date. 

Some idea of the trials of very early printers, similar to Pomeroy's, 
may be gleaned from the following notice published in the Bradford 
Gazette of 1817, asking payment of arrears: 

"Wheat, Rye, Oats, Buckwheat, flax, linen, cloth of a good quality, tallow 
and sugar will be received in payment if delivered at the Bradford Gazette ofifice." 

'Senator' Reeves was both justice of the peace and attorney. Chester Park and his go-a-head 
son Dana were merchants, and Ilerrick's drug store was another! 

"All these people were to give us their business and take the paper. In the place was 
an old press and some type left there by somebody who had failed before us, without money 
enough to move the stuff away. The old material was cleaned up and put in motion. The 
Athens Gazette became a fixed fact. We had two hundred subscribers — all good at the end 
of the year! 

"We printed pill-labels for Herrick — insuran«e cards for Canfield — warrants for Baird — 
letter-heads for Patrick — direction tags for Shipman & Welles — hand-bills for Nat Harris— 
'oyster signs' for Jim Wilson — fanning mill directions for Rayni. Welles — and — and took it 
alt out in trade! 

"The Athens Gazette died! It was a lively lingerer, but at last it sort of ceased to 
bubble, and one day with all our debts and twenty-one dollars in cash left over, we started 
for the west! 

"The causes of this decease were many. We could not live on a business of seven hun- 
dred and eighty-four dollars a year. We could not find a place at the top of the column for 
every advertisement, nor could we stand penny-ante when Hen. Baird, 'Sen.' Reeves or John E. 
Snell would lay the things down and with a look of 'business' say, '/ raise you five cents!' So 
we quit Athens and decided to no more let others raise us, but to raise others." 

In giving sketches of early lawyers (pp. 562-566) three names were omitted, although 
mentioned in other places. Harris W. Patrick was admitted to the bar in 18.18, and lived and 
practised in Athens until 1875. He was one of the most active lawyers of his time. His family 
have left this vicinity, so that no knowledge can be obtained of his ancestry, etc. John E. Can- 
field, already mentioned, was admitted to the bar of Bradford County in 1845, and practised 
until his death. Joseph B. Reeves was admitted in 1851, and was in active practice in Athens 
until his death in 1870. He is well remembered as a man of brilliant mind and considerable 
culture. He was twice married and left a daughter. He was a brother of Mrs. Canfield, who 
survives him. 



CHAPTER XXIV 

A SUMMARY 
Along the Old Stage Road — The Neighbors 

No more fitting way occurs to us to complete this history than to 
make selections from sketches already published under the above title ; 
and to add similar ones of the neighbors. The Old Stage Road was 
one of the first State roads in this vicinity over one hundred years ago, 
and followed the same line as the new State road built in 1907. "The 
Observations of the Road Committee," etc., of March 5, 1788, a most 
ingenious and somewhat amusing report (see Chapter XX), doubtless 
led to some consideration of the subject; yet the first public road, a 
continuation of the one from Wilkes-Barre, ran up the river via Wya- 
lusing, Towanda and Tioga Point to the State Line, and was "explored 
and opened" by the settlers, and accepted in 179.1. The "Observations" 
have considerable connection with our locality, which is called "the 
district of \\'illiam McClay Esq.," a term applied to it in no other 
records. 

Given the road, we will not take the stage as first intended, but 
drive or ramble in a more leisurely fashion, the time being between 
1830 and 1860. Crossing the bridge we note considerable change in the 
appearance of the country since our first trip in 1800. The land is 
generally cleared and fenced ; frame houses have replaced the rude log 
buildings of the pioneers, and the second growth of timber on the hill 
tops hides the defacing work done by the early ring hunters. Game 
has nearly disappeared from the forests, and the dams built by con- 
structors of the canal prevent the shad from coming up the river. Take 
note that the once popular distilleries no longer deface the landscape. 
As we leave the town we feel with one who lives along the road : 

"I have no great attachment for the town, but for these free hills and noble 
old mountains I have a sympathy and admiration, and love to enjoy them with 
one of like feelings." — E. A. M. 

Near the turn of the road, close to the hill, are living some recent 
settlers, Jacob Ercanbrack, a worthy Hollander, for awhile "mine host" 
at the Exchange, and now owner of the old Hopkins property. The late 
George T. Ercanbrack, the first President of the Tioga Point Historical 
Society, a man deeply interested in the welfare of the town, was the son 
of Jacob. Near him lives Joseph P. Burt, a temporary resident from 
Newtown, whose family was later well known to Athenians. Above 
live several descendants of Jacob Snell, active and industrious ; and 
the river land, named a little later "the Patch," is occupied by the Irish 
families who came to work on the canal. The greater part of these 
families later removed to Ridgeberry. but John Doran purchased prop- 
erty on Susquehanna Cove, and was a thrifty and industrious settler. 
His descendants are respected borough residents to-day. There was 

575 



57G 



OLD TIOGA POJNT AND EARLY ATHENS 



a John Doran living here in 1791, who was possibly a relative of this 
same family. l!ut we are ofif the stage road, turn to the south; the old 
sign of Murray's Inn still creaks disconsolately to and fro. This i-S- 
no longer a public house, though the long sheds, built in 1797, shelter 
the teams of passing friends who are too frugal to cross the toll bridge. 
Abner Murray has been stricken, life is about over for him, and his 
children are long since married and gone, except Edward, who always 
inhabited the homestead and tenderly cared for his i)arents. The Mur- 
ray still house has not yet been destroyed, and in it are living Jason K. 
Wright and his young wife. He is a son of Foster Wright, supposed 
to be a C(jnnecticut man, who settled in the townshi]) in 18"i2. There 
are no ancestral records of this family available. Jason married Maria 
Ely of Owego, a niece of Mrs. Abner Murray, 2nd, and later they had 
a farm and homestead in Wolcott Hollow, and were the parents of a 
numerous family of stalwart sons, most of whom long ago went West. 
If you stop at the next house, you will find the large family of 
John vS])alding in a gocjd frame house, which was burned later. The 
young Spaldings seemed to have a fancy for the West, as most of them 
settled in Wisconsin and Illinois. We will call next on Isaac Morley, 
3rd, who lives just where his father located in 1807. Indeed, the orig- 
inal property has been divided between three of the sons, Isaac, Alvin 
and Gad Harmon. Isaac has a large family. Just below is the com- 
modious house, still standing, built by Alvin Morley for his bride, Eliza 
Parmeter. They raised a family of five children. Gad Harmon lives 
up on the little hill just over the canal. He has remodelled the log 
house built by Joseph Spalding into a comfortable home ; having mar- 
ried Experience Green, whose father settled farther south in the 
county. They have seven children ; thus it is seen the Morley contingent 
is a large one. The three brothers are running A-Iorley's Mill together, 
as it is run to-day by their descendants. If we go over to the mill we 
will see Nathan Edmunister, a late settler, but an active citizen, con- 
stable of Athens Tovvnshi]) for twenty-five years. Now we are at 
Greene's Eddy, later called Greene's Landing. Here is a group of 
Rhode Island people; 
Greenes, Lanes, etc. Ludo- 
vick Greene, son of EHsha 
Greene^ and Edith Stafford 
of Greenwich, R. I., came 
in 1803, and l>uill llic hewn 
log house still standing for 
a home and a public house. 
We will visit his three sons 
to-day: Benjamin, i lenry 
and John. His grand- 
daughter, Almira Greene, 
has just married Giles M. 
Hoyt, and commenced 
housekeeping where they 

' Elisha Greene was fifth in descent from John Greene (of QuidnesseO, the original 
emigrant, who was also the ancestor of the famous General Greene of Revolutionary fame. 




ALONG THE OLD STAGE ROAD 577 

may still be found sixty years later. Giles is the son of Samuel Hoyt 
of (uiilforfl, who married Mary, daughter cjf Samuel Hartlett of Sun- 
derland, Vermont. 

Giles AL Hoyt was actively connected with the interests of this 
locality for most of his life, and was teeming with historical data of all 
sorts, as the writer well can testify. Another Rhode Islander, Thomas 
Lane,- settled near Ludovick Greene, and married his daughter Susan, 
many of whose descendants are found to-day in this locality, though 
the names of Greene and Lane have passed away. 

If we call at the Griffin homestead, we will see "the Griffin girls," 
those famous housewives, thrifty and industrious; they can weave as 
well as spin, and their wheels and looms are busy (still preserved to- 
day). We crossed Murray's Creek at Greene's Eddy, named for the 
property and sawmills of Abner Murray. Redington's Creek comes 
next, though the family of that name have disappeared. The first farm 
is that of John Watkins, son of William, a Massachusetts man, who 
settled in Smithfield about 1810, ancestor of all the Watkins family, a 
famous Revolutionary soldier. John Watkins has had two wives and 
fourteen children, and many of his descendants are still in the valley. 
He keeps open house like most of the people along the road, and has 
a store as well as a still. He has the old Loomis farm on Queen Esther's 
Flats, still a Watkins possession. The origin of the Loomis family is 
unknown ; they were Pennsylvania settlers of very early date, with 
abundance of means, but property seemed to slij) away from them, and 
there are few left of the descendants hereabouts. 

Xext we find some English people, recent settlers: Thomas 
Page and his wife, Anne West, with their four girls, came from 
England about 1831, passed their lives here, and raised other daugh- 
ters and sons, all identified with the later history of the town. The 
old homestead, already pictured, has been occupied all his life by 
the son, George C. Page, a prosperous farmer. A number of Mrs. 
Page's relatives followed her : Christopher West, her brother, erstwhile 
a school teacher at Milan, became later a prominent citizen of Balti- 
more ; George West, another brother, remained in this vicinity, and 
his son, George, occu])ied the same farm in Smithfield Townshij) dur- 
ing his lifetime. There are still many Page descendants hereabouts. 
One son of Thomas and Anne Page, Frederick N., was an active bus- 
iness man and citizen of Athens until he removed to Williamsport, 
where he is well known and highly esteemed, as is his brother, F. T. 
Page in Athens. 

Cross another creek. Buck's, this time, named for one of the orig- 
inal proprietors in old Ulster, whose family later settled at Chemung. 
Here is a large house (still standing), built by Ezckiel Curry, later the 
home for many years of his daughter, Harriet, who married Rev. J. B. 
Chase. And there is another new house built by Peter Flood, an Irish 
Orangeman from Limerick, contractor on the canal ; his sons and 
daughters are well known to-day. Here are numerous descendants 

-The children of Thomas Lane and Susan Greene were Mary, m. G. W. Plummer; 
Sarah, m. Gabriel Walker; .Martha, m. William Drake; Lucy, d. unmarried; Wealthy, m. 
Ilenry Mingle, and Jane, m. Nathaniel Greene. 



578 OLD TIOGA POINT AXD EARLY ATHENS 

of Christian Miiiier. who came from Germany with the persecuted 
Huguenots. His son Daniel came here from Northampton County in 
1792; Abraham and John are his sons; he was very industrious, and 
his farm became one of the most valuable in the region. Later it was 
purchased by Myron S. Warner, son of Dr. Adonijah Warner, whose 
daughter occupies it to-day. This farm comprised lots Nos. G and 7 
in old Lister, chosen by the Bucks originally, and purchased of them 
by Alinier. Next comes the family of Lockwood Smith, already intro- 
duced. They have two or three homes now, near together. Lockwood, 
Jr., is an ardent politician, so successful in obtaining office that he boasts 
he carries Bradford County in his pocket.^ The burying-ground here is 
full of information ; the first grave was that of Stephen C. Powell, who 
gave the name to Powell's Eddy nearby. 

There is too little time to make the acquaintance of the Huffs and 
Russells and other late settlers along the road. We will turn oft' to the 
west ; for there are a good many roads now, and many new acquaint- 
ances between here and the township line. Of those whose descend- 
ants are still among us, the earliest seems to have been Jacob Yslyi Woert, 
who came from Athens, Green County, N. Y., in 1838 to Athens Town- 
ship, and shortly after purchased a farm on Sutliff Hill. His son, 
Nicholas, was the father of Samuel, well known to the present genera- 
tion. James Underwood, who had removed from Vermont to New 
York State in 1811, settled on the farm still owned by his family in 
1839 ; his son ^^llliam having occupied it over fifty years. All the fam- 
ily have been industrious and enterprising inhabitants. William mar- 
ried Agnes, daughter of Edward ]\IcAIorran, a Scotchman, who settled 
in the township about this time, and who has many descendants here 
to-day. Edward ]\Ic]Morran and his wife are well remembered as true 
Scots and earnest Christians. 

Here is the fine farm of Jacob A. \\'eller, who came from Newburg, 
N. Y., to Chemung County, thence to present location in 18-13. His 
wife, Julia Fitzgerald, is from New Jersey, and of their twelve children 
ten grew to maturity, and have many descendants in the township. 
Three of their sons are borough residents to-day ; Jacob E., associated 
with his son, William A., the merchant; (another son, John J., is also 
a town merchant) ; Nathan, who has held various county and town 
offices, and Frank, a skilled mechanic, most of whose life has been 
spent in Greene's Landing. The Wellers are scattered over the coun- 
try, even to California, and are known as honest, capable business men, 
worthy descendants of Jacob, the pioneer. Frederick Weller, who came 
to the township in 1840, was of the same family, brother of Jacob, Sr. 
Like him, he carved a fine farm out of the wilderness for the benefit 

' William Smith, son of Lockwood, who ow^ned a separate farm, has had the western fever 
and moved west, in true emigrant fashion, settling in Michigan, and iiis descendants are 
found farther west, even to the Pacific coast, as also the families of Lockwood, Jr., and Piatt 
Smith. We have little definite record of them. William sold his farm to Henrv S., son of 
General Welles, who lived there with his bride a few years. There is another Smith family 
here now, John, whom we think was a Palatine German. His son Henry married Abigail, 
daughter of Lockwood ; they were the parents of Hulon C. Smith of Athens. The Smiths were 
so actively religious that they were called "promoters of the truth, even down to old age." 
Although many descendants are in the west, they are also numerous in- this locality. Lockwood, 
Sr., was a conspicuous pioneer because he was one of the original proprietors of Leister, who 
returned after the war to his original choice, and his title was ever undisputed. 



NEIGHBORHOOD PIONEERS 579 

of his family of fifteen children ; his son, Artemus Weller, is a borough 
resident ; Clinton and Fenton are also of this family. 

Another late settler in this locality was John Eighmey. born in 
Durham, N. Y., who came to Athens Township in 18-i9 and purchased 
a timber tract and sawmill near the Underwoods, pursuing lumbering 
and agriculture for about twenty years, when he removed to ^lilltown. 
He was the father of Lewis Eighmey, a prosperous business man who 
has had much to do with the development of Sayre; and of Lawrence 
M. Eighmey, now resident in Athens Borough, who was for a long time 
a successful operator in Pennsylvania oil fields, and is now active in 
the banking business. George H. Jackson also settled in this part of the 
township about 1840 ; he was the father of John ]\I. Jackson, an indus- 
trious citizen, who still has some descendants in the borough. 

A somewhat eccentric character who left his name and his mark 
in the township was Erastus Wolcott, who first settled on Tutelow 
Creek about 1830. He was a practical lumberman, and built several saw- 
mills, changing location when the land was cleared. He was a stren- 
uous character, staunch in his friendships and fierce to his foes. He 
finally settled on Redington Creek, and gave the name to Wolcott Hol- 
low. He became quite prominent in politics, always taking an active 
part, and should be remembered as the man who, during "the log cabin 
and hard cider campaign," gathered twenty yokes of oxen, harnessed 
them to a small log cabin on wheels, and drove triumphantly to To- 
wanda to a great political gathering. \Miich reminds us that to-day 
we never hear the call, "gee-haw." nor see the countryman coming to 
town with his long ox-gad, driving those patient, toiling beasts of bur- 
den, the oxen. There are numerous descendants of McDuffee, Tozer, 
Snell and other pioneers in the vicinity of Tutelow Creek, whom we 
cannot visit to-day ; and some later settlers, whose names and descend- 
ants still exist : the Scotts, Clarks, Beidlemans, Middaughs, Sutlififs and 
perhaps others. Watson SutlifT gave the name to Sutliflf's Hill. The 
first Aliddaughs were not only farmers but contractors. One of the 
settlers on Sutlift' Hill about 1846 was Samuel H. Sawyer, who later 
made a home in the village, where several of his family still reside. 
There were a number of Sawyer families who came to this region from 
Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., and settled in Athens and Waverly, all 
of the same stock; Moses, Samuel, John L. and Moses, 3nd. Samuel 
Sawyer, a frugal and industrious man, was blind for many years before 
his death. He was always very devout, and is best remembered as 
associated with Chester Park, going about the village, exhorting and 
praying in the homes as well as in religious meetings, in a laudable en- 
deavor to make religion one of the common things of life, essential 
to every one's happiness and well-being. Two sons, William and James, 
and one daughter, Angeline, are still borough residents, the daughter 
occupying the home built by her father in the fifties. 

Let vis call next at Ira Elsbree's. Joseph and Ira Elsbree, natives 
of Albany County, N. Y., settled in Windham Township in 1819. 
Nothing is known of their ancestry, though there are traditions which 
indicate Scotch or Scotch-Irish origin. Joseph married ]\Iary ]\Iackey, 



580 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

Ira married Sally Dunham. About 1848 they purchased together a 
large lumber tract in Athens Township. Both were practical lumber- 
men as well as farmers, amassing considerable wealth. Ira moved onto 
the tract at Pine Grove, and he and his descendants have been residents 
ever since. His only son, J. Lehman, is a borough resident to-day, well 
known as a practical farmer, lumberman, stock dealer and general bus- 
iness man, who has acceptably filled towm and county offices. The son 
of Joseph was given his father's interest and followed his uncle ; Alex- 
ander C. Elsbree was born October 3, 1821 ; his wife was Nancy Rogers 
of Windham. After some years of active work as a lumberman he set- 
tled in the borough, of which his daughter is to-day a resident. Alex- 
ander was a public-spirited man, assisting many enterprises of the town 
with his ample means. He had three brothers ; Alanson, who spent 
most of his life in the township and left numerous descendants; Nathan 
C, a resident of Towanda and well known lawyer, admitted to the 
bar in 1848, and Piatt, who was for some years in the West, but spent 
the latter part of his life in Athens. There were also two or three 
sisters well known here. Ira Elsbree had three daughters, said to be 
"three of the handsomest girls of their time" : Almira, who married 
Abraham Snell, and survives him ; Nancy, who married Reuben Alor- 
ley, and survives him, and Amanda, who married Moses Wright, a 
non-resident. 

If we should go farther west to Smithfield, Burlington, Spring- 
field and Ridgeberry, we might fill many pages. The settlement of the 
last has already been noted. The others were originally all Connecti- 
cut townships. Smithfield was set ofif from Ulster and named for its 
grantee, who never took possession. Burlington has already been men- 
tioned, and Springfield was originally Alurraysfield, granted to Noah 
Murray in l?!)o. Eventually these three townships were peopled by 
New Englanders, attracted by the tales of the agents of Susquehanna 
Company and of Pennsylvania landholders, who represented the region 
as a veritable Eldorado. Aluch deceit was practised by these agents.* 

Having returned to town and rested, we will cross the Susque- 
hanna and gather up a few more bits of pioneer history. Thomas 
Park, a very early, if not the earliest, settler has already been noted ; 
many of his descendants are to be found east of the river, too numer- 
ous for special mention. The next permanent settler in Litchfield 
Township after Thomas Park was Eleazar Merrill, who came from 
Connecticut in 1803, and with his numerous family have had much to 
do with clearing and subduing the unbroken wilderness which they 
found on arrival. The Merrill family still has a large contingency in 
this region, holding annual reunions. Thomas Munn was another early 
pioneer of Litchfield whose twelve children' have spread over the 

■* Though we regretfully omit the Mitchells, Birds, Tracj's, Geroulds, Phelps, Hark- 
nesses and many others, we cannot forbear to mention one settler on Carroll's lands back of 
Ulster, whose ancestors were renowned at Wyoming, their story being interwoven with all the 
history of the time. Miles Forman Ransom was the son of Ira Ransom, fourth in descent 
from Capt. Samuel Ransom, a famous hero of Wyoming, who was doubtless the original emi- 
grant from the vicinity of Ipswich, England. "Firm" Ransom, as he was generally known, 
had a fund of historical knowledge second to none in the country. Much of it has been trans- 
mitted by his daughters to the writer, who, however, stands in awe of their criticism. There 
is an excellent printed genealogy of the Ransom family. 



NEIGHBORS OVER THE SUSOUEHAXXA 581 

Union, as active as the first sturdy pioneer. Another family of pioneers 
was that of Silas Wolcott, who settled in Litchfield Township about 
1806. He was a Connecticut man, and served during the Revolutionary 
War, being one of Washington's body guard while at Valley Forge. 
He was a settler on the \\'est Branch before coming to this locality, 
a miller by trade, and a great hunter ; it is said he was induced to 
settle in Pennsylvania because of the abundance of game. He mar- 
ried ]\Iargaret Rowen, near Lancaster ; they had nine children, four 
of whom settled in the township, as did many descendants. These 
pioneers, the Parks, Merrills, IMunns and Wolcotts married and inter- 
married, and may be said to have peopled Litchfield, and many of them 
were excellent examples of industry, perseverance and frugality, true 
pioneers. Theron B. Wolcott, the merchant, ]\Irs. Fred Gobi and Mrs. 
H. F. Johnson, descendants of Silas Wolcott, are now residents of 
the borough. 

We should not have neglected to introduce the McKinneys in our 
borough history. Henry McKinney, Sr., was born in Ireland about 
1769. There is an entertaining story of the non-conformity of the 
McKinney boys to church laws, which necessitated abrupt flight from 
the country. Having no opportunity to acquire necessary means, Henry 
and his father came to America in 1790 as redemptioners. Henry, 
after working out his passage in ^Maryland, where he had acquired a 
wife, journeyed up the Susquehanna River to Tioga Point. According 
to certified records he first settled in the village on the lot now occupied 
by Wm. H. Minor. He was a skillful weaver and pursued his trade, as 
may be attested by many quaint products of his loom still in existence. 
After various changes, he settled permanently east of the river, where 
members of the family are still living, and others are scattered. This 
family, by their active industr}^ have done much to develop and im- 
prove the township and to win the esteem of their fellow citizens, Ches- 
ter being now the oldest male survivor. Henrv, Sr.. was drowned in 
1806. 

At this period the Flower family were quite prominent in the town- 
ship, also the Ovenshires and the family of Moses Park, though lack 
of space forbids detail ; later many of them moved west. The Had- 
locks and the Huletts were also early settlers on the farms east of the 
river, and their descendants still are there. As we travel down the 
river road we find the home of Robert Spalding and Aurelia Satterlee. 
Robert was a son of William Witter Spalding, who married his cousin, 
Rebecca, a daughter of Simon of Sheshequin. This family removed 
to Wysox about 1840, and many descendants are in Towanda. One 
son, A. Hanson Spalding, born 27th August, 1816. remained in this vi- 
cinity to maturity, married Clara, daughter of Samuel Ovenshire, and 
had three children, one of whom, ■\Iahlon I\I., is now an active business 
man of Towanda. Except during his term of office as county sheriff, 
Hanson Spalding spent his whole life in Athens, and was always an 
active and honored citizen. Their farm east of town (now the prop- 
erty of Miles Harrington and of Mrs. Michael Coleman^) was pur- 

" Michael Coleman, a native of Ireland, settled in Orange County, N. Y.. when a young 
man. Having already made a tour of inspection to this vicinity he removed here in 1858, pur- 



582 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

chased by James Thompson, famiUarly called "v^cotch Thompson." He 
was a sturdy Scot, born in Glasgow loth February, 1T92, emigrated 
to America 1835, and became a contractor on public works in New York 
City. He amassed considerable means by a contract for construction 
of Croton water works, much of which he invested, about 1848, in 
lands in this vicinity ; also in bringing to completion the long-delayed 
enterprise of the Susquehanna Bridge. His wife was Isabella Watson, 
and they had three daughters, who married and settled in this locality ; 
and one son, John, who inherited his father's homestead, which he 
occupied and beautified until he went west in 1883. Mr Thompson 
was an active and excellent citizen, as generous as he was wealthy. He 
gave the benefit of his experiences to C. F. Welles when the latter began 
to contract for building of public works ; and was a valued friend 
and trusty adviser. Some of the descendants of his daughter Elizabeth, 
who married another Scotchman, Robert Patterson, are now borough 
residents. The old Nehemiah Northrup farm (now Baldwin property) 
was the home during this period of Doctor Patterson, a skillful physi- 
cian, who built the present commodious house, a little later occupied 
by the family of J. T. D. Myer, from New Jersey, who were only tem- 
porary residents, but well remembered for the genial hospitality ex- 
tended to all the young people of Athens. 

Passing the old Northrup property we would at once enter on the 
once famous Indian path or trail leading to Sheshequin, beginning 
about as the road is now, in the vicinity of the "turn o' rocks" (whence 
was sketched the view on our title page), it ran about thirty feet higher, 
above the high rocks along the present road. Many a story is told 
of hairbreadth escapes in traversing this path, long the only connection 
between the settlements. It is to-day quite well-defined, as attested by 
one who came upon it in climbing the hill (July, 1908). The view 
therefrom is said to be the most beautiful in the valley. Should we 
follow it we would visit Mr. Ebenezer Shaw, born in Rhode Island, 
5th September, 1771, son of Jeremiah, son of Jeremiah, son of Israel, 
doubtless the original emigrant. Ebenezer lived to be a centenarian, 
the gathering to celebrate that event showing the high esteem in which 
he and his family were held, as they are now. 

Another late settler east of the river was Samuel H. ]\IacAfee, 
b. May 10, 1796, son of Benjamin, of Scotch descent, a Revolutionary 
soldier, who lived and died in Springfield Township. He was a pioneer 
of Wyoming, and after the massacre the family sufifered the horrors 
of the flight through the woods, losing one of the boys on the way. 
No one dared to turn back, but the plucky lad worked his way out 
at last. The family settled in Sussex County, N. J., the settlement 
being still known as "MacAfee's Corners." "Samuel was a man of 
some note in his native state, serving creditably as sheriff, etc." He 
married Hannah Riggs of Vernon, N. ]., and had six children. Came 
to Athens Township about 1835 or '40, and soon purchased the farm 

chased the south half of the Spahling farm, and built the house still occupied by his wife and 
daughter, the only survivors of his family. He was a jiulicious and economical business man, 
as was attested by his fifteen years of satisfactory service as Township Commissioner. He 
was also a director in the First National Bank of Athens. 



.MILLTOWX XEIGHBORS 583 

on Orange Hill, occupied until very recent years by his son Joel, who 
purchased his father's farm, "and by industry, economy and good 
financiering, added largely to his father's possessions and became inde- 
pendent." He married Sybil Gates, daughter of Isaac Gates of Smith- 
field (familiarly called General Gates), and they were the parents of 
the well known active and enterprising business men of the valley, 
Dana, Judson and Arthur; and Burton, Jenny (m. Orville Compton), 
Ida (m. Irvin H. Rogers), Anna (ni. Worthy H. Kinney) and Nellie, 
non-resident. Some other children of Samuel have descendants in 
this vicinity. 

There are, of course, many other settlers of more or less prom- 
inence whom we have not time to visit, for we must travel far to-day. 

While Milltown and Factoryville were closely connected with the 
village of Athens in early days, their story has been so well told by 
Mrs. Perkins in "Early Times" that we have really neglected them. 
The Shepard family are well known, and have already come into our 
histor}' ; but we must visit another family, that of Samuel Wheelock, 
who came from Greenboro, Vermont, to the Silver Lake settlement in 
1814, and to Athens about 1818. In 1838 he settled in Milltown and 
soon purchased the Shepard mills on Cayuta Creek, which he and his 
sons operated for years with great sviccess. He had a large family, 
mostly sons, several of whom went west. Moses, Sarah and Henry 
spent the greater part of their lives in ]\Iilltown. Moses and Sarah 
were unmarried, they were greatly respected, being always active and 
austere members of the Presbyterian Church, to which they made large 
gifts. Henry was the father of the present family now resident in 
Sayre, Joseph E. and Mrs. H. D. Angell. The Wheelock family were 
always influential and helpful citizens, whose memory is perpetuated 
by the beautiful memorial chapel erected by their descendants near their 
old home, just above Sayre. 

Simon Spalding was an active citizen of ^Milltown, where his old 
homestead still stands ; he married Eliza, daughter of Abner Murray 
and Dorothea Harris ; he had no sons, and only one of his daughters 
was married, Dorothea, to Jarvis Peloubet ; his few descendants are 
widely scattered. The names of Crocker, Elwell, Perry, Spring, Rice, 
Morgan," Muzzy, Thomas and others, once influential citizens of this 
vicinity, have now entirely disappeared. Especially noticeable was the 
Elwell family, who came from Dutchess County, N. Y. 

An early settler in this locality who has not been mentioned was 
Adam Cranse, who came in 1800, and in 1806, in partnership with John 
Shepard, purchased 500 acres of the Howell tract bordering on the 
river, later known as the farms of Cranse, Woodworth, Robb, Ford- 
ham and Wlieelock. Adam and Celestia Cranse were the ancestors of 
a numerous progeny, scattered over the township and elsewhere. Many 
of the older ones are buried in the Milltown cemetery. Adam Cranse 
was a prosperous farmer and established a ferry near the State Line. 
He was also the superintendent of an important shad fishery on an 

" One of the Morgans was an expert potter and made bowls, milk pans, etc., for the 
housewives from the red clay of the neighborhood, which he decorated always in yellow. 



584 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

island opposite his farm, of which ]\Irs. Perkins gives a full description 
in "Early Times," ])age 157. A later settler, whom we may meet on 
our rambles, is Luther Stone, of Connecticut descent, who came to the 
township in 1834 and purchased a tannery property already established 
at the State Line, at a point long called Factory ville, close to Milltown. 
He had four children, three of whom have been almost life long res- 
idents of the valley: William, James and Sarah (Mrs. Emmett Moore). 
Here let us ramble across the plains (to-day a net work of railroads 
and trolley lines) to the old Lovers' Lane, which will take us westward 
to the possessions of Col. Levi Westbrook, who came here about 1835, 
purchasing several hundred acres from the old Erwin tract, all wilder- 
ness. However, he at once engaged a large force of axemen and speed- 
ily cleared the land for cultivation ; it is one of the finest farms of the 
region. Later the property was purchased by Levi's brother, known 
as General Abram Westbrook, whose family occupy the property to- 
day. He operated the saw and grist mills at Toodleytown, as well as 
an extensive butter and cheese manufactory. This family, though quiet 
and unobtrusive, have been active and industrious citizens. 

While, as is well known, Waverly is a modern town, dating from 
the building of the Erie Road, the settlements of Ellistown, Nichols, 
Chemung and Wellsburg were made in the early days, and were all 
closely associated with Tioga Point. For the pioneer had ever need 
of his neighbors, and they often traveled many miles to assist in clear- 
ing, chopping and raising. Ellistown was rightfully named for Ebenezer 
Ellis, who raised a family of thirteen children. He settled at Nichols 
or Wapsena in 1787 and at Ellistown in 1791. Thither came also the 
Mills, Saunders, Swartwoods and others ; and in 179-1: "John Hanna, a 
man of means and merit," who also raised a large family of children, 
attained great age, and was the source of much historical informa- 
tion. Nichols, which was also called by the Indian name from the 
creek, Wappasening or Wapsena ( meaning east), is the next settlement. 
Nichols was originally ]5art of Hooper's patent and Coxe's patent. The 
first permanent settler was probably Emanuel Coryell, who came as 
agent for Col. Hooper's lands. These lands, unlike those about Athens, 
"were held at reasonable prices, and liberal means were adopted to 
induce immigration from the Eastern States," and the section filled 
up rapidly. Mr. Coryell, with his family, started from his home on the 
Delaware for the "Susquehanna country" in 1791, traveling with his 
family in true emigrant fashion by wagon to W'ilkes-Barre. Here they 
obtained a Durham boat for themselves and their belongings, and were 
"poled up the river" like all the pioneers. The river being low, the 
journey occupied two weeks, when they landed at Coryell's Eddy, near 
a fine Indian clearing, where eventually they built their house. A few 
years later Mr. Coryell was a]4)ointed first judge of the covmty court, 
and thereafter was always known as Judge Coryell. He soon took up 
a large tract of river land and one of wild land, and proceeded to subdue 
the wilderness. The Cole family from Wyoming were on this land at 
his arrival, claiming, however, only possessory rights. Next came John 



NICHOLS AXD CHEMUXG NEIGHBORS 585 

Smyth ; and later the Shoemakers. Pahners, Platts, Formans, Canfields, 
Lounsberrys, Cadys. Barstows, Kirbys and many others. 

Judge Coryell filled the numerous offices to which he was called 
in town and county with credit and ability. He was a true gentleman 
of the old school, and his wife was said to l3e one of the most interesting 
women of her time. They reared five sons and six daughters, who grew 
to maturity, thus leaving a large circle of descendants, who, like their 
ancestor, have always held the respect of the community. 

A later settler who attained much prominence was Gamaliel H. 
Barstow, who came from Connecticut in 1811 prepared for the practice 
of medicine, in which he was soon considerably engaged. Dr. Barstow 
married a daughter of Judge Coryell. He was called to fill so many 
public offices that he abandoned his profession in a few years. His 
quaint old home, built in 1835, has now entirely disappeared. The 
Coryells and the Barstows were always among the foremost people of 
Nichols, though now widely scattered. Mrs. John Williston and Mrs. 
Charles Kellogg are descendants of the Coryells and Barstows. George 
Kirby, the first of the family of that name, was a friend of Gamaliel 
Barstow in Great Barrington, Mass., and followed him to Nichols in 
1814. where he soon became one of its most prosperous inhabitants ; and 
his descendants have all become sound financiers, well known through- 
out this region. Dr. Barstow was a man of culture, and accumulated 
a valuable library of rare old books. Educational facilities were lim- 
ited, and many of the children were sent to the Athens Academy, walk- 
ing back and forth through the forest. The nearest stores and mills 
were at Tioga Point, and later at Owego. so the Nichols pioneers de- 
pended largely on their own resources, and very often had to go without 
bread if the jovirney to the mill could not be made, or the mill unable 
to run for lack of water. While the first settlers lived on scattered farms, 
a village was established at the coming of Dr. Barstow, which was 
called "the Corners," and later Nichols Village. 

The pioneers along the Chenumg were the McDowells, Bucks, 
\\'yncoops, Bentleys and others. Green Bentley gave the name to 
Bentley Creek ; Abner Wells to \\'ellsburg, Jacob Lownian to Low- 
mansville. Captain Abner Wells was a descendant in the fifth gen- 
eration from William Wells or Wills of Southold, L. I., a difi^erent 
family from the Welles who settled at Tioga Point. Abner gained his 
title by Revolutionary service, and was a graduate of Princeton College. 

Scattered along the river from Chemung to Newtown were the 
Kelseys. [Mitchells, Middaughs, Millers, Bakers, Tubbs, Hammonds, 
Parshalls, Boviers, Jenkins, Keeneys, Seelys and many others. These 
settlements have been pretty well written up for gazetteers and county 
histories. Lebbeus Hammond was one of the two men who escaped 
from Queen Esther ; Thomas Keeney was one of Pickering's abductors. 
Some of these Chemung pioneers have descendants in Athens to-day. 

Elmira or Newtown needs a historian ; it should be a matter of 
chagrin that so interesting a history is only told in county histories, 
newspapers and old directories. W^e are glad to note, however, as we 
are going to i)ress, the erection of a substantial granite marker on .the 



586 OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS 

real Newtown battlefield by the Newtown Battle Chapter of S. A. R. 
of Elmira, June 27, 1908. 

Our task is more than done. Originally we planned but to portray 
the early struggles of the pioneers with the wilderness, the savage, 
the Tory, and worst of all with themselves in the controversy for right 
of soil. Rut having broken bounds and endeavored to note the pioneers, 
we are too well aware that we may seem to have slighted many worthy 
men and women. Far better to have told only of the deeds, thus por- 
traying the characters of the doers. 

Peace broods over the lovely valley to-day. The warwhoop, the 
wolf's howl and the click of the old flint locks are heard no more. The 
wilderness has given way to fertile farms and prosperous towns. The 
curtain falls, "the lights are out, and gone are all the guests." Reader, 
let 

"Thy thoughts be with the Dead ; with them 
To live in long-past years ; 
Their virtues love, their faults condemn, 

Partake their hopes and fears. 
And from their lessons seek and find 
Instruction with a humble mind." 



BIBLIOGRAPHY 



BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, PRINTED SKETCHES AXD ^lANUSCRIPTS 
CONSULTED IN WRITING THIS HISTORY. 

Almon, J. : The Remembrancer, London, 1775-'83. 

AIsop, G. A. : Character of the Province of Maryland, 1666. 

Appleton's American Biographical Dictionary, 6 Vols. 

Avery, Judge Charles : Sketches in Ozccgo St. Nicholas^ published 18.56. 

Bancroft, George: History of the United States, 9 Vols. 

Bartram, John : Observations on a Journey, Etc., 1760. 

Beauchamp, Rev. W. M. : History of the Iroquois; Aboriginal Place Names of 
New York; Metallic Ornaments of the New York Indians. 

Blackman, Emily C. : History of Susquehanna County. 

Bolles, Albert S. : Pennsylvania, Province and State. 

Bradsby, H. C. : History of Bradford County. 

Brodhead. John R. : History of New York. 

Butterfield, C. W. : Brule's Discoveries and Explorations. 

Campanius, Thomas : A Description of the Province of New Sweden, now called 
Pennsylvania, 1702. 

Campbell, Douglas : The Puritan in Holland, England and America. 

Campbell, W. W. : Annals of Tryon Count}-. 

Cartier, Jacques : Discours du Voyage de 17?>.5. 

Catlin, George : Manners, Customs and Conditions of the North American Indians. 

Champlain, Samuel de : Voyages de la Nouvelle France. Laval Ed., 1870. 

Chapman, Isaac A. : A Sketch of the History of Wyoming. 

Charlevoix: Histoire de la Nouvelle France. 

Clark, Gen. John S. : Manuscript, History of Montour Family ; Manuscript, Dis- 
coverers of Great Rivers. 

Clinton, DeWitt : Discourse Before Historical Society. 

Cobb, S. H. : The Story of the Palatines. 

Cooper, J. F. : The Pioneers. 

Cooper, Arthur Erwin : Manuscript, History of Colonel Erwin. 

Colonial Records of Pennsylvania, 1.5 Vols. 

Colden, Cadwalader: History of the Five Nations of Canada, 1755. 

Connecticut Qaims in Pennsylvania, two Manuscript Volumes, Historical So- 
ciety of Pennsylvania. 

Craft, Rev. David: History of Bradford County; Pamphlet History of Wyalus- 
ing; Innumerable Notes and Manuscript Copies. 

Cusick. David : Sketches of the Ancient History of the Six Nations. 

Dablon : Jesuit Relations, 1692. 

Day, Sherman : Historical Collections of Pennsylvania ; Historical Collections of 
New York. 

De Laet : Novum Orbis, 1630. 

De Schweinitz, Rt. Rev. : Life and Times of David Zeisberger. 

De Vries. 

Drake. Francis S. : History of the North American Indian. 

Egle, William H. : History of Pennsylvania, 1876; Notes and Queries. 

Events in Indian History, published in Lancaster, 1841. 

Fisher, George S. : The Making of Pennsylvania. 

Fiske, John : Critical Period of American History. 

Gallatian : History of the Chemung Valley. 

Gay, W. B. : Gazetteer of Tioga County, 1785-1888. 

587 



588 BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Geikie, Arclii])ald : The Great Tee Age. 

Gernerd, J. M. M. : The Now and Then, Muncy, 1868. 

Grant, J. L. : Early Modes of Travel and Transportation. 

Griffis, Wm. E. : Romance of Discovery. 

Guss. Prof. A. L. : Notes in Historical Register. 

Haines, Elijah M. : North American Indians. 

Halsey, F. W. : The Old New York Frontier. 

Hawley, Rev. John : Sketches, published by Cayuga County Historical Society. 

Hazard, Samuel : Annals of Pennsylvania. 

Heckewelder, Rev. John : A History of the Indians ; Narrative of Missions 
Among the Indians. 

Heverly, C. F. : Sheshequin. 

Hough, F. B. : Gazetteer of the State of New York. 

Hoyt, Henry M. : Brief of a Title in the Seventeen Townships, or 

Syllabus of the Controversy Between Connecticut and Pennsylvania. 

Hubbard, William : Sagoyewatha or Red Jacket. 

Jenkins, Howard M. : Pennsylvania, Colonial and Federal. 

Johnson, F. C. : Historical Record, 4 Vols. 

Johnson, Wesley: Wyoming Memorial. 

Jones, George (Count Johannes): History of Ancient America. 

Journals of Soldiers of Sullivan's Expedition. 

Kulp, G. B. : Families of the Wyoming Valley. 

Lafitau : Moeurs des Sauvages. 

Laiemant : Jesuit Relations des Hurons. 

La Potherie : Histoire de I'Amerique Septentrionale. 

Earned, J. W. : History for Ready Reference. 

Earned, Miss Ellen G. : History of Windham County, Connecticut. 

Linn, John Blair : Annals of Buffalo Valley, 1877. 

Loskiel, George H.: History of the United Brethren Among the Indians. 

Lossing, B. J. : Field Book of the American Revolution. 

Marsh : Some Accounts of Conduct of Friends Toward Indian Tribes. 

Marshe, Witham : Account of Lancaster Treaty, Massachusetts Historical Society 
Collections. 

McFarlane, James : Coal Regions of America. 

McMaster: History of Steuben County, New York. 

McMaster, J. B. : History of the People of the United States. 

Meginness, J. F. : Otzinachson, 1857. 

Miner, Charles : History of Wyoming. 

Miner, Sidney : Who Was Queen Esther ? 

Morgan, Lewis H. : The League of the Iroquois. 

Myers, P. H. : Ensenore. 

New York: State Archives; Documentary History, 3 Vols., 1849; Colonial Docu- 
ments, 15 Vols. 

Ogilby, John : America. 

Ottman : History of Elmira. 

Parkman, Francis : The Jesuits in North America ; Pioneers of France in the 
New World; Conspiracy of Pontiac; A Half Century of Conflict. 

Pearce, Stewart : Annals of Luzerne County. 

Peck, G. D. : Wyoming. 

Penny Magazine, England. 

Pennsylvania Archives. 

Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography. 

Pennsylvania Society of New York, Year Books of 

Perkins, Mrs. G. A. : Early Times on the Susquehanna. 

Plowden, Sir Edmund : New Albion. 

Plumb, H. B. : History of Llanover Township. 

Pouchot, M. : Memoir Upon the Late War in North .America of 1755-1760. 



BIBLIOGRAPHY 589 

Priest, Josiah : American Antiquities ; Narrative of the Captivity of Freegift 

Patchin. 
Proud, Robert : Historj- of Pennsylvania, 1797-S. 
Ragueneau : Jesuit Relations des Hurons. 

Reichel, W. C. : The Crown Inn ; Memorials of the Moravian Church. 
Rowland, Kate M. : Charles Carroll of Carrollton. 
Rochefoucauld, Due de : Travels in America, 1795. 
Rupp, I. Daniel : History of the Counties of Berks and Lebanon. 
Sagard, Gabriel : Histoire du Canada ; Voyage du Pays des Hurons. 
Sears, Clinton B. : Ransom Genealogy. 
Schoolcraft, H. R. : Archives of Aborigines, 1845. 
Seaver, J. E. : Life of Mary Jemison, 1856. 
Shea, John G. : Historical Notes. 
Smith, Capt. John : General History of Virginia. 
Smithsonian Institute, Publications of 
Spafford : Gazetteer of New York, 1813. 
Squier, E. G. : Ancient Monuments of the United States ; Antiquities of the 

St^te of New York. 
Stone, W. L. : Life of Joseph Brant, 1838 ; Life and Times of Red Jacket. 
Tarr, Prof. Ralph S. : Elements of Geology ; Physical Geography of New York. 
Thatcher, Benjamin B. : Indian Biographies, 1832. 
Tioga County Historical Society, Papers and Proceedings of 
Turner, O. O. : History of the Holland Purchase. 
Upham, Charles W. : Life of Timothy Pickering. 
Weiser, G. Z. : Life of Conrad Weiser, 1876. 

Weld, Isaac: Travels Through the States of North America, 1799. 
Welles, Albert: History of the Welles Family. 
Winchell, Alexander : Walks and Talks in the Geological Field. 
Willis, N. P. : Rural Letters, 1854. 
Wilkinson, J. B. : Annals of Binghamton, 1840. 
Winsor, Justin : Narrative and Critical History of America. 
Woolman, John, Journal of, 1774. 
Wright, G. F. : The Ice Age of North America. 
Wright, Hendrick B. : Historical Sketches of Plymouth. 
Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, Proceedings and Collections of 

Manuscripts in Collections of Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Archives 
at Harrisburg ; American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia ; Wisconsin Histor- 
ical Society; Wyoming Historical and Geological Society; Tioga Point Historical 
Society ; Records of the First Presbyterian Church of Athens. 



NOTE OF THANKS 



A note of thanks to some of those who have rendered ns valuable 
assistance by interview, suggestion or written reminiscences. Many 
of these have passed away, whose names we give in appreciation of 
their helpful or inspiring aid : 

George T. Ercanbrack, I Ton. E. H. Perkins, Charles H. Shepard, Mrs. 
Charles H. Shepard, Mrs. Julia Ann Thurston, Mrs. Abraham Morlcy, Jesse 
Spalding, Mrs. Lydia M. Park, Cornelius Hunsiker, Ralph Tozer, Mrs. Matilda 
Watkins, Rev. C. C. Corss, Miss Huldah Morley, Isaac Snell, James Wilson, dec'd. 

Of the living: Rev. David Craft, Union C. Smith, Hosmer IT. Billings, Isaac 
P. Shepard, Charles L. Albertson, Mrs. Sarah P. Elmer, Mrs. Harriet A. Thurs- 
ton, Mrs. Emily Mathewson Tozer, Mrs. Elizabeth Parry Clapp, Mrs. Celestia 
Morley Ovcnshire, Miss Alice Ransom, Mrs. Ruth Tlaydcn, Mrs. IDelphine Sat- 
terlee Angler, Miss Charlotte Paine, Mrs. Celestia Overton Darlington, Miss 
Polly Lowe, Miss Helen C. Ilerrick, Edmond P. ITerrick, Mrs. Almira Greene 
Hoyt, Mrs. E. TI. Perkins, Mrs. Cornelia S. Perry, Mrs. Dana J. MacAfee, Miss 
Nancy Davies, Nathaniel F. Walker, Percy L. Lang, John C. Welles, Charles E. 
Eritcher, Leroy W. Kingman, Prof. George E. Rogers, Charles T. Hull, Charles 
Hopkins, Mrs. Louise Saltmarsh Comstock, Chas. W. Bixby. 

Dr. John W. Jordan, Librarian of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania; 
Albert C. Bates, Librarian of the Connecticut Historical Society; Dr. Edwin A. 
Barber, Curator of Museum in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia ; Reuben G. 
Thwaites, Librarian of the Wisconsin Historical Society; Dr. T. R. Hays, Li- 
brarian American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia ; Thomas L. Montgomery, 
Ivibrarian of the State of Pennsylvania ; Oscar J. Harvey, Historian of Wilkes- 
Barre, Pa.; Rev. Horace E. Hayden, I^ibrarian Wyoming Historical and Geo- 
logical Society, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. ; Luther R. Kelker, State Archivist ; Rev. Wil- 
liam Elliott Griffis; Prof. Ralph S. Tarr, Cornell University; Rev. William M. 
Beauchamp, Historian; Miss Ellen G. Earned, Historian of Windham, Conn. 

There are many others who have responded courteously to questions, loaned 
scrap-books, etc., to whom we are indebted. 

Those who rendered aid by copying maps, making drawings, etc., should 
also be remembered : Miss Jessie W. Murray, diaries Dana Park, Nathaniel 
F. Walker, Gilbert S. McClintock. 

The portrait of Timothy Pickering, copied from an engraving of Gilbert 
Stuart's painting, is reproduced on page 175 by the courtesy of Oscar J. Harvey; 
note of acknowledgment having been inadvertently omitted in proper place. 



APPENDIX A 591 



REMONSTRANCE OF HENRY WELLES. 

The publication at tliis late date of so l)ulky a paper, originally intended 
only for the eyes and ears of a Legislative Committee, may seem to require some 
explanation or apology. 

It has been thought justifiable, in connection with the History of Tioga Point, 
from several points of view, illustrating as it does — all)eit from an ex-parte stand- 
point — a most important era and incident in that history. 

In the first place, this paper presents in concise form probably the only 
extant statement of the claims and rights of the unpopular side in a great popular 
controversy, of a time now long past. Secondly, it sets forth in vigorous lan- 
guage and argument Henry Welles' grounds for "Remonstrance" against the 
reporting by that Committee of a bill which he held to be both unjust and uncon- 
stitutional. Thirdly, it constituted, at the time, his best and only "Defence" of 
his own title, and of his conduct in asserting it, during the long season of war and 
turmoil which was then at the height of its activity, but which was then also — 
had he known it — drawing happily to a close. 

For an account of the preparation of this "Remonstrance" in the year 1826, 
by its author, Charles F. Welles, Esq., of Wyalusing, sec page 465, also note 9, 
page 468, ante. 

PREFATORY NOTE. 

"This printed copy of the pica read in defence by Henry IVelles December 
"1826 before the Committee of tlie House, is designed for preservation among the 
"families interested, and those only. Aiming, at the time, to disprove every asser- 
"tion in the previous adverse report of a former Committee, adopted. by the House, 
"it is far more particular and laborious than otherivise need have been; but to 
"those zvho can conceive of the force which Party can apply to its persecutions, as 
"in this case through seven years of unremitting exertion, the thoroughness of 
"this defence need be no surprise. The reading of this paper before the Com- 
"mittee convinced the prosecutor's attorney of the certainty of failure in the 
"courts; and the suggestion of Tozvnsend TIaines Esq. to substitute for the bill 
"reported a compensation to the Matheivsons zvas adopted; under tvhich Mrs. 
"Mathezi'son received of the treasury nine thousand fiz'e hundred dollars. Al- 
"though this zvas made a party matter by the influence of the late General Samuel 
"McKean, every able and respectable member of the Democratic side advocated 
"the defence of General Welles from first to last, sez'cn years, the most exciting 
"subject that agitated the House." [C. F. Welles.] 

MATHEWSON VS. WELLES. 

The case of Mathewson vs. Welles has been before the House for several 
sessions. A committee reported upon it to the last session ; but as the remonstrant 
had, previous to that moment, been kept in the dark as to the grounds to be taken 
up in the report, and as it was then too late in the session for him to send for the 
further documents and teslimonials that he then found necessary, he has been 
compelled to adopt this mode of laying his defence before the several members 
of the House at the present session. 

The conduct of Henry Welles as a citizen and as a former mem])er of the 
Legislature being most flagrantly impeached in the Report, and as the object in- 
tended to be reached by this aspersion, is to stimulate the Legislature to divest him 
of his landed property, it becomes his duty to use all necessary freedom in his own 
defence ; conscious that there are few members in the House who will refuse to 
hear both sides, and examine patiently and without prejudice before they pass in 
this unheard-of manner upon the rights of property and person. 

In duty to himself it becomes necessary on the part of Henry Welles to prove 
that the report of a committee, adopted by this House and spread upon the jour- 



o92 APPENDIX A 

nals, is a wel) of errors and misrepresentations; — that it asserts in direct opposi- 
tion to known facts and legal certainties, and in direct contradiction to the testi- 
mony. 

The Report opens the suhject by stating that "Henry Welles lived in the 
"neighborhood of Mathewson (Elisha) at the time of his death, and was in pos- 
"session of some lands adjoining Mathewson's" : — that "in the Spring or Smnmer 
"of 1807' he" (meaning Henry Welles) "went to Baltimore agreeably to his ozvn 
"statement, for the purpose of making some arrangement with Mr. Carroll for 'the 
"purchase of the lands held by the Mathewsons' " ; meaning to represent Henry 
Welles as a designing speculator, proceeding upon the defencelessness of the 
widow and fatherless, and that all this was his own admission. 

The injustice of this representation was apparent from the title papers before 
the committee, as will still appear by the same evidence, showing the derivation 
and progression from the Commonwealth to Henry Welles. 

May 17, 178,1, a warrant was issued to Josiah Lockhart of Lancaster, to which 
was drawn Lottery No. 1, under the Act of April 8, 1785 ; on which was chosen, 
surveyed and returned, the tract called "Indian Arrow," 1038J acres, including 
the peninsula of Tioga Point, then in Northumberland County, and patent issued 
thereon to Josiah Lockhart April ?,, 1780 ; a part of this location being within the 
boundaries since designated under the Connecticut title as Old Ulster. The valid- 
ity of Mr. Lockhart's title under Pennsylvania is not disputed. 

March 1, 1798, Josiah Lockhart conveyed to Richard Caton and Ashbel 
Welles, merchants trading in Baltimore under the firm of Ashbel Welles & Co., 
and George Welles, in equal undivided interest, for the consideration of sixteen 
thousand dollars, by deed recorded in Luzerne Co. Deed Book No. 5, page 431. 
July 11, 1798, George Welles arrived at Tioga Point, intending to reside there; but 
finding it held by an hostile title, adverse to the laws of Pennsylvania, was com- 
pelled to buy out the Connecticut settlers; which he did with the joint funds of 
himself and partners; giving to James Irwin for his possession six thousand 
dollars, and to Isaac Cash, Ira Stephens, Nehemiah Northrup, David Paine, Henry 
Decker, Jonathan Harris, Nathan Bull, and Beebe, various sums, amount- 
ing, including Irwin's, to about nine thousand dollars. To Elisha Mathewson, 
holding under Connecticut, about one hundred and twenty five acres, proposals 
for purchase were also made, but not accepted ; he having entire faith in the ability 
of the Connecticut settlers to hold the country. As near as can be recollected the 
sum offered him was four or five hundred pounds, Pennsylvania currency. It was 
intended to purchase out all the settlers holding lands bclczv the town plot of Tioga 
Point ; and they effected this as to all except Elisha Mathewson. 

During the winter of 1799, in consequence of mercantile disasters, the house 
of Ashbel Welles & Co. in Baltimore failed. May 14, 1799, Ashbel Welles con- 
veyed his undivided third to Richard Caton, by deed recorded in Luzerne Co. May 
28, 1799 ; and in consequence of the failure in Baltimore, and of the large disburse- 
ments at Tioga Point, George Welles also failed ; and on the same 14th May 1799, 
mortgaged Iiis undivided third of Tioga Point to Richard Caton. 

May 30, 1800, Richard Caton assigned the mortgage of George Welles, and 
also mortgaged his other two thirds of Tioga Point, to his father-in-law, Charles 
Carroll of Carrollton, in part security for the sum of forty four thousand dollars, 
cash advanced to assist in discharging the debts of the firm ; all of which, it is 
understood, have subsequently been paid. 

Sept. 1, 180:3, Richard Caton and George Welles made partition of Tioga 
Point ; and one third, including about sixty five acres of Mathewson's possessions, 
was set forth by metes and bounds to George Welles, subject to his mortgage 
assigned to Charles Carroll : — George Welles remaining tenant in occupancy of the 
whole, so far as the Connecticut title had been purchased. 

May 28, 1804, the mortgage of Caton to Carroll having been foreclosed in 
Luzerne County as of No. 11, January Term 1803. Robert Goodloe Harper of 
Baltimore, another son-in-law of Mr. Carroll, bid off Richard Caton's two thirds 
of Tioga Point, on public sale, to the use of, and in trust for his father-in-law. 
About the same period the mortgage of George Welles for the remaining third 
being put in suit by Mr. Carroll, as of No. 45 .-Xpril Term 1804, Luzerne County, 
George Welles, on a general settlement with Messrs. Carroll and Caton, agreed to 

1 October, 1804, as proven by letters of both Henry Welles and Richard Caton. 



HEXRY WELLES' DEFENCE 593 

deed over his third, which was done by deed recorded in Lycoming County Deed 
Book L, Page 162 : — and being entirely ruined in property, advanced in Hfe, and 
broken down, prepared to leave Tioga Point. 

At this time his eldest son Henry Welles, then about twenty four years of 
age, finding it incumbent upon him to maintain the family, after suspense of a 
year or tliereabouts, concluded to attempt the purchase of a part of his father's 
share of Tioga Point, and visited Baltimore for that purpose. Finding that Messrs. 
Caton and Harper, who acted for their father-in-law. were unwilling to cut up the 
farm that had belonged to George Welles, and that the whole could be bought on 
better terms, proportionate, than a part, concluded to undertake the purchase of 
all his father's share, being about 375 acres. Accordingly — 

July 20, 1805. Richard Caton and Robert Goodloe Harper addressed a letter 
to Henry Welles, saying that they would "sell him the one third of Tioga Point 
"held by George Welles, as per Deed of Partition, for an exchange of 4000 acres 
"of land lying in the section of the 1st Range of the country called Genesee, near 
"to the river Tioga, or Chemung"; giving Henry Welles twelve months" to effect 
the arrangement. To deed to Henry Welles absolutely, if the 4000 acres were 
received without incumbrance; otherwise to give bond for conveyance, with 
the necessary restrictions. It was verbally engaged at the time that Mr. Carroll 
should put Henry Welles in possession of the Mathewson lots lying wnthin the 
George Welles third, by ejectment; a measure which had of course been deter- 
mined upon, ever since the offers of purchase had been refused. The action was 
however delayed by dispersion of title papers, and by neglect, until 1807. 

Elisha Mathewson died in 1805. leaving by will his possessions on Tioga 
Point as a life estate to the widow ; also seven hundred and twenty acres of the 
first rate land in Palmyra in the State of New York, now intersected by the grand 
canal, to be divided among his children ; and naming Elias Satterlee and Elizabeth 
Mathewson as executors. The estate was free from debt. 

Soon after his return from Baltimore in 1805.^ Henry Welles effected an ar- 
rangement with Colonel Robert Troup, agent for the Pulteney estate, for the 4000 
acres of land now known as Caton township Steuben County ; but it was not until 
June 28. 1811. that he obtained a deed from Charles Carroll to Colonel Troup — 
Bradford County Deed Book No. 2. page 4 ; and not till June 15, 1814. that he 
effected payment and received to himself the quitclaim deed of Colonel Troup; 
(Bradford County Deed Book No. 2 Page 5.) by which the title finally became 
vested in him. 

As George Welles had not been dispossessed of the one third. Henry Welles, 
under his contract with Messrs. Caton and Harper, continued in possession of the 
farm which that third composed, except as to the several lots, said to be about 
sixty five acres, occupied by the Mathewsons. These lots, lying intermixed in the 
centre of the farm, parts of a large common inclosure liable to floods and held by 
inimical possessors, may well be supposed to have been inlets of mischief. This 
state of things was endured until the year 1807 ; at which period Joseph Hopkin- 
son. Esq., having been employed on behalf of Mr. Carroll to bring suit in the 
United States Court, and prepared, Henry Welles went to Philadelphia, brought 
up the notice in ejectment as of No. 88, April Session 1807; and by the marshal's 
deputation served it on Elizabeth Mathewson, August 17. returnable to October 11. 

All the title papers herein enumerated — legal evidence — supporting letters 
and representations, which with that support certainly amount to moral evidence, 
proving that Henry Welles' steps in acquisition of the Pennsylvania title to the 
property in question had been thus fair and irreproachable, were spread before the 
committee, unquestioned and undisputed. From what authority then, has the 
framer of that report drawn his odious representation? Is it a candid narrative 
that introduces Henry Welles as a neighbor who, finding his neighbor Elisha 
Mathewson deceased, went to Baltimore "to purchase tJic lands held by the 
Mathcxi'sons," made some dark and unascertainable agreement with CHARLES 
CARROLL OF CARROLLTON, brought suit himself, in the name of Charles 
Carroll, a citizen of Maryland &c? vSurely it is not. Henry Welles moved for the re- 
purchase of the identical tract of land, metes and boundaries, which had belonged 

- Time was six years. 

^ Error here. Henry Welles was not in Baltimore in 1805. 



594 APPENDIX A 

to his father for several years before, and whicli had been lost in consequence of the 
large disbursements made in purchase of title and possession ; three or four times 
larger, in fact, than tlie whole at that period was actually worth. So far as Henry 
Welles was interested under the ejectment, it was not for an adjoining lot desirable 
simply for its value of si.xly five acres, as the report implies, but for lots lying inter- 
mixed through the very centre of his farm, the possession of which was absolutely 
indispensable to the safety and value of the rest. Instead of timing the ejectment by 
the death of Elisha Mathewson, it was timed by the urgency of circumstances 
stated. Instead of being instituted from oppressive feelings, it was brought re- 
luctantly, after every advance toward a purchase had been rejected by Elisha 
Mathewson, and repelled by his widow. 

In this transaction, instead of being a wealthy oppressor circumventing tlie 
indigent, he was a young man without property, undertaking a large debt, for the 
repurchase of his father's homestead, but never enjoyed without damage. 

Instead of being a powerful neighbor, crushing the weak, he was an unsup- 
ported individual, asserting the title of Pennsylvania, in a country wholly occupied 
by an hostile population, who at that time threatened to hold it against the Com- 
monwealth by force. 

"CHEATED OUT OF HER RIGHT OF DEFENCE!" 

The next division of the accusations arrayed against Henry Welles is, that 
by a delusive arrangement entered into between George Welles for him, and Eliza- 
beth Mathewson, on the 8th October 1807, three days before the return day in 
Pliiladelphia, she was "led to l)elieve" that the suit was ended; therefore omitting 
to enter appearance in Court, judgment was rendered by default, and she thus de- 
luded, misled, and betrayed out of the chance to defend her title in the Circuit 
Court. 

Now it is self evident, that if Elizabeth Mathewson had no title, and no 
ground for a defence, that then Henry Welles could have had no interest in pre- 
venting her appearance: — that therefore he could have had no such object in ac- 
ceding to the arrangements of October 8, 1807; neither could that arrangement 
have tended to deprive her of any value by prevention of appearance, because 
neither appearance nor defence could have been otherwise than useless. 

What title, then, had Elizabeth Mathewson to set up against the recovery 
of Charles Caroll ? The petition, testimony, and report, all set forth that the hold- 
ing of Elisha Mathewson was under the pretended title of Connecticut. 

It has been settled, to use the words of Chief Justice Tilghman, that "from 
"this period" (Decree of Trenton Dec. .30, 1782) "the Courts of Pennsylvania must 
"consider the title of Connecticut of no validity either in laiv or equity, except as 
"it may have since been confirmed by our own Acts of Assembly." Enslin vs. 
Bowman, 6 Binney, 467. 

Had then the title of Mathewson been confirmed by Acts of Assembly? 

March 28, 1787, the Confirming Law was passed ; enacting that "all the said 
"rights or lots now lying within the County of Luzerne, which were occupied or 
"acquired by Connecticut claimants, who were actually settlers there, at and before 
"the termination of the claims of the state of Connecticut by the Decree aforesaid, 
"and which rights, or lots, were particularly assigned to the said settlers prior to 
"the said decree, agreeably to the regulations then in force among them, be and 
"they are hereby confirmed to them and their heirs and assigns." 

Under this act, had it been carried into effect. Elisha Mathewson, being then 
a settler in Kingston township, Luzerne County, and coming within its provisions, 
would have been confirmed in his possession there; but the Commissioners were 
violently driven out by the population, of whom Mathewson was one* ; and on this 
account, March 29, 1788, the Confirming Law was suspended by the Legislature. 

In 1788 Elisha Mathewson sold out and removed from his settlement in 
Kingston, made before the Decree of Trenton, and therefore held in encourage- 
ment as above cited, and made a new settlement on the lands now in question, being 
included within the lines of Athens township, laid out since the Decree of Trenton, 
and also within the supposititious lines of an earlier township, named "Old Ulster" ; 
which had been granted by the Connecticut Company before the Decree of Tren- 

* Mattliewson's allotment in .Athens was in 1786. 



HENRY WELLES' DEFENCE 595 

ton. but never located perfectl3% nor allotted, but abandoned by those concerned, 
and annulled by the Company. So that Elisha Mathewson elected to sell his lots 
or rights in Kingston, which were under a degree of promise, and have since been 
quieted ; and elected to settle on another spot, which, whether it were considered 
to be either in "Old Ulster." or in Athens, was equally excluded by the express 
words of the Confirming Law. 

It is in proof, then, that Elisha Mathewson voluntarily put himself out of the 
pale which had been held in favorable consideration, as "acquired" prior to the 
Decree of Trenton, and established himself within a district where he could have 
had no ground of hope, other than in numerical strength in defiance of the Com- 
monwealth. 

April 1, 1790, the Confirming Law was repealed as unconstitutional. Elisha 
Mathewson, being now in occupancy of lands excluded from favorable considera- 
tion, as expressly set forth in the Confirming Law, was one of those put under 
notice by all the strong acts of Assembly which ensued. 

April 11, 179.5: Intrusion Law passed, laying on future intrusions a penalty 
of two hundred dollars and one year's imprisonment ; on persons who shall com- 
bine, or conspire for the purpose of conveying, possessing, or settling, a penalty of 
not less than five hundred, nor more than one thousand dollars, and imprisonment 
at hard labor, not exceeding eighteen months ; on resistance, a penalty from five 
hundred to five thousand dollars and imprisonment at hard labor from three to 
seven years ; and empowering the Governor, if necessary, to order out the militia 
to assist the civil authority in carrying the act into efifect : 3 Smith's Laws. 209. 
Agents under this act put up at the tavern on Tioga Point, opposite Elisha Math- 
ewson's tavern ; and these respective houses were the headquarters of the opposite 
interests, as may be remembered by Mr. Ralston,'' who was one of those agents. 

April 4, 1799 : Compensation Law passed, pursuing the design laid in the 
Confirming Law. but confining its operation to those lands only that might be 
released for that purpose, by those holding title under Pennsylvania ; authorizing 
the Commissioners to "ascertain all the rights or lots within the said seventeen 
"townships, which were occupied or required [acquired] by Connecticut claimants, 
"who were actually settlers there, at or before the time of the said decree at Tren- 
"ton,and which rights or lots were particularly assigned to the said settlers prior to 
"the said decree, agreeably to the regulations then in force among them." 3 Smith's 
Laws, 362. The act describes the section within which this was intended to apply, 
as that which had been "commonly called and known by the name of the seventeen 
"townships in the county of Luzerne." leaving the Commissioners to ascertain 
what were townships, what were lots or rights, and what had been particularly 
assigned, occupied or acquired agreeably to the regulations of the Susquehanna 
Company, by claimants actually settled there before the Decree of Trenton. Tlie 
Commissioners appointed under this act ascertained that "Old Ulster" although 
one of the seventeen townships granted by the Company before the Decree of 
Trenton, had never been actually located nor allotted : — consequently that there 
zvere no "rights or lots" therein "particularly assigned, occupied or acquired," be- 
fore the Decree of Trenton. Mr. Cooper, one of the commissioners, wrote to the 
Governor in 1802, that he regretted to find it impossible to accept Ulster ; and 
describes it as the centre of opposition. 

By a supplement passed 6th April 1802, the Commissioners were empowered 
to certify lands not released: — so that this Act of 1802 is the first that went to 
divest the rights of Pennsylvania owners without their consent ; but brought this 
measure within constitutional limits, as a necessity, and proffering to owners a 
right to sue the State for jury compensation: 3 Smith's Laws. 526. 

The report in this case of Mathewson and Welles declares that it does not 
satisfactorily appear, "why the benefit of the Act of 1799 was confined to fifteen 
"townships only" ; adding that it "was evidently the intention of the law to put 
"the settlers within the seventeen townships on the same footing." By recurrence 
to the provisions of the act itself, and to the letters of Mr. Cooper in the Land Of- 
fice, the committee would have found the reasons satisfactory; as they appear to 
have been to the Legislature, as evinced by subsequent acts, recognizing but fifteen 

* This reference to Mr. Ralston, one of the Commissioners under Bedford atid Ulster 
Act, 19 March, 1810, then in Harrisburg, and present. — C. F. W. 



596 APPENDIX A 

to\vnshii)s. The report furtlicr declares "that the Act of 1799 actually included 
"these two townships" (Ulster and Bedford) "equally with the others; and that 
"the faith of the Commonwealth was pledged the moment the Act of 1799 went 
"into operation." How clear it is that the faith of the Commonwealth w'as pledged 
to ahide hy the proi'isioiis of the act ; and these townships heing excluded by those 
provisions, that therefore the faith of the Commonwealth was pledged for their 
exclusion; priority to the Decree of Trenton being the absolute criterion. 

EHsha Mathewson then, by forsaking his rights in Kingston, chose to reject 
the favor of the Commonwealth ; elected to hold his possessions adversely, and 
class himself among those who resisted the laws and jurisdiction of the State: — 
consequently remaining subject to the continued warning of subsequent Acts of 
Assembly. 

March 11, ISOO : Act for the limitation of actions for real estate, repealed, 
"and declared to have no force or effect within what is called the seventeen town- 
"ships in the county of Luzerne, nor in any case where title is, or has been at any 
"time claimed under what is called the Susquehanna Company, or in any way un- 
"der the state of Connecticut." 3 Smith's Laws, 421. 

February 16, 1801 ; Supplementary Intrusion Law, still stronger than the orig- 
inal : ?> Smith's Laws, 457. 

April 6, 1S02; Territorial Law passed, avoiding all deeds of Connecticut title, 
and subjecting to penalties any judge or justice of the peace who shall acknowl- 
edge, and any recorder who should record such conveyances ; enacting that no per- 
son interested in the Connecticut title should sit as judge or juror in any cases 
where that title might be brought in question : — further, that any person selling, 
buying or contracting for such title should forfeit the sum of two hundred dollars, 
and the contract or conveyance be void : 3 Smith's Laws, 525. 

April 2, 1S04: Act passed annexing the portion of Luzerne County including 
Tioga Point, and a narrow strip on the east side of the river, just to surround 
Colonel Franklin and the settlements under his influence, to Lycoming County, 
for obvious reasons : 4 Smith's Laws, 187. 

April 4, 1805 ; Supplement to the Act of 1799 passed, restricting to fifteen 
townships expressly; thus recognizing the decision of the Commissioners against 
Bedford and Ulster ; 4 Smith's Laws, 26 : see also page 411, act of April 9, 1807. 

April 9, 1807 ; Supplement to the Act of 1799 passed, extending to Connecticut 
title acquired within the fifteen townships since the decree of Trenton. This de- 
parture from original principles was retracted by the next Legislature, (Act of 
March 28, 1808), and proceedings under the Act of 1799 finally suspended: 3 
Smith's Laws, 534. 

So that at the time the ejectment Carroll z's. Mathewson was pending, or 
rather from the service of notice, August 17, 1807, up to the return day, October 
11, the executors of Mathewson had to prepare her [Mrs. Mathewson's] defence 
under her Connecticut title, subject to the decided condemnation of all these Acts 
of Assembly. 

Then comes the allegation, or innuendo, that Henry Welles, under pretence 
of compromise, deluded Elizabeth Mathewson out of her chance of defence ! What 
was her defence ? Out of what has she been deluded ? 

A report of a committee of this House narrates the train of circumstances 
in such manner as to convey the idea that Elizabeth Mathewson lost her lands by 
being "led to believe," betrayed, defrauded, out of her opportunity of defence ! and 
this report is received and adopted by the Legislature of Pennsylvania. A Legis- 
lature whose journals, and whose statute-books, for the space of more than thirty 
years, have been literally covered with proceedings and enactments against that 
very class of Connecticut intruders among whom EHsha Mathewson, and his heirs. 
and his and their possessions, are expressly included. 

What was the chance of defence which the report holds in allusion? What 
plea could she have set up before the Circuit Court of the United States under the 
adverse claim of Connecticut, since the Decree of Trenton? 

By their own showing, Elisha Mathewson settled on Lottery Warrant No. 1, 
more than two years since the warrant, survej' and patent, of Josiah Lockhart. 

By their own showing he settled on Lottery Warrant No. 1, under a claim 
hostile to this Commonwealth, and in contempt of her jurisdiction. 



HENRY WELLES' DEFENCE 597 

What defence could have been set up under the Compensation Laws, by the 
positive provisions whereof the township of Old Ulster, and the claim of Elisha 
Mathewson were excluded ; an exclusion decided by the Board of Commissioners, 
whose decision is final as to rights undei" that act, and whose decision had been 
expressly adopted by the Legislature, as appears by the Acts of 1805 and 1807? 

What defence could she have set up under a claim against which the Intru- 
sion Law, the law repealing limitations, and the Territorial Law, had been passed? 
Acts which surround the Connecticut claim with penalties as an enemy's invasion ; 
and authorize the executive to march armed troops into the country to carry into 
efifect those penalties against the very people among whom Elisha Mathewson 
w^as one?"* 

There ought to have been no necessitj' for calling up these enactments and 
decisions, to show from page and paragraph that Elizabeth Mathewson had no 
shadow of a defence to make against the recovery of Charles Carroll. Every man 
of common information in Pennsylvania, every lawyer, and every member of As- 
sembly, knows now, and has not been ignorant, that a Connecticut settler out of 
the fifteen townships could at that time have made no defence whatever against 
the Pennsylvania title : consequently that Henry Welles could have had no in- 
terest in preventing her defence : consequently that there could have been no such 
design, and no such result ; and that therefore all the holding forth of the report 
in this respect, is utterly unfounded. No verbal evidence can be so powerful as 
these deductions. 

But the committee who examined and reported so positively on this case, 
were not left to judge from the journals, statute books, documents and decisions 
that surrounded them : — they were not left to rely alone on the irresistible con- 
clusions of common knowledge and common sense ; for in addition to all these, 
they held in their hands and read the papers executed by the parties on the 8th 
October 1S07, and the depositions of w-itnesses in relation to that transaction, which 
are as follows : — 

Colonel Elisha Sattcrlcc, deposes "that in the summer of 1807 Mrs. EHza- 
"beth Mathewson informed him that she was sued by Charles Carroll of Carrollton 
"in ejectment, for lands lying on Tioga Point; and offered him, this deponent, that 
"if he. Col. Franklin, and others, leading men interested in the Connecticut claim, 
"would defend the suit and thus get the general question tried between the Con- 
"necticut and Pennsylvania claims, she, the said defendant, would remain quiet 
"and let the cause go on ; otherwise she must settle with Mr. Carroll as well as 
"she could." 

It is proper to be stated in this place that the expression of George Welles 
and Henry Welles in the neighborhood had been that Mr. Carroll would in all 
probability leave Mrs. Mathewson the lot on which she lived. 

The next deposition then, is that of Thomas Oi'crioii : who relates "that in 
"the fall of 1807, being desirous of moving to Tioga Point, he called on Elizabeth 
"Mathewson and Dr. Elias Satterlee, executors of Elisha Mathewson, deceased, 
"in order to treat for the purchase of the house occupied by Mrs. Mathewson : — 
"that he offered to give them seven hundred dollars if they would get the Penn- 
"sylvania title. That David Paine, Esq., being the friend and adviser of Mrs. 
"Mathewson. was the person agreed on to draw the writing. That it was stated 
"by Mrs. Mathewson and Dr. Satterlee that Henry Welles would procure for de- 
"ponent the Pennsylvania title to be delivered to him, the deponent, as a consid- 
"eration for which Mrs. Mathewson was to deed to Henry Welles certain lands 
"held by her below the village. That the deponent met Mrs. Mathewson. Dr. Sat- 
"terlee, George Welles, and David Paine, to have the writings drawn : which was 
"done by Mr. Paine. Deponent contracted for purchase of house and lot at seven 
"hundred dollars, and became bound to pay in two installments, payable in a short 
"time. That the deed to Henry Welles w^as executed by Mrs. Mathewson, and a 
"bond was drawn from George Welles and Henry Welles in eight hundred dollars 
"for the delivery of the Pennsylvania title of the house and lot to this deponent; 
"which was signed by George Welles ; but as Henry Welles was not then present, 
"deponent declined accepting it until executed by him. That it was then agreed 
"that all the writings should be placed in the hands of Mr. Paine, until such bond 

^ See Archives, Second Series, \'ol. X\'III. 



598 APPENDIX A 

'was signed l)y Henry Welles; and they were so placed in his hands. That the 
'deponent was never spoken to hy George Welles or Henry Welles, or any person 
'in their hehalf, to assist them in making any arrangement or settlement with Mrs. 
'Mathewson ; nor does this deponent know, or helieve, that they or either of them 
'were answerahle for the performance by him of his contract ; as this deponent was 
'perfectly able and willing to comply with it." 

David Paine deposes, "That he was in habits of intimacy with Major Elisha 
'Mathewson in his lifetime, and since his death with his widow and family. That 
'in the snmmer of 1807, Mrs. Mathewson and Elias Satterlee who were executors 
'of Major Mathewson, frequently consulted this deponent about a suit commenced 
'against them by Mr. Carroll of Carrollton, for the recovery of the house and lot 
'at Tioga Point upon which Mrs. Mathewson resided ; and also of other lands a 
'little below the village, then also in the occupation of the said Mrs. Mathewson. 
'That this deponent felt desirous of assisting Mrs. Mathewson and her family, and 
'did every thing in his power as a friend and adviser. That sometime, he thinks, 
'in the month of October 1807, Elias Satterlee called upon this deponent, and told 
'him that he thought that some arrangement might be made with the agents of 
'Mr. Carroll, which would benefit Mrs. Mathewson ; and wished him to come down 
'and see her. That he then went down and conversed with her and Dr. Elias Sat- 
'terlee, and found that they had received from Thomas Overton Esq. an ofifer of 
'seven hundred dollars or thereabouts for her house and lot, if he could get the 
'Pennsylvania title to the same. That this deponent, being confident that Mrs. 
'Mathewson could not resist or set up any legal defence to the ejectment brought 
'by Mr. Carroll against her, advised her to endeavor to get such Pennsylvania title 
'from Mr. Carroll or his agent, and compromise her then difficulties with them ; 
'this deponent then believing that such sum of money was a great deal better than 
'the whole of her claim on the Point. That the same day or a day or two after- 
'wards, this deponent, by the request of Mrs. Mathewson and Elias Satterlee. at- 
'tended a meeting between George Welles, Thomas Overton, Mrs. Mathewson 
'and Elias Satterlee ; and an agreement was made by them as follows, as near as 
'this deponent can recollect : that the said Thomas Overton should pay to Mrs. 
'Mathewson seven hundred dollars in two installments for purchase of the house 
'and lot on Tioga Point, and that George Welles and Henry Welles should exe- 
'cute to the said Thomas Overton a bond in the sum of eight hundred dollars, con- 
'ditioned for delivery to him of the Pennsylvania title ; and Mrs. Mathewson, as 
'consideration of such bond, was to give a deed to Henry Welles of all her lands 
'below the village of Tioga Point. That this deponent was then employed by all 
'the parties present. Henry Welles being not then there, tO' draw the necessary 
'writings ; and he drew the contract of sale to Overton, and also the deed from 
'Mrs. Mathewson to Henry Welles, which were then executed in the presence, 
'as this deponent believes, of Joseph Smith and this deponent. That he also drew 
'the bond from George Welles and Henry Welles to Overton for the Pennsyl- 
'vania title, which was executed by George Welles; and as Henry Welles was not 
'then present, it was agreed that all the said writings should be left with this de- 
'ponent until Henry Welles signed the bond ; as the said Overtoil was unwilling 
'that the contract should be delivered up to Mrs. Mathewson until Henry Welles 
'signed the bond ; he expressing himself dissatisfied, or unwilling to take it until 
'signed by him. That all the writings were then lodged in the hands of this de- 
'ponent until such signature was procured, which was done shortly afterwards ; 
'and this deponent, on Henry Welles' signing the bond, handed over to him Mrs. 
'Mathewson's deed, and soon afterwards gave up the contract to Mrs. Mathewson, 
'and the bond to Overton. 

"The next year this deJDonent was called upon as a witness by Mrs. Mathew- 
'son in a suit brought against her by Henry Welles, which was referred to Joseph 
'Kingsbery. John Shepard and Samuel Gore, and was examined ; but as this de- 
'ponent believes he was barely called upon to prove the declarations of Mrs. 
'Mathewson, as to what lands she conveyed, or intended to convey to Henry 
'Welles, made at the execution of the deed. 

"That this deponent has since been examined in one or more suits between 
'Elizabeth Mathewson and Elisha Satterlee; but neither in those suits nor in the 
'suit brought by Welles, was he ever examined as to delivering up the deed to 



HENRY WELLES" DEFENCE 599 

"Henry Welles without any authority ; nor has the said Elizabeth ever alleged, 
''(although this deponent has had repeated conversations with her) to him, that 
"he did give up the deed improperly. And this deponent further saith, that it 
"was never agreed upon, either directly or indirectly, in the presence of this de- 
"ponent, or at the time of his retaining the writings aforesaid ; that they were to 
"be kept by him any longer than uniil the said Henry Welles executed the said 
"bond ; nor w-ere the said Welles", cither of them, at all answerable or accountable 
"for said Overton ; he being at that time accepted by them and considered by all 
"parties willing and able to fulfill the contract. That this deponent was present 
"a little time before the first installment on the contract became due, and heard the 
"said Overton offer to pay it to Mrs. Mathewson ; who by advice of the deponent, 
"declined accepting it, as she might be induced to lend it, and wished to get both 
"installments together, so that she might lay them out in the purchase of other 
"lands for the benefit of herself and family, either in New York State, or some 
"other place which she should determine upon. That this deponent considers the 
"whole transaction as fair and candid on the part of the said Welles and Overton, 
"and does not believe that the said Elizabeth had any intention of defending the 
"suit in the Circuit Court at the time of entering into the contract and signing the 
"deed ; but that the bond given by George and Henry Welles was a full considera- 
"tion for the delivering up to Henry Welles of the lands below the Point." 

Next comes Mrs. Mathcivson's deed to Henry Welles, dated October 8, 1S07, 
conveying all the right to said parcels of land on Tioga Point that Elisha Mathew- 
son died seized of, as also the right of possession which the aforesaid Elizabeth 
now holds by actual occupation, or otherwise, reserving the house and lot ; with 
covenant for peaceable possession of the premises against the heirs of Elisha 
Mathewson, &c. Signed by Elizabeth Mathewson and Elias Satterlee, and wit- 
nessed by Joseph Smith, David Paine and Enoch Paine, the latter since deceased. 
Proved by David Paine, April 5, 1808. and recorded April 6, 1808, in Book G of 
the Susquehanna Company, Page 163 ; John Franklin, Clerk. 

Next the bond of George Welles and Henry Welles to Thomas Overton, 
dated October 8. 1807; conditioned in eight hundred dollars, to procure a deed 
from the legal proprietor for the house and lot, and deliver it to Thomas Overton 
at Tioga Point, lijithin six months. 

Next is Henry Welles' bond, dated October 8, 1807, to Elizabeth Mathewson, 
to indemnify her against all cost that has, or may arise in consequence of the eject- 
ment : Together with the receipt of "Betsey Mathewson" and "Elias Satterlee," 
dated October 21. 1808, for said bond as delivered to them ; expressly reciting It 
as to save "said Elizabeth harmless from all cost that has or may thereafter arise 
in consequence of the writ of ejectment;" signed with their names, and witnessed 
by their shrewd counsellor. Job Irish. 

And lastly, Thomas Overton's contract with Mrs. Mathewson, dated October 
8, 1807. for purchase of the house and lot, at seven hundred dollars ; half payable 
at six, the remainder at twelve months. All these papers are in the hand writing 
of David Paine, Esq. 

On the part of Mrs. Mathewson there is nothing in the nature of evidence 
to contradict or divert from its bearing, any particular of this body of testimony, 
except the deposition of Joseph Smith, who states that he understood that the 
deed of Mathewson to Welles, was to be left in the hands of David Paine, Esq., 
and not to be delivered to said Welles until Thomas Overton fulfilled his agree- 
ment with Mrs. Mathewson. This affidavit of Mr. Smith was procured from him 
by Mathewson before he had heard anything from Paine or Overton whereby to 
correct his memory ; and it is evident, that recollecting the fact of its deposit with 
Mr. Paine, he has substituted Mathewson's suggestions instead of the true reason 
of that deposit. Mr. Smith was called in simply to be a second witness to the 
execution of certain papers ; but on the other hand Mr. Paine and Mr. Overton 
were the persons who made the bargain, and drew the papers, and of course far 
less likely to be in error. 

Mr. Overton swears positively that the papers were left with Paine until 
Henry Welles (who was not in Athens at the time of this transaction) should 
sign the bond for the deed; and that this was done in consequence of his (Over- 



600 APPENDIX A 

ton's) doclining to receive the hand nf Henry Welles l^efore it was signed by 
Henry Welles. This is clearly reasonable. 

Mr. Paine swears positively that all the writings were left with him until 
Henry Welles should return and sign the bond to Overton: and that this was done 
because Overton was unwilling that his contract should be delivered to Mrs. 
Mathewson before the bond to him was executed. And further, Mr. Paine swears 
that he was a witness in the trespass case of Welles vs. Mathewson. before ref- 
erees ; and also, on one or more suits between Elizabeth Mathewson and Elisba 
Satterlee, wherein Mrs. Mathewson's deed to Henry Welles was a subject of en- 
quiry ; and that in neither of those cases was he questioned as to his authority 
for delivering up that deed : — and that in his repeated conversations with Mrs. 
Mathewson she has never alleged to him that he had delivered that deed im- 
properly. 

Job Irisii, also, whose testimony is sufficiently corroborated by the other 
witnesses, sw^ears in his depositions before the committee, that he was employed 
by Mrs. Mathewson as her counsel to defend the trespass suit of Henry Welles 
before referees ; and also in several suits and arbitrations l)etween Elizabeth 
Mathewson and Elisha Satterlee, in which the deed to Henry Welles was a sub- 
ject; and never heard her, or any of her children, allege that the said deed had 
been obtained by fraud, or that it had been delivered to Henry Welles without 
authority. 

Memory is liable to error ; but the documents written and executed by the 
parties at the time are unchangeable, and can neither mistake nor forget. The 
Mathewsons have in their possession the contract of Thomas Overton, wherein 
he is bound, in purchase of the house and lot, to pay seven hundred dollars in two 
installments extending to tK'clvc months. On the other hand the bond drawn 
under the eye of Elizabeth Mathewson and Elias Satterlee, by their friend and 
adviser David Paine, and in pursuance of their own arrangements, absolutely 
binds Henry Welles to give Thomas Overton a deed for the house and lot "at 
any time ri'ithin six months" ! 

Again : — Let these stories be tested by reason ; surely this is an important 
witness. Did Elizabeth Mathewson rest her only hope of saving anything from 
Mr. Carroll's ejectment, on a conditional arrangement? Did she stipulate that if 
Overton should fail to pay her, all this arrangement should fail and she have 
nothing ! But still there are two witnesses who send forward their depositions 
in support of the allegation of conditions, and fraudulent delivery of the deed; 
and these are Colonel John Franklin, and Colonel Joseph Kingsbery. 

Colonel John Franklin, now very far advanced in years, who has been 
both civil and military leader of the Wyoming controversy against Pennsylvania 
from the first stages to the last, and who evidently still feels "the ruling passion," 
deposes that Mrs. Mathewson's deed to Henry Welles "was delivered into the 
"hands of a third person, as this deponent understood and believes, not to be de- 
"livered up to the purchaser, or be of any force, until she should receive payment 
"for the house and lot." Colonel Franklin goes through with his whole narrative, 
saying occasionally, "as this deponent understood and believes ;" but he does not 
say that he was present on the 8th of October, when the several writings were 
made and executed; neither ivas he present. He does not say that he heard any 
of these things averred in the presence of Henry Welles, or in any manner ad- 
mitted by Henry Welles: — neither does he say from whom or at what time he 
understood and believed these things; whether in 1S07. or recently: — neither does 
he say that, of himself, he knows anything at all about the matter. 

And it is this hearsay evidence that Colonel John Franklin sends forward 
upon oath, as a testimonial whereupon the General Assembly of Pennsjdvania are 
to LEGISLATE away the rights of property! No paragraph of this deposition, how- 
ever taken, would be admissible in any Court of Justice : — and as moral evidence, 
how it sinks when opposed to the testimony of the actors themselves, and the 
documents they framed and executed ! 

Next comes the deposition of Colonel Joseph Kingsbery, who testifies, not 
to any original knowledge of his own about the deed, but to what he says was 
proved respecting it before John Shcpard. Samuel Gore, and himself, when sitting 
as referees in the trespass case. This, coming from one who tried the case, seems 



HENRY WELLES' DEFEXXE GOl 

to be strongl\' introduced ; and, as is said in the report, "it will he proper to re- 
-mark that Joseph Kingsbery, one of the referees, szccars positively." His depo- 
sition is as follows: — "But it further appeared in the course of the investigation 
"that the deed from the defendant had not been lawfully obtained ; it having been 
"put into a third person's hands to be held, and not given up to the plaintiff, until 
"certain conditions were complied with ; which conditions were the foundation of 
"the said deed. And it further appearing to said referees, that the conditions 
"aforesaid had never been complied with, they decided unanimously that they had 
"no jurisdiction of the cause." 

"Appeared in the course of the investigation," whereon the referees "de- 
cided.'" Of course this must have appeared by testimony. "Appeared" before 
the referees ! by z^<lwm did it appear f Joseph Smith, the only man who has ever 
so attested swears tliat he zvas not before them! 

David Paine was a witness present on that trial. He is a gentleman known 
to be of the verj- first respectability and honor that ever resided in that country. 
If any such flagrant impeachment of his conduct had been advanced there to his 
face, it would have caused no small sensation in that community, and no hearer 
would have forgotten it. 

By whom did Colonel Joseph Kingsbery, referee, hear the all important 
matter that he "su'ears positiz'ely" about, which he swears "decided" the case, 
proved before the referees? Joseph Smith was not there, neither by himself nor 
by deposition. 

Colonel Jolin Franklin was present, and opened the defence on behalf of 
Mrs. Mathewson on that trial, and swears that he understood and believed that 
as hearsay, but does not pretend that it was so proved then. 

David Paine swears that he was a w'itness there, but never was examined 
at all as to delivery of the deed ; that no such thing was broached before the 
referees, and that no such allegation has ever been mentioned to him by Mrs. 
Mathewson in repeated conversations ! 

Samuel Gore, Esq., also a referee, swears that he "does not recollect that 
"the plaintiff was accused of any fraud or collusion in obtaining the deed;" 
which deed was there presented as in bar to defendant's oath that the title of 
land would come in question ; but says "it is strongly impressed on my memory 
"that the Intrusion Act was read," which made dealing in Connecticut titles penal, 
and all its conveyances void; 3 Smith's Laws 525." 

And lastly. Colonel Job Irish, an unlicensed practitioner of great ability, 
acted there as managing advocate for Mrs. Mathewson. and by deposition "swears 
"positively" that he presented defendant's affidavit that the title to land zvould 
come in question. .A.s a bar to that, Henry Welles offered the deed of Mrs. 
Mathewson to him for the premises in trespass ; a deed recorded by Colonel 
Franklin as Clerk of the Susquehanna Company. That no pretence was made as 
to unfair delivery of that deed, and that he never heard of any such thing from 
Mrs. Mathewson or any other person then, or at any other time thereafter ; but 
that he sliut that deed out of evidence bv reading the Territorial Lazv then in 
force, making all sales and conveyances of Connecticut title z-oid and penal. 

Mr. Gore names it the Intrusion Law ; and tliat was what "decided the 
"cause." and decided it legally. 

Thus it was in clear proof before the committee, that the deed to Henry 
Welles was absolute and immediate ; — that the bond to Overton was its consid- 
eration had and received : — that this arrangement was a fair and amicable trans- 
action, done for the sole benefit of Mrs. Mathewson. and completed by surrendry 
of possession to Henry Welles, as will appear hereafter. It was also in proof, as 
will be shewn, that as the expressed consideration of the deed to Henry Welles, 
his bond to Overton, was afterwards virtually released by the latter, that still 
Henry Welles sustained the consideration equitably, by leaving to Mrs. Mathew- 
son the house and lot, when the liabere facias was executed by the marshal ; in 
consequence of which, she still retains it. So that the deed holds good as a trans- 
fer of possession so far as Mrs. Mathewson for herself and Elizabeth Mathewson 
and Elias Satterlee as executors, could convey it ; — and that, as will be hereafter 
shewn, goes to the full extent. 

"This citation refers to the so-called "Territorial .Act" of April C, 1802, which imposes 
these penalties. — Ed. 



602 APPENDIX A 

ALLEGED DISCONTINUANCE OF THE EJECTMENT 

The report makes another assertion respecting the transaction of October 8, 
to wit, "In consequence of this arrangement it zvas agreed that the action of eject- 
"ment should be discontinued ; and Welles gave Mrs. Mathewson a bond of in- 
"demnity against the cost of that suit." Again, in these words : — "Welles had 
"recourse to the action of ejectment of Charles Carroll vs. Mathewson, which he 
"liad iJi^reed to discontinue and pay the cost, in pursuance of the arrangement of 
"October S, and which Mrs. Mathewson was led to believe was at an end, relying 
"on the agreement of Welles." 

No member of this House who had not examined for himself could, on hear- 
ing this report read, have for a moment doubted, that a point so important, and so 
seriously averred, was fully made out in the testimony. In what language then, 
can it be said within these walls, that serious, positive, important and repeated as 
this averment is, it is a sheer falsehood, and that alone ! 

No document, no deposition, no circumstance, no legal or moral evidence 
sustains the reporter in this peremptory assertion ; but even the Bond of In- 
demnity itself, which he dares to quote, flatly disproves it! John Franklin says 
"that during the pendency of the suit, proposals were made by the agent of Car- 
"roll, as this deponent understood and believes, to compromise with Mrs. Mathew- 
"son." Again, that "he understood and believes, that Mrs. Mathewson, in con- 
"sequence of the proposed compromise, made no defence to the suit." Then 
Colonel Franklin "believed" that defence was open. 

Joseph Kingsbery also deposes that the sales to Overton and Welles was 
the reason why she made no defence; thereby admitting that defence was open. 

David Paine, as heretofore recited, describes the arrangement of October 8, 
as Mrs. Mathewson's sale to Overton of the house and lot, and to Henry Welles 
of all her other possessions under the ejectment; whereby she divested herself 
of all interest in the defence, and being indemnified against all cost that has or 
may arise, had nothing left in it to defend. 

Thomas Overton's deposition before the committee says nothing about the 
pretended discontinuance ; but concurs with Mr. Paine as to the entire divesture 
of Mrs. Mathewson under the ejectment, by sale of her whole interest. But by 
his affidavit taken December 6, 182.5, he states "that he perfectly well recollects 
"that when the deed was executed, George Welles expressly said that the arrange- 
"ment then made should not effect tlie suit then pending in the Circuit Court, 
"except SO' far as to Mrs. Mathewson's liability to cost." 

This later deposition of Mr. Overton's of course was not before the com- 
mittee ; but we shall go on to show that every shadow of evidence that ivas before 
them, tended to disprove the allegation of an agreement to discontinue. 

COPY OF BOND OF INDEMNITY. 

Whereas Elizabeth Mathewson, against whom a suit of ejectment was 
brought by Charles Carroll of Carrollton, and wdiich is now pending in the Dis- 
trict Court of the United States, for the lands the said Elizabeth was in possession 
of on Tioga Point, hath this day given me the subscriber a deed of possession of 
all her right to the lands in dispute on Tioga Point aforesaid, excepting the house 
and lot the said Elizabeth now occupies and possesses. I therefore hereby hold 
myself obligated and bound tO' indemnify and save harmless the said Elizabeth 
from all costs that have or may arise in consequence of the aforesaid writ of eject- 
ment brought against her by said Charles Carroll. In witness whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand and seal this eighth day of October, 1807. 

In presence of Henry Welles. [Seal] 

David Paine. 

COPY OF RECEIPT FOR SAME GIVEN WHEN DELIVERED 
TO MATHEWSON. 

Whereas an article of agreement between Betsey Mathewson and Elias 
Satterlee of the one part, and Thomas Overton of the other part, (purporting 
that the said Thomas Overton was to pay the party of the first part, seven hundred 
dollars at the times therein stipulated, in consequence of which the said Elizabeth, 



HEXRY WELLES' DEFENCE cm 

or Betsey was to deliver to the said Overton peaceable possession of the house 
and lot she then and now occupies on Tioga Point,) was placed in the hands of 
David Paine for the benefit or use of the parties when necessary. And whereas 
the said Thomas Overton hath failed in complying with the conditions of said 
article, the said David Paine hath delivered to us the subscribers the said article 
of agreement that we may have the benefit thereof, agreeably to the express stipu- 
lation of the parties. — Their agreement is dated the Sth day of October. 1S07. — 
We have also received of said David Paine, a writing from Henry. Welles to 
Elizabeth Mathewson, wherein the said Henry binds himself to save the said 
Elizabeth harmless from all costs that has or may thereafter arise, in con- 
sequence of a writ of ejectment brought against her by Charles Carroll of Car- 
rollton. 

Witness our hands this 21st day of October, 1808. 

Job Irish. Betsey Mathewson. 

Elias Satterlee. 

These proofs were all in the hands of that committee ; and much more, abun- 
dance more, as will soon be recited. What becomes of the bold falsehood of 
"agreement to discontinue Mr. Carroll's ejectment"? Every evidence establishes 
the fact, that by sale to Overton and Welles Mrs. Mathewson had parted with all 
interest, and had none left to defend. Colonel Kingsbery deposes that was "the 
"reason why the said Elizabeth made no defence."' 

Again, let the averment as to conditionality of the deed be recalled, and 
confronted with the assertion as to discontinuance, and see on what gross absurd- 
ities the claim of Mathewson attempts to stand. What ! did Henry Welles agree 
to discontinue n^conditionallj-. on the faith of a eonditional deed? 

THE SATTERLEE LEASEHOLD. 

Again, it is set forth in the report that Elisha Satterlee owned the Connecti- 
cut title to four of the lots claimed by Carroll's ejectment; that Mrs. Mathewson 
as to these four lots was siezed of nothing more than a leasehold, continued in 
her occupancy. It alsO' appears, by deposition of Elisha Satterlee himself, that 
Mrs. Mathewson had notified him of Carroll's ejectment, and warned him to de- 
fend his claim to the lots in her tenancy. Mrs. Mathewson's deed then, as to these 
lots, might be held to have no virtue further than transfer of leasehold ; and leave 
still under question a possessory right in Satterlee. 

Did Henry Welles, then, or George Welles, agree to discontinue Mr. Car- 
roll's ejectment, when forty acres of the flat covered by the ejectment might be 
questioned as not fully conveyed by her deed, as the law was then supposed to be? 

It is true that the unconfirmed Connecticut title, being a rebellious holding 
against the laws of the State, could not sustain a descent, or support the relation 
of landlord and tenant, or be in any manner countenanced or considered as having 
life under the laws of this Commonwealth ; but this legal deduction from original 
principles had not at that period been developed by the courts. 

And now we reach another body of testimony, entirely unknown to Henry 
Welles, that was all this while in the hands of the leading member of the Com- 
mittee, and full of evidence negativing every assertion that he imposed upon the 
House. These papers were [permitted to remain unknown to Henry JVelles, 
throughout the whole examination; and [were] afterward produced and quoted in 
debate, when time would not admit of a careful examination, whereby their favor- 
able character could be ascertained, and an unfair use of them detected. 

JUDGE HUSTON'S NOTES OF EVIDENCE IN MATHEWSON VS. 

SATTERLEE. 

It is set forth in the report "that Elisha Mathewson was owner of some lands 
"[Connecticut title] on the opposite side of the river; and Elisha Satterlee owned 
"four ten acre lots [Connecticut title] adjoining Mathewson on Tioga Point. By 
"an agreement between Mathewson in his lifetime, and Satterlee, Mathewson oc- 
"cupied and used Satterlee's lots on the Point, and Satterlee occupied and used 
"Mathewson's land on the opposite side of the river." 



()04 ■ APPENDIX A 

The right of Elisha Satterlee to the lots on Tioga Point occupied by Elisha 
Mathewson as his tenant in exchange, ceased. October 1S07, by judgment against 
the terre-tenant, Elizat)etli Mathewson, in favor of Charles Carroll. Those lands 
being thus lost, John F. Satterlee. son of Elisha Satterlee. April 1, 1S12. purchased 
the old Pennsylvania title of Joseph Wharton, under patent August 17, 1781. cov- 
ering the lands on the east side of the river, which Elisha Satterlee had received 
of Elisha Mathewson, on their exchange of use. Elizabeth Mathewson, supposing 
that the survey of Wharton could not be proved, had, a short time previous to 
this, to wit, January 10, 1812, taken out a warrant under the commonwealth for the 
same land, then in possession of Elisha Satterlee ; on which warrant, survey and 
patent issued to her in trust for the heirs of Elisha Mathewson, February 19, 1813. 
During the year 1813, she made two several attempts to recover the possession 
from Elisha Satterlee under the landlord and tenant law; but failed in each. 
Finally she brought ejectment against Elisha Satterlee and John F. Satterlee, as of 
No. 60 Dec. Term, 1820, Bradford County ; which came on for trial at a special 
court, September 1821, before President Judge Charles Huston; and the mass of 
papers spoken of, are his notes of evidence taken on that trial. 

The plaintiff, Mathewson, sought to recover in that cause, first, by the de- 
ficiency of Wharton's survey, or the failure of its proof ; — second, by the supposed 
lease of Mathewson to Satterlee, whereby the latter came into possession. Setting 
aside the question of survey as irrelevant to this case, it is obvious, that to place 
himself on equitable grounds before the jury, it became Satterlee's interest to show 
that Mrs. Mathewson had sold to Henry Welles the lots of his which her husband 
and herself had held on Tioga Point under the exchange. Accordingly he did 
produce in evidence her deed to Henry Welles, conveying in the fullest manner 
all rights or lots on Tioga Point which Elisha Mathewson died seized of; as also 
all her own and the executors' occupancies and possessions on the premises, ex- 
cepting the house and lot only. On the other hand, it became Elizabeth Mathew- 
son's interest to prove that, notwithstanding her deed to Henry Welles, Satterlee's 
right to the lots on Tioga Point, which she had occupied under the exchange, had 
not been affected by her act, and was still unimpaired; then — 

firstly: If she could have shewn that Henry Welles had gotten possession 
of Satterlee's lots, inter alia, fraudulently, under an habere facias issued on a judg- 
ment entered after a discontinuance had been agreed on, that would have been 
good evidence in her behalf. 

Secondly: H she could have shewn that her deed to Henry Welles was con- 
ditional, and void by failure of condition, that would have been good evidence in 
her behalf. 

Thirdly: If she could have shewn that Henry Welles did not receive pos- 
session under her deed, that would have been good evidence in her behalf. 

Fourthly: If she could have shewn that she sold by that deed only her lease- 
hold estate under Elisha Satterlee, that would have been good evidence in her 
behalf; and admissible, also, for it might not go to contradict her own sealed in- 
strument. It is clear that the establishment of these points must have been ma- 
terial to the equity of Mrs. Mathewson's cause. The voluminous notes of Judge 
Huston show that no stone was left unturned. 

1. Did Elizabeth Mathewson prove, or. attempt to prove, on the trial before 
Judge Huston, that Henr}' Welles, three days before the return day, had agreed 
to discontinue the ejectment, and of course that the possession obtained under 
habere facias was wrongful, and could be broken up on application to the Circuit 
Court? 

There is one expression in Judge Huston's notes of Henr}' Welles' testi- 
mony as follows : "A suit was pending in the Federal Court, returnable to next 
"October, which ended in this compromise." The literal meaning of this sep- 
arated passage, is, that there was a compromise that ended the suit : but there are 
evidences on the face of the .same papers, showing that the Judge has put down 
words different from those used by the witness. One is this : the literal meaning 
of the passage is entirely incompatible with that which immediately follows ; for 
only three lines below the notes continue thus: "Judgment had gone by default 



HENRY WELLES' DEFENCE 605 

"in Philadelphia — she went on and began to plow — a dispute — I got a writ of pos- 
"session, and the marshal put me in possession." Now it is evident that the wit- 
ness could not have said in one breath, that the suit was discontinued October 8th, 
and in the next breath that he took out a writ of possession on a judgment entered 
in that suit after discontinuance. The suit resulted in a compromise with Henry 
Welles, but there is no evidence that it was "ended." Another evidence is, that 
no such pretence is countenanced by the notice which the subject received in the 
judge's charge, as will be seen hereafter. 

2. Did Elizabeth Mathewson prove on that trial, or attempt to prove, the 
other point alleged in this case, and which, if true, would have been material in 
that; to wit, the conditional nature of the deed, and the failure of that condition? 

Examine the testimony. Not one word was said on this subject. No such 
pretence was set up on that trial. No such story had been invented then. Joseph 
Smith was there and examined: but Mrs. Mathewson's pretended reason for the 
temporarj' retention of the deed by David Paine had not then been inserted in 
his memory. 

Thomas Overton was there, and examined ; but no question of this nature 
appears to have been put to him ; though he, of all men, was the very man who 
would have been questioned on that subject, if any such thing had existed in truth. 

John Franklin was there, and examined at great length ; but he had then 
no such hearsays to "believe." — 

Joseph Kingsbcry was there, and examined ; but he had nothing then to say 
about the all important fact, which he now swears was proved on trial of the tres- 
pass case, and "decided'' it. He was not making up a secret, ex parte affidavit 
then ; but stood on open ground, in presence of Henry Welles, under examina- 
tion of counsel, and on oath before court and jury. 

:',. Did Elizabeth Mathewson then prove or attempt to prove, that Henry 
Welles did not receive possession under her deed ? No such testimony appears 
to have been attempted. Henry Welles is noted as having said, "We built a corn- 
"house on one of the lots the fall after the deed." The erection of this corn-house 
was admitted by Mrs. Mathewson before the committee of last session ; alleging 
that it was on one of Satterlee's lots.- The judge's minutes contain a palpable in- 
accuracy on this subject; a few lines below his mention of the corn-house, built 
during a possession under the deed in November 1807, he notes Henry Welles as 
saying on cross examination, "I did not get possession under this deed." It is 
obvious that the witness must have said that the undisputed possession which he 
then held was not obtained under Mrs. Mathewson's deed, but under Mr. Car- 
roll's ejectment; as is explicitly said in the notes of his examination in chief, a 
few lines before. 

4. Did Elizabeth Mathewson prove on that trial that she sold to Henry 
Welles only her leasehold possession of the four lots which she occupied in ex- 
change under EHsha Satterlee? 

The deed conveys all right, title, claim and demand which Elizabeth Mathew- 
son and Elias Satterlee, as executors, had in, or to all those lots and parcels of 
land which they then occupied and possessed on Tioga Point ; meaning by these 
presents to convey to said Henry Welles, all the right to the aforesaid tracts or par- 
cels of land which Elisha Mathewson died seized of; as also the right of possession 
which the aforesaid Elizabeth then held by actual occupation, or otherwise, except- 
ing o>ily the house and lot. 

The whole scope of evidence in Mathewson vs. Satterlee shows that Eliza- 
beth Mathewson was then in possession of the four lots ; or to put it on the closest 
grounds that can be pretended, that these lots came fully within the clause con- 
veying "the right of possession which the aforesaid Elizabeth now holds by actual 
"occupation, or otherwise." That this clause includes them cannot admit of dis- 
pute ; for it is granted by the whole proceeding that no re-exchange had taken 
place. Her declarations then, as to Satterlee's lots, are of no avail against the 
express conveyance of her right of possession ; and her disclaimer of possession 
is of no avail against the fact of actual possession, and right of possession, which 
is in evidence. Her declarations cannot go to avoid her sealed instrument ; but 



fiO() APPENDIX A 

they may go to prove notice to Henry Welles and George Welles as to the nature 
of her right in those four lots ; which was only a tenancy by exchange under 
Elisha Satterlee. Her words then, attested by Joseph Smith and Thomas Over- 
ton, are evidence of that notice. 

What consequence is deducible from this? Why. that with this repeated 
warning in their ears, George Welles, or Henry Welles, could not possibly have 
been so insane as to have agreed to a discontinuance of the ejectment; by the re- 
sult of which, alone, the rights of Satterlee were to be concluded. 

[It may be well enough to add here, that the Welles third included only 
about one half of Mathewson's possessions covered by the ejectment; the remain- 
ing Jialf, belonging to the Carroll two thirds ; and of course, that Henry Welles, 
though interested in the suit, had no power to discontinue it; and this was well 
known to the Mathewsons and all others concerned. C. F. W.] 

JUDGE HUSTON'S CHARGE. 

Furthermore, to shew Judge Huston's view of this branch of the testimony 
between Mathewson and Satterlee on that trial, we will recite all the mention 
which he makes of it in his charge to the jury: 

"But it is said that Mrs. Mathewson lost, or gave up, the lands on the Point 
"held under Elisha Satterlee; and therefore she cannot recover for her children, 
"(read the testimony on this point) : You will decide whether there is not proof 
"that Satterlee had notice of the suit against her, and even consulted very dis- 
"tinguished counsel on the case. You will consider whether the loss of that land 
"was not a misfortune common to such titles, and inevitable until the Compromis- 
"ing Law ; a misfortune, but not the fault of any person ; at all events even if she 
"was culpable, that is no bar to the recovery in this case." 

It is evident that this charge recognizes Mrs. Mathewson as having suflfered 
an inevitable loss at law ; as having given up the Satterlee lots blamelessly, after 
notice to her landlord. Nothing appears to indicate any suspicion of unfairness 
about the transaction, either as to her conveyance, or as to the possession under 
habere facias. Such would not have been the language of Judge Huston had any 
of the allegations now set up been even suggested before him. Nothing appears 
in the charge, nothing in the notes, to countenance these allegations ; hence it fol- 
lows, that even by these papers, in addition to all the other testimony, it was pal- 
pable before the committee, that the allegations of conditional deed, unfair deliv- 
ery, and discontinuance of ejectment, were recent pretences, invented since the 
trial between Mathewson and Satterlee in September 1821. 

But there is yet other evidence, coming still nearer home; the I'ery paper 
which the committee who returned that Report zvere designated to examine; the 
petition of the party herself, dated November 30, 1822. Does that paper say that 
it was agreed by Welles, in the arrangement of October 8, 1807, that "the eject- 
"ment should he discontinued," and that "Mrs. Mathewson zcas led to believe it 
"was at an end"? No such thing! The petition says, that her deed "was placed in 
"the hands of a third person, to be delivered on the performance of certain con- 
"ditions ; and although the condition was never performed, the deed was delivered 
"without her consent. By this negotiation she zvas delayed from making any 
"defence, and judgment passed against her by default." Even the petitioner does 
not say that the action was to be discontinued ; but that she was thus delayed 
from making a defence ! Hence it appears, not only that the allegation of discon- 
tinuance is a recent pretence, but that it is not even among the inventions of the 
petitioner ! 

POSSESSION UNDER THE DEED. 

The next item to be shewn is that shortly after execution of the deed, 
October 8, 1807. Henry Welles went into quiet possession of the lands purchased 
of Mrs. Mathewson, built a corn-house on one of the lots, and continued in oc- 
cupancy undisturbed, until Mrs. Mathewson attempted to resume possession, about 
the 1st of April, 1808. 

We shall show that there was legal evidence before the committee of Henry 
Welles' possession at the commencement of the month of April ; nevertheless let 
it be seen what the report says about it. 



HENRY WELLES' DEFENCE 007 

"Mrs. Matliewson. in the Spring of 1808. continued to farm the land as 
"usual, when Henr}^ Welles attempted to take possession under the deed. Mrs. 
"Mathewson however succeeded in resisting him, and Welles instituted an action 
"of trespass done and coniinittcd on real estate, against Mrs. Mathewson." 

Now every man of common information, and certainly every lazvyer, knows 
that the action of trespass on the close, is a possessory action, and will not lie, 
unless the plaintiff was, at the time of trespass, actually in possession of the 
premises infringed upon. John Saltmarsh, Esq., the justice who issued the sum- 
mons. Colonel Joseph Kingsbery, John Shepard and Samuel Gore, Esquires, ref- 
erees, were all men of full information in this respect. Stephen Sedgwick, Esq., 
an eminent attorney, advised the action and attended for the plaintiff. Job Irish, 
a pleader uncommonly shrewd and skillful, appeared for the defendant ; and no 
witness says that any plea was moved against the plaintifif's right to institute such 
action; but all agree that the plea was against the justice's jurisdiction over it, 
in consequence of defendant's oath that the title to the land would come in ques- 
tion. The justice's docket, and the defendant's oath against further procedure, 
is the highest possible admission of the plaintifif's right to institute within the 
justice's limit, but not to try land titles there. This conclusive proof as to right 
of action, was in the hands of the committee, when drafting the report that mis- 
states and denies it. There was also in the hands of the committee at that time, 
the marshal's return upon the habere facias of Charles Carroll, in which, after 
describing one of the lots delivered, Mr. Hart adds, that "on this lot Henry Welles 
"has built a corn-house ;" which of course must have been erected between the 
dates of October 8, and April 1 ; and could not have been done without peaceable 
possession. 

Furthermore, it was expressly admitted by Mathewson, in presence of Henry 
Welles before the committee, that Henry Welles did built the corn-house there, 
as set forth in the marshal's return, but she alleged that "it was on one of Sat- 
"terlee's lots." Now it was apparent before the committee that the deed makes no 
distinction between Mathewson's and Satterlee's lots ; and as the whole lie within 
a common enclosure, the possession of a part is a possession of the whole. 

This fact of quiet possession from October 1807 to April 1808. proven by the 
corn-house, and by the trespass suit, is not however material to this question ; 
further than it shews that Welles went into immediate possession, unopposed ; 
which could not have been the case, had it not been in accordance with the agree- 
ment of October 8. 

CHANGE IN MRS. MATHEWSON'S VIEWS. 

It has been shewn that in the month of November, 1807, Henry Welles was 
in quiet possession under Mrs. Mathewson's deed, and building upon the land 
vmdisturbed ; but that in the month of April following, Mrs. Mathewson had 
adopted a new idea, and was determined to resume the occupancy. The exact 
period at which this change in her designs occurred, cannot be ascertained ; buf 
there are passages in the testimony that throw some light upon it. and the date 
of the change may assist in discovering the cause. 

Thomas Oz'erton deposes, that a short time before his first installment be- 
came due, in April 1808, he offered to pay Mrs. Mathewson the money and that 
she declined it ; saying that she would rather have it all in one payment, lest she 
might be induced to lend it. It is not certain whether or not she was sincere in 
this ; but Mr. Overton testifies that shortly after that tendry, her children began 
to spread their threats that they would not concur in their mother's sale. When 
the second installment became due, and he came up to pay it, he was told that the 
heirs would not consent to the sale ; but would claim the house and lot whenever 
their mother's life estate should cease. One of the children, grown up to woman- 
hood, menaced him in her mother's presence ; saying, that he "might depend upon 
it the children would call upon him." It is obvious, then, that at that time there 
was a famil}^ design to prevent Overton's adherence to his contract for the house 
and lot ; and in all probability that design had commenced in embryo before her 
declination of the first offer of payment. Hence it is evident that at some period 
about Februarv or March 1808, a change had commenced in her views, which de- 



(i08 APPENDIX A 

cided lier to prevent Overton, if possil)le, from adliesion to his contract. The 
cause for this change may perhaps be found. 

Doctor Robert 11. Rose, agent for the Pennsylvania owners of all the north- 
western section of the present county of Bradford, sojourned at Tioga Point dur- 
ing the Winter of 1807-S; laboring to effect a compromise with the numerous 
Connecticut settlers in possession of lands belonging to his employers. Ex- 
periencing considerable opposition, stimulated in a great measure, by inhabitants 
of the river towns, he found it necessary to divide their strength, if possible; and 
attempted to effect it, by throwing out to the settlers on the river, a hope that 
the Legislature might ht induced to extend the compromising system unto the 
townships of Athens and present Ulster. Coming from such a source, the hope 
was accepted by some, .dthougli repelled by others; and it is probable that from 
this period Mrs. Mathewson began to conceive ideas from which arose the hope 
that by frightening Overton from fultillment of his contract, she might destroy the 
consideration, and thus invalidate the deed to Welles; go into possession again, 
and hold on until the promised act should pass. It is not improbable that she may 
have thought the transaction of October 8, 1807, might be so described as to in- 
validate the recovery in ejectment, or that it might be in some way prevaricated. 

In shewing, from these public circumstances, that the first suggestion of an 
extended Compromising Law, to include Tioga Point, was made in February 1808, 
it is evinced that at the date of the amicable arrangement and ju<lgment in default 
in October 1S07, no idea of any such measure existed in the country; of course 
that at that period neither Henry Welles nor Mrs. Mathewson, nor her advisers, 
had foresight of such proposition ; and consequently, that in acceding to the pro- 
posal, which it is in proof was made on behalf of Mrs. Mathewson, Henry W'elles 
was not iniluenced by apprehension of any such act of assembly ; but conferred 
a benefit of value, and received none, any further than it may have been preferable 
to acquire possession amicably, rather than by the marshal's process. 

Although the idea of petitioning for an extension of the Compromising 
system, was in February 1808, a topic in the country, nevertheless it was clearly a 
very hopeless project. The jurisdiction of Pennsylvania was by this time so far 
efficient as to enable owners under the Commonwealth to obtain possession with- 
out bloodshed ; the formidalsleness of the Connecticut association was broken 
down ; the spot to be petitioned for was obnoxious as the last retreat of rancorous 
opposition ; the temper of the Legislature was rising against the then existing 
Compromising Laws, as still appears of record in their suspension by the Act of 
March 28, 1808, passed during the very winter now under consideration ; and 
hence it is apparent, that throughout the summer of 1S08, the prospects of the 
suggested application must have been governed by all these decidedly hostile cir- 
cumstances. Henry Welles, then, had the amplest reason to knozc that the Legis- 
lature of that period, even if possessed of constitutional power, would pass no act 
in the least degree injurious to the interests of any claimant under Pennsylvania; 
therefore his movements in this case could not have been influenced by any such 
ai^prehension. Premising tliis. we shall proceed to the narrative of the case ; 
which, as the particulars have been mostly anticipated, may now be passed with 
brevity. 

TRESPASS SUIT AND WRIT OF POSSESSION. 

Near the first of April, 1808, Mrs. Mathewson went on to plough the 
lands. Her teams were warned off by Henry Welles; who finally brought action 
in trespass, qnarc clausuvi frcgit, before Justice Saltmarsh; which was referred 
to Gore, Shepard and Kingsl)ery, all holders under the Connecticut title ; before 
whom the defendant offered to swear that the title to lands would come in ques- 
tion. The plaintiff's counsel exhibited her deed for the lands, to show that she 
should be precluded from that oath ; but the deed being rejected as a nullity and a 
penal thing, according to the Territorial Law, her oath was admitted, and the suit 
thrown out of the justice's jurisdiction. Upon this, Henry Welles made no further 
effort against Mrs. Mathewson's resumption; but on the .'Sth day of July, 1808, a 
writ of habere facias in favor of Charles Carroll, upon his judgment by default in 
the Circuit Court was executed by Jacob Hart, Sheriff of Luzerne County, as 
Deputy Marshal; and all the lands covered by the ejectment (except the house 
and lot), delivered to Henry Welles as agent for Charles Carroll of Maryland. 



HENRY WELLES' DEFENCE 609 

The house and lot were not only left to Mrs. Mathewson, but Henry Welles 
permitted her to take off all the growing crops (5th July before harvest) ; gave her 
a lease of four lots for the next year, exempted her from cost, and promised to get 
her the Pennsylvania title for the house and lot ; thus, notwithstanding her con- 
duct, still sustaining the equitable consideration of her deed. Certainly this was 
liberal treatment, and such as could not have arisen from unmanly motives ; but 
let us see what this report says about it : 

"Efforts were made by the marshal," says the report, "to get possession of 
"the house and lot occupied by Mrs. Mathewson ; but he was unable to get in, in 
"consequence of the house being fastened." 

It is obvious from the beginning to the termination of the ejectment, that no 
intention of taking the house and lot cz'cr existed. If directed otherwise, it would 
have been the marshal's duty to take possession, fastened or unfastened ; and of 
course he would have done so. What is the testimony? 

Ahithaiiiel Satterlee, since deceased, deposes that Mrs. Mathewson "locked 
"herself up in the house and prevented the marshal from taking possession of it ; 
"and that he believes, but does not state positively, that Mr. Welles was within a 
"few rods when Mr. Hart was trying to enter the house." 

Snell, deposes substantially to the same, as to fastening of the house. 

Job Irish deposes, that he "was sent for by Mrs. Mathewson to attend as her 
"counsel when the deputy marshal was up with the habere facias ; and understood 
"from the said Elizabeth, that she had shut her house with intention of resisting 
"the marshal, but on the assurance of Henry Welles that she should not be dis- 
"turbed in the possession of her house and lot, hut that the same should be re- 
"leased to her, she had opened her doors." 

These witnesses fully corroborate each other, and show that Mr. Hart in 
knocking at the door, called to inform her of his execution of the writ ; and that 
he was directed not to take the house and lot. 

Again, the report asserts "It appears that Mr. Hart, the deputy marshal, ad- 
"vised Mrs. Mathewson to apply to the court and have the judgment opened; this 
"was in the presence of a man of the name of Job Irish, who had been acting for 
"or was employed by Mrs. Mathewson. Irish communicated this to Welles ; who 
"proposed to give her the crops on the ground, and the use of four lots next year, 
"and get her the Pennsylvania title for the house and lot. Irish advised her to 
"agree, which she did." The report says, (on oath,) that this "appeared ;" meaning 
to convey that it appeared by testimony before them: — but where is the testimony 

that sJiezi's it? Nathaniel Satterlee, Snell and Job Irish, are the only witnesses 

of this period; and neither of them says, that Hart gave any such advice; neither 
of them says that Mrs. Mathewson ever spoke of opening the judgment. The 
voluntary liberality of Henry Welles on taking possession is called the "agree- 
ment," the "arrangement of July 7, 1808 ;" and the report asseverates that this 
arrangement, "it appears," was induced by the advice of Hart to apply to the 
court and have the judgment opened, "which Welles w.\s anxious to prevent." 

Not one zvord of all this was supported by tlie evidence before the committee! 

If these were Mrs. Mathewson's assertions, why were they not given as 
such? If they were Mrs. Mathewson's assertions, and corroborated by the legal 
position of the parties, they might have been moral evidence, entitled to repeti- 
tion as hers, in the report. 

If, on the other hand, they were Mrs. Mathewson's assertions, unsupported by 
testimony and confuted, impossible within the legal position of the parties, why 
were thej^ introduced as "appeared in evidence'"? What was the legal situation? 
What title could she have sworn to in her affidavit, on motion to open the executed 
judgment in ejectment? Which could she plead, the Intrusion law or the Terri- 
torial law? On the other hand, had Charles Carroll, or Henry Welles, anything 
to fear from any court of justice? Had they anything to fear from the Circuit 
Court of the United States? Had they anything to fear from the Pennsylvania 
Legislature of those years? Certainly not. Did Jacob Hart, then, — did a man of 
his known sense and information "advise" Mrs. Mathewson to apply to the United 
States Court and have the judgment opened? Did he, a man so well acquainted 
with the outlawed condition of Connecticut claims, "advise" her to incur such 



610 APPENDIX A 

hopeless expenses? Surely he never could have so advised; neither could she 
ever have entertained a moment's thought of such a measure. Neither could 
Henry Welles have been anxious To prrvEnt a step so harmless. Why then is it, 
that this report, without evidence, and in defiance of known laws, adopts the pal- 
pable falsehoods of the party interested, returns them to the House as "appeared" 
in testimony, perverting the liberality of Henry Welles into the deep bribery of an 
oppressor, trembling lest his sinuosities should be detected? 

BEDFORD AND ULSTER ACT OF 1810. 

Petitions from the townships of Bedford, present Ulster, and Athens, pray- 
ing for an extension of the Compromising law of 1799 and supplements, were 
presented to the House of Representatives by Mr. Satterlee, in February, 1809 ; 
and after a favorable report, the subject was recommended to the attention of the 
next Legislature. Before this period, Henry Welles, being then young and unac- 
quainted, had taken some pains to ascertain what bearing the Act proposed would 
have on Pennsylvania owners in possession. He was informed by the Commis- 
sioners under the Act of 1799, that no such person ever had been, or ever could be, 
disturbed by that act ; that the policy and intention of the system, as well as consti- 
tutional rights, clearly protected those in occupancy under the State ; but that 
nevertheless it might be well to procure the introduction of a provision into the bill 
which should expressly declare that construction. Accordingly he wrote tO' Mr. 
Palmer of the Senate, 1808-9, to remonstrate on behalf of Pennsylvania owners in 
possession ; or in case the bill should pass to see that it should be so shaped as to do 
them no injustice or disquietude. Mr. Palmer replied that all concerned might be 
sure that he would attend to that point. The proposed measure was also a subject 
of correspondence between Mr. Caton and Henry Welles ; the former expressing 
his willingness that the Act should pass and take effect, as to the lands of himself 
or Mr. Carroll, still possessed by Connecticut settlers, and leave him to his remedy 
upon the Commonwealth. All the Pennsylvania owners not in possession, were 
willing that the Act should pass, and they take their remedy; the sentiments of 
the House, however, were decidedly and almost unanimously unfavorable. 

Henry Welles was elected to succeed Mr. Satterlee in the House of Rep- 
resentatives for the next session, 1809-10, and took his seat a new member and a 
young man, conscious that the success of this petition was the first wish and chief 
interest of the immediate country which he represented. It was the only important 
object to be effected for his near constituents; many of whom had preferred him 
especially on this account, imagining that a Pennsylvania claimant would be heard 
most favorably. Upon the quieting of those old settlements upon the river, furth- 
ermore, depended in a main degree the submission of the settlers who occupied 
the new townships, a large proportion of Bradford County. 

The bill met with very strong opposition. Athens was decisively stricken out 
on motion of Mr. Frailey in the House of Representatives ; and its operation re- 
stricted to the imaginary line of Old Ulster; that having been designated as one 
of the seventeen townships. Without this amendment the bill would inevitably 
have failed ; and even then, notwithstanding his best exertions, it was so narrowed 
down as to benefit none other than those who had been settlers actually resident 
in said township, or in some one of the seventeen townships, on the 28th March, 
1787 ; and after all met with strenuous resistance, and passed with difficulty. 

THE PROVISO. 

The last charge set forth in the report against Henry Welles, is, that in 
drafting the bill thus passed into an act of this Assembly, he inserted, or caused 
to be inserted, (for it is believed that it was drafted by Mr. Ellmaker, Attorney 
General,) a Proviso that did not exist in the Act of 1799, as follows: Sec. 7. 
"That nothing in this Act shall be construed or understood to authorize or em- 
"power the said Commissioners to certify to any person or persons any land 
"within the said townships held or claimed under a Pennsylvania title, under a 
"patent, location, warrant, or settlement, where the Pennsylvania claimant is in 
"actual possession or occupancy of the land, either by himself or tenant, at the 
"time of the passing of this Act" : — and that this proviso alone was the impedi- 
ment whereby Mrs. Mathew.son was excluded from the benefit of the law. 



HENRY WELLES" DEFENCE 611 

In reply it will appear that she was not excluded by this proviso alone ; but 
that, even if this provision had been omitted, Mrs. Mathewson, waiving her deed 
to Henry Welles, could not have obtained a certificate for the lands in possession 
of Welles and Carroll ; the expulsion of Pennsylvania settlers being contrary to 
the policy and intention of the Act. and of all such; as is established by the de- 
cisions of the Commissioners, and the opinions of the Supreme Court upon a like 
act, that of 1799; and that therefore the proviso of 1810 was merely declarative 
of pre-existing la7i.', and of constitutional rights as recognized by decisions there- 
tofore settled. 

It is obvious that action under the Compromising system of 1799 in relation 
to Pennsylvania owners in possession, must have been limited in the hands of the 
Commissioners by two distinct considerations : — 

1. by the boundaries of legislative power ; 

2. by the policy and intention of the Act itself. 

As to the first consideration : the act termed Compensation Law stretched 
legislative power to its very widest extent. The Constitution of Pennsylvania, 
Article i, Sec. is, declares that each House "shall have all the powers necessary 
"for a branch of the Legislature of a free state." 

A large portion of the Commonwealth's territory was held by an hostile 
possession, under the adverse claim of Connecticut; rebelliously continued after 
decision had between the two states at Trenton, and rapidly increasing. 

The Commonwealth, subsequently to the Trenton Decree in her favor, had 
sold the whole of this territory to numerous individuals of her own citizens, and 
received full payment ; investing them with rights declared "forever inalienable" 
by the Constitution. She then was bound to put her purchasers into possession; 
and that impossible without recurrence to military force. Under these grave cir- 
cumstances, she paltered and delayed. During every moment of delay the intrud- 
ing power was gathering strength. The brief alternative was this : — to yield and 
be despoiled, or plunge at once into civil war. 

Finally, the Legislature of Pennsylvania decided that it had become "neces- 
cary for the Legislature of a Free State," even at the expense of a violation of 
vested rights, to break the strength of this growing combination, by quieting 
certain possessions. 

The seventeen townships granted prior to the decision at Trenton, Decem- 
ber 30, 1782, distinguished their preference for favor; jury compensation provided 
for the Pennsylvania owners ; and the Legislature thus evaded the emergency, by 
divesting actual owners and quieting actual possessors, as a State necessity, in 
avoidance of civil war. 

On this ground, then, the Acts of 1799 and supplements were held to be 
constitutional in relation to Connecticut settlers in actual possession. But in 
relation to Pennsylvania owners in actual possession, the State of Pennsylvania 
could be under no necessity of waging civil war to put or protect them in posses- 
sion, so long as the fact of possession proved that no such necessity existed. 
Therefore, it could not be "necessary" for the Legislature to^ turn out a Penn- 
sylvania owner in possession, and put a Connecticut claimant in : — 

Therefore, the Act of 1799 and supplements, coiild have no constitutional 
force against Pennsylvania owners in possession. 

POLICY AND INTENTION. 

The plan adopted by the Legislature at that period was, to draw an equitable 
line of discrimination, which should divide the force of this formidable combina- 
tion. To concede the whole, would have been an imbecile abandonment of rights; 
to compensate all the Penns.vlvania owners, would have swept the treasury. An 
obvious distinction was adopted. 

By the act passed April 4, 1799, and its supplements, called the Compensat- 
ing or Confirming Laws, provision was made to quiet the possessors of such lots, 
within the seventeen townships, as had been acquired under the rules of Con- 
necticut, at a period when such entrance and acquisition had not been judicially 
marked as a violation. Those lands granted, entered, and acquired, before deci- 
sion had between the two states, were held to have been entered and acquired 
excusably; and therefore, as a matter of grace and expediency, and not as a mat- 



(il'3 APPENDIX A 

ter of right, the Legislature enacted to quiet such possessions. It is evident tliat 
the policy of this measure was to divide and weaken an existing opposition, hy 
quieting such certain possessors. The eviction of the Commonwealth's own cit- 
izens would have heen a step retrograde from this policy; therefore, it follows 
that such could not have been the object and intention of the acts. The aim of 
the whole .system was to quiet settlers in possession ; therefore it could not enure 
to the benefit of those who had no possessions wherein to be quieted. 

Waiving the Constitution then, it is evident that in these acts no principle was 
recognized which could be stretched to the eviction of Pennsylvania owners in 
possession. These did not enter on grounds merely excusable ; they entered of 
right, under the invitation and contract of the Legislature; paying the Common- 
wealth and supporting her laws. This was not a class which the Legislature 
would have desired to extinguish; such citizens were greatly needed then in every 
section of that country. 

"The object of the lawgivers," says Justice Yeates, in Enslin vs. Bowman (G 
Binney, 472), "was not to recognize the validity of the titles held under the Sus- 
"quehanna Company, but to quiet the possessions of those who were the real oc- 
"cnpants of lands under that claim"; — for, says Chief Justice Tilghman, in the 
same case, "it will be difficult to assign any motive, either of justice or policy, 
"which should have induced the Legislature to take away the rights of their own 
"citizens in order to make way for persons who had rendered the State no service, 
"but had on the contrary been the authors of much disturbance, expense and 
"vexation." 

Under the Compromising system of 1790, then, no validity was given to the 
title of a Connecticut claimant, out of possession, whereby he could have obtained 
certificate, patent, and recovery against a Pennsylvania owner in possession; and 
no such monstrous principle would have received a moment's toleration in the 
Legislatures cither of 1799, 1802, or ISK); even if a principle of that extent could 
constitutionally have been put in force. 

That the Commissioners under the Act of 1799 and supplements, did so con- 
strue those acts, and regulate their practice under them accordingly, will appear 
on examination of Judge Cooper's correspondence with the Secretary of the 
Land Office, now remaining in that department ; and which was examined by the 
Committee of last session, at least by the active and reporting member of that 
Committee. 

.A.S further evidence, unnecessary however, the deposition of Nathan Beach. 
Esquire, not obtained in time to lay before the committee of last session, but which 
was before the Mouse and quoted in debate. He testifies as follows: that when 
the Commissioners proceeded, as directed l)y the supplement of 1802. "in survey- 
"ing the town of Salem, they found persons in actual possession of land, who 
"held the same by virtue of a Pennsylvania title. Mr. Cooper wrote to me, as one 
"of the township committee, to call at his office, which I did ; he informed me 
"that those persons holding titles derived from the Commonwealth and in pos- 
"session of their land at and before the passing of the law, could not be disturbed ; 
"and said, if he had been informed of their situation he would have had a provi- 
"sion in the act in their favor. Lie also said the law was intended to quiet the 
"actual settlers in those townships. Accordingly the Commissioners did direct 
"their surveyors to survey to those settlers that had Pennsylvania titles and were 
"in possession of their lands, agreeably to their patents ; towit. to George Smithers 
"and Christian Hans; and a part of the town of Berwick, which was taken out of 
"the Connecticut certificates; as will appear on the drafts of said townships." He 
adds, "that eighty one acres and some perches was surveyed to Christian Hans 
"and taken out of my certificate; and gave me a certificate for the remainder, 
"which contains about sixty-three acres." 

ENSLIN ]'S. BOWMAN CASE. 

Judge Fell of Luzerne County, clerk to the Commissioners of 1799, deposes 
that it "was his understanding of the opinions of the Board, that where there was 
"a settler on an improvement under a Pennsylvania claim, on which a survev was 
"made prior to the Confirming Act, the commissioners would not grant a certificate 
"to a Connecticut claimant ; but where a settler was on under a Pennsvlvania 



HENRY WELLES" DEFEXCE 013 

"claim, originating since the Confirming Act, and the Connecticnt claimant made 
"out his claim to their satisfaction, they would give him a certificate." 

The only certificate ever issued for lands in possession of a Pennsylvania 
owner, was granted under this distinction mentioned by Judge Fell ; and is the 
same that was contested in the case of Enslin vs. Bowman ; 6 Binney. The lot 
claimed by Bowman, plaintiff below, had been applied for under the Confirming 
law. the tract being then vacant land of the Commonwealth; and was therefore 
hold b_v the Commissioners to have been under a degree of promise to the Con- 
necticut claimant. The latter not, however, being in actual possession, the title of 
Enslin was attached to the same land at a subsequent date, under the Act of 
1792, by actual settlement, warrant and patent. The Commissioners held that 
under these circumstances the Connecticut claimant had priority ; but the Supreme 
Court decided, that as the Confirming Law of that date, 1808. was suspended as 
unconstitutional, and repealed before any titles were perfected under it, therefore 
the land being still unappropriated, was fairly open to the application of any citi- 
zen ; and the patentee in possession held against the certificate, in contravention of 
the rule adopted by the Commissioners, as stated by Judge Fell. 

It has been shown that the warrant to Josiah Lockhart was issued May 17, 
17So ; patented April 3, 1786; and of course surveyed between those periods, prior 
to the Confirming Law, ]\Lirch 2S, 17S7, a date adopted for a discrimination ; and 
therefore, although the decisions of the Commissioners of 17'.)9 and the Supreme 
Court conflict, as in above case, as to later titles, it is clear that Lottery Warrant 
No. 1, even if it had been included within the provisions of the Act of 1799 and 
supplements, would, so far as in possession of its Pennsylvania owners at the 
passage of that law, have been protected under the opinions of both these au- 
thorities. 

As to the date of that possession : the township of Old Ulster having been 
excluded by the provisions of 1787 and 1799, of course the Connecticut posses- 
sions therein took no sanction from those laws ; but were without validity either 
in law or equity until the Act of March, 1810.' Consequently, the possession of 
Welles and Carroll, obtained at law two years before the passase of the act last 
mentioned, is, in every legal and equitable respect, as valid as if it had been the 
actual and resident possession of Josiah Lockhart and assigns from the date of 
his warrant. See Daily vs. Avery; 4 Sargeant and Rawle, 289. 

Having shewn that in adjudicating between Connecticut claimants and Penn- 
sylvania owners in possession, the Commissioners under the law of 1799 and 
supplements, were bound to construe those laws in due respect to the vested 
rights of property, to the constitutional powers over those rights in cases of State 
necessity, and to the policy and intention of the Legislature in the exercise of that 
high power, it follows that they necessarily decided that the Legislature had 
neither the power nor the intention to remove Pennsylvania owners from pos- 
session. Thence it ensues that a similar construction must have attached to a 
similar act: that the proviso of 1810 was merely dcchirativc of pre-existing law. 
belonging constructively to the pre-existing system ; and thence, that had the 
proviso been omitted, the construction of the act must have been the same. 

But the meaning and intention of the Compromising Laws can be brought still 
closer home by recurrence to the wording, seriatim, of the acts themselves. For 
brevity, it is common to indicate the system by its leading act. that of 1799; but 
that leading act gives the Commissioners no power over any other lands than 
those released by the Pennsylvania owners. Section 5 provides, "that no patents 
"shall issue to afifect any lands, the title w-hereof shall be in any person or per- 
"sons claiming under Pennsylvania, imtil such person or persons have conveyed 
"their title to the commonwealth.'' ?, Smith's Laws, 364. This leading act. re- 
quiring the consent and release of the Pennsylvania claimants, assists in defining 
the intention of subsequent acts. The supplement passed 6 April 1802. is the act 
which authorized the Commissioners to certify lands zi'ifhout the consent and 
release of Pennsylvania claimants; and directs that if any Pennsylvania claimant 
of such land, shall refuse or neglect to release the same, "such Pennsylvania 
"claimant shall not hereafter be entitled to recover the same by anv action, in any 
"court whatever in this commonwealth, against the Connecticut claimant in whose 

'' The Bedford and Ulster Act. 



(514 APPENDIX A 

"favor a certificate shall be granted ;" but shall have liberty to sue the state for 
compensation. 3 Smith's Laws, 526. 

There was no need of additional evidence as to the intention of these laws ; 
it is a truism that none ever questioned. By what authority, then, does this Report 
assert that the proviso of 1810 "is in direct liostility tc'///; all the prez'ious acts 
(massed on the subject"? The acts of 179'.) and 1802 are the o)ily "previous acts" 
that touch the .subject in this feature. Where /,$■ the "direct hostility"? 

It is impossible to attempt a parallel between the truth and that Report, 
without betraying that the latter is a line of continued deviation. Committees, we 
are told, are indivisible ; but it may not be a sin against parliamentary law, to re- 
member that in matters of outer life, one designing man may lead many confiding 
men through manj' variations. 

HENRY WELLES' ACTION AS TO THE PROVISO. 

Having proved a point that surely requires no demonstration, that the pro- 
viso was right in itself, it remains next to consider the agency of Henry Welles, as 
a member of the House, in the passage of that proviso. 

It has been shewn that Henry W^elles holds under the Pennsylvania title, on 
which possession was recovered upon judgment in ejectment, October, 1807, sev- 
eral months before the idea of an extension of the Compromising Law was started 
in the country, and t'i\.'o years before he was elected to the House. That the sub- 
ject and the petition was that of others, and introduced to the House by a preced- 
ing member ; that he remonstrated to Mr. Palmer, of the Senate, against its pas- 
sage in any such form as might disquiet Pennsylvania owners in possession ; that 
he was afterwards elected to the assembly, and charged with the duty to advocate 
the measure, selected in some degree for that purpose ; that he finally effected the 
passage of the bill, in accordance with previous acts belonging to the pre-existent 
system, except that the one declares in words that which previous acts tacitly, but 
not less clearly, imply, b}^ their known object and intention. 

Now wherein has Henr^- Welles been guilty of any wrong in this? In w-hat 
part of this transaction has he traversed in the slightest degree the boundaries of 
propriety? How else should he have done? In what other manner would any 
member of this present committee have acted in such circumstances? Is there 
any member here who in like case would have refused to advocate the Bedford 
and Ulster bill in behalf of his constituents in possession — more especially when, 
so far as this interest extended, he was elected for that purpose, and because he 
was a Pennsylvania owner — and still more especiall}' when all the Pennsylvania 
claimants not in (possession, were willing that the act should pass? On the other 
hand, is there any member here, who having all right and title, in law, equit\' and 
conscience, would in like case, w'ith more than Quixotic chivalry, have given up 
the sixty five acres of the very core of his farm, and thus voluntarily have de- 
stroyed the value of his estate? 

That Henry Welles held lands under recovery in ejecttnent, which, if not so 
recovered, would have been subject to the operation of this Act, was )w secret in 
the House. Dorrance and Graham of Luzerne were well acquainted with the 
fact. Mr. Palmer of the Senate had been expressly notified of it. True, it was not 
set forth in the preamble, neither w-as it spread upon the journals — until last 
session ! neither is there a crowd of witnesses here to prove the )iotorietics of six- 
teen years ago. But what have notorieties, or what have concealments, to do with 
vested and inalienable rights? 

The plea of state necessity, under which the Law of 1799, or rather of its 
supplement of 1802, w-as held to be constitutional, is a plea of expediency : binding 
upon the discretion of government, and not vipon the consciences of individuals. 
The benefit obtained enures to the government, and not to the individuals in- 
juriously affected; therefore all such acts, though borne out by n sufficient con- 
stitutional necessity, are as respects the owners who are thus divested, violences 
which they may rightfully resist, so far as the laws enable. But when an act of 
this character passes the legislative body, unsanctioned by the plea of state neces- 
sit}', and without the assent of the parties, it is an unconstitutional usurpation ; and 
not only may be, but ought to be resisted by every member of community. At 
the date of 1799, it is admitted that an adequate public necessity did exist; but 



HENRY WELLES' DEFENCE (ilo 

at the date of 1810, no pretence of such necessity existed. At neither time, at no 
time, has it ever been pretended, that there did or could exist any ptibhc necessity 
for turning out Pennsylvania owners, and putting Connecticut claimants in. 

So that at neither of these periods could these acts be brought to bear against 
Pennsylvania owners in possession ; and at the latter period of 1810. no such con- 
stitutional reason existed to justify the divesture of Pennsylvania title, even when 
uot in possession. 

The Bedford and Ulster Act could not. then, have been constitutionally 
passed; without [providing for] the assent of all the Pennsylvania owners. Those 
not in possession did assent, and received their compensation. Those in posses- 
sion did not assent; but remonstrated through the letter of Henry Welles to Mr. 
Palmer, in behalf of Mr. Carroll, Mr. Hopkinson and himself. Was there any 
impropriety in that remonstrance ? Was there any wrong in their claiming of 
this House the protection of their rights under the patent and laws of Pennsyl- 
vania? Surely not! but on the contrary, if any bill had been in passage purport- 
ing to so invade the tenure of Henry Welles, or any other citizen in like circum- 
stances, it would have been his duty, as a member not only to remonstrate against 
such invasion, but also to enter his protest against it on the journals of the House. 

All this is undeniable. It follows then, that the proviso of 1810, instead of 
being an unjust and designing innovation,"/;! direct Iwstility to all the previous 
acts passed on the subject;' was a natural branch of the Compromising system; 
and its express introduction in that bill so unquestionably proper, as to have 
needed for its justification but one moment's impartial thought; and therefore that 
the agency of Henry Welles in passing that act, and that proviso, however it may 
have been impeached, aspersed and vilified on the floor below, was as perfectly 
correct as the conduct of any member of this House ever was, on any occasion, 
or ever can be. 

THE RIGHT OF CERTIFICATE UNDER THE ACT OF ISIO. 

When the Connnissioners under the Bedford and Ulster act met at Tioga 
Point in 1810. Mrs. Mathewson. notwithstanding Mr. Carroll's recovery, and not- 
withstanding her own deed, applied to the Board for a certificate. Henry Welles, 
for Mr. Carroll and himself, producing title under Pennsylvania, and proving the 
marshal's delivery, her application was precluded. 

The deed of Mr. Carroll for the house and lot had been previously offered 
her. in June or July 1809; but she declined it, saying (so asserts Henry Welles) 
that if she took certificate under the expected act, perhaps Mr. Carroll would con- 
sider her. and give her some mone\' compensation instead of the deed. That this 
deed was executed by Mr. Carroll, proved by a Mr. Davis in Philadelphia, re- 
ceived by Henry Welles in an envelope still producible, and subsequently returned 
to Mr. Carroll, or Mr. Caton, his son-in-law and transactor, could be made out if 
necessary, by letters, envelopes, postmarks, and other moral evidence ; but no legal 
proof of its actual tendry to Mrs. Mathewson. As to the delay mentioned in the 
Report, which appears to have been about one year, it is nothing very extraordi- 
nary with men of such concerns as Charles Carroll, Richard Caton and Robert 
Goodloe Harper. 

But the committee who drew that Report could not but have been aware, 
that it was entirely immaterial whether any such deed had ever been made and 
tendered or not ; for it was in evidence that the house and lot were expressly 
left to her. when the writ of possession was executed ; and this was in itself a 
release of title, in consequence of which she and the heirs, being left in occupancy, 
thereby became entitled to certificate under the Act of 1810, and still possess it ; 
so that the consideration of her deed, executed 8th October, 1807, has been strictly 
maintained ; and that therefore by her deed and possession delivered, Henry 
Welles became owner of all that kind of right called the Connecticut title, to the 
lands in question; if any certificate were issuable thereon. 

Ozi'iier of the Connecticut title e.vclusiz'e of the heirs of Mathewson. for the 
following clear legal reasons. It is settled in Pennsylvania, as has been heretofore 
recited, that the Connecticut title, unconfirmed, is of no validity either in law or 
equity. Consequently, it is no such title as can sustain a descent; and the trans- 
fer to Henry Welles, by her deed and delivery of possession, fully entitled him to 



gk; appendix a 

the certificate, after the right thereto liecame "confirmed"' l)y Act of ISIO; if his 
condition therein made that issue desirahle. 

Furthermore: even if the title of Elisha Mathewson in these lands had been 
such as could sustain a descent under our laws of inheritance, there is still another 
ground on which the heirs would have been excluded by their mother's and 
executor's sale, which is this : the title under which they claim being precarious at 
best, and in immediate danger from the ejectment of Charles Carroll, therefore 
a sale made by their natural guardian and father's executors, having for its object 
the security of a part by release of the remainder, yielded a sufficient and valuable 
consideration directly to their benefit ; and of course was good against them. This 
has long since been decided in cases of settlement rights, where the title could 
scarcely have been considered insecure, and where it was not immediately en- 
dangered. See Mobley 7'S. Oeker, ■'> Yeates, 200, and Clark ts. Hackethorn, 269. 
So that on this just and legal principle, the rights of the heirs, if they had been en- 
tilled in any degree, would have passed to Henry Welles by the deed of their 
mother, as completely as they could themselves have passed it had they been 
of age. 

Waiving then the Constitution, the intention and construction of the Com- 
promising Laws : waiving all the vested rights of a grantee under Pennsylvania, 
in quiet possession : still it follows, that the Mathewsons must have been excluded 
from the benefit of the Act of 1810, by the fair and perfected sale of the premises, 
and delivery done, by Elizabeth Mathewson herself, having all legal authority: 
and that Henry Welles by that sale became exclusive owner under Connecticut. 
and would have been entitled to the certificate, if any could have legally been 
granted. 

CONSTITUTIONALITY OF BILL NO. 471, 1824-5. 

Many members of the last session were led to believe, (and it is said that one 
gentleman present entertains the same idea) that the act prayed for in this case, 
as shaped in bill passed No, 471, would leave the parties on fair and equal ground 
to have their equitable rights determined at law. But such is not the truth! If 
this pass, it is both legislative and judicial: it is a taking by arbitrary poiver; and 
no question of merits, no pica of right and wrong, can ever be heard against it. 
Henry Welles could have no chance to prove the fairness of Charles Carroll's re- 
covery. Neither will he stand in the same situation as if under the Acts of 1799 and 
1802 ; nor as he would have stood if that of 1810 had passed without the proviso. 
Bill No. 471 virtually declares that its intention is to deprive Henry Welles of his 
constitutional rights. Under the Act of 1799 and supplements, Pennsylvania 
owners in possession were protected by the rule of construction that no act in- 
tends the violation of those rights. An act like this. No. 471, enacts that those 
rights sliall be viohitcd in this case, and that such is the i}iteiition. 

Of all the Compromising laws ever passed in Pennsylvania, no one has ever 
yet been held, or pretended to have a like meaning, or efifect ; and surely before this 
Committee recommends, or the House proceeds upon, a step that cannot be re- 
tracted, they will deliberately consider its character ; and look around and see, 
w'hether any such despotic act has ever been committed by any American legis- 
lature : — whether any such law has ever been passed by any deliberative body 
upon earth. 

The only constitutional warrant, under which the legislature of Pennsylvania 
can assume to divest the rights of landed property, is that which has been cited 
from Article 1, Sec. 13 : "Each House * * * shall have all the powers necessary 
"for a branch of the Legislature of a free .state." 

Now if it IS necessary to this free state of Pennsylvania, to turn Henry 
Welles out of his possessions, and put Mathewson in — if it is necessary for this 
free state so to do, then the act prayed for, if passed, may be constitutional: — 
otherwise not. 

The only State necessity which, up to this day, has been recognized as ade- 
quate in Pennsylvania, is, the avoidance of civil war. 

Language has rarely been delivered from the bench more decided than will 
be found in the following extracts from reports under the Confirming and Com- 
promising laws, in relation to this liranch of legislative power: 



HENRY WELLES' DEFENCE 617 

Says Judge Yeates, in Enslin z's. Bowman, "cases may undoubtedly occur, 
"wherein, however sacred the rights of property may be deemed, it would be 
"necessary for the common zcelfare that they should bend to the public interests 
"in matters of great national concern." 6 Binney, 472. 

Judge Patterson of the United States Court, in Vanhorn z's. Dorrance, as 
follows : "The next step in the line of progression is whether the Legislature had 
"authority to make an act divesting one citizen of his freehold, and vesting it in 
"another, ez'en zvitli compensation. That the Legislature, on certain emergencies, 
"had authority to exercise this high pozvcr, has been urged from the nature of the 
"social compact, and from the words of the constitution ; which says, the House 
"of Representatives shall have all other powers necessary for the legislature of a 
"free state or commonwealth ; but they shall have no power to add to, alter, abol- 
"ish, or infringe anj- part of this constitution. * * The despotic pozver, as it is 
"aptly called by some writers, of taking private property when state necessity 
"requires, exists in every government ; the existence of such power is necessary : 
" — government could not subsist without it, and if this be the case, it cannot be 
"lodged any where with so much safetj' as with the Legislature. The presumption 
"is that they will not call it into exercise except in urgent cases, or cases of the 
"first necessity. — It is, however, diificult to form a case, in zuhich the necessity of 
"a state can be of such a nature as to authorize, or excuse, the seizing of landed 
"property belonging to one citizen, and giz'ing it to another citizen. It is imma- 
"terial to the state, in which of its citizens the land is vested : but it is of primary 
"importance, that, when vested, it should be secured, and the proprietor protected 
"in the enjoyment of it. The Constitution encircles and renders it an holy thing. 
"* * * * The Constitution expressly declares, that the right of accjuiring. possess- 
"ing, and protecting property is natural, inherent and unalienable. It is a right, 
"not ex gratia from the legislature, but ex debito from the constitution. It is 
"sacred ; — for it is further declared, that the Legislature shall have no power to 
"add to, alter, abolish, or infringe any part of the Constitution. The Constitution 
"is the origin and measure of legislative authority. It says to legislators, thus 
"far shall ye go, and no further. * * Innovation is dangerous. One encroachment 
"leads to another ; precedent gives birth to precedent ; what has been done may 
"be done again ; thus radical principles are generally broken in upon, and the 
"Constitution eventually destroyed. Ji'here is the security, zi'here the inz'iolability 
"of property, if the legislature, by a private act, affecting particular persons only, 
"can take land from one citizen, zcho acquired it legally, and z'cst it in anothcrf" 
Vanhorne z's. Dorrance, 2 Dallas, 311. 

This, then, is the judicial exposition of the powers committed by that Charter, 
under which the Legislature of Pennsylvania has for seven years been urged to 
invade the freehold of Henry Welles. 

Is it the malice of a party leader? or the spur of county politics? or this an- 
nual, this perennial teasing, that is to constitute a State necessity? 

Where else is the deep concern of "Common Welfare" which now demands 
the exercise of this "extraordinary power;" a power only once assumed in Penn- 
sylvania, and then only to avert civil war? Where else is the giant necessity that 
is to move the constitutional defences built up around "the first interests of the 
social compact"? 

Where is the "great occasion," the "public exigence," the "state necessity," 
the "national concern"? Are all THESE to be substituted by impulses that avoid 
publicity, influences too revolting to be named? 

Without this state necessity, the Legislature has not' the power. No man 
will deny this position. No man will aver this state necessity exists. Can then this 
committee sign a report, or return a bill, leading to a result which no member of 
this House can vote for, on any stage, without arraying his vote and oath in direct 
opposition to each other? 

But it is under no pretence of state necessity that the exercise of this power, 
that exists only in cases of state necessity, is required. It has been attempted to 
apply it arbitrarily, to the satisfaction of a pretended claim of equity disputed be- 
tween two individuals; and that too in constitutional violation of the contract 
executed, through which Henry Welles holds this land under patent from the 
Commonwealth. 



018 APPENDIX A 

All claims of riglit and equity which one citizen may pretend to have against 
another, belong to the examination and decision of the judicial department : 
where the parties can be heard by themselves or counsel, cross examine witnesses, 
be tried by jury, under rules of evidence, and have justice meted to them, ac- 
cording to general laws. Can the legislative branch cut short this whole system 
of rights and remedies? Are there not high i^'olls heke which the Legislature of 
Pennsylvania^is required to trample down? 

TJie Constitution of the United States! — both the monument and the fortress 
of human rights, toward which the whole civilized world looks up with reverence ! 

Art. I. Sec. lo: "No state shall pass any law impairing the obligation of 
"Contracts." 

The Constitution of Pcinisyhania! the charter which creates the Legislature ; 
creates it for the protection, and not for the violation of individual rights: 

Art. 5, Sec. i: "The judicial power of this Commonwealth shall be vested 
"in the courts." 

Art. 5, Sec. 6: "The Legislature shall vest in the said courts such other 
"powers to grant relief in equity as shall be found necessary." 

And by Article 9. the Declaration of Rights, expressly framed for the pro- 
tection of the general, great, and essential principles of individual liberty, against 
the abuse of government powers, it is declared — 

By Sec. I, That "all men have certain inherent and indefeasible rights, 
"among which are those of * * * acquiring, possessing and protecting property and 
"reputation." ; — 

Section 6. That "trial by jury shall be as heretofore, and the right thereof 
"remain inviolate" ; — 

Section 9. Even the criminal "hath a right to be heard by himself and 
"counsel; to have a speedy public trial, by an impartial jury; and cannot be de- 
"prived of life, liberty, or property, unless by the judgment of his peers, or the 
"law of the land" : 

Section 11. "All courts shall be open, and every man, for an injury done 
"him in his lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have remedy by the due 
"course of law, and right and justice administered, without sale, denial, or delay." 
Section 17. "No law impairing contracts shall be made." * 

And finally, by Section 26; "To guard against transgressions of the high 
"powers which we have delegated, we declare. That every thing in this article is 
"excepted out of the general powers of government, and shall forever remain 
"inviolate." 

What relation is there between all these constitutional provisions and the 
case before you? 

Why, here is a pretended claim of right on trial for lands, not before a 
judicial tribunal of law or equity, but before a committee of seven members of 
the Legislature, wdiich by rule must be selected from those friendly to the objects 
of petition; and it is before this tribunal alone that the remonstrant can be heard 
by himself or counsel! No rules of evidence regulate the testimony; no judge 
presides to fix the Law ; no jury passes upon the facts ; no rights of challenge — no 
new trial — no arrest of judgment- — no privilege of triple verdict — no writ of error, 
and no appeal, protects the party : but this one reluctant hearing before a commit- 
tee of seven, deemed almost impertinent and intrusive; this hearing of an armed 
ear, is all he receives in substitution of his long train of constitutional rights, — 
rights that have been so solemnly declared "inviolate forever." 

No longer ago than at the last session, a bill traversing all these paramount 
authorities passed the House of Representatives ; and as has been said by the pe- 
titioner, would have passed the Senate also, if time had peimitted. This 
proves both strength and determination; but if it had so passed, before what 
court, before what bench, from Chief Justice, to justice of the peace, would it 
have found respect throughout the whole judiciary? 

Under such warning, it is not for Henry Welles to surrender his defences. 
He protests, as Joseph Hopkinson, and as Richard Caton for Charles Carroll have 



HENRY WELLES' DEFENCE 619 

already done, against the jurisdiction of this House; and against any such usurpa- 
tion of authority, he will carrj- his cause to the highest tribunals. 

On the other hand he does not. by any constitutional plea, seek to smother or 
evade this extraordinary enquiry into his dealing in the case ; but challenges the 
scrutiny. The testimony is before you. What foundation is there for the in- 
flamed descriptions that have been propagated here, as to the oppression, injustice 
and hardship suffered? The Mathewsons were not poor; for as seen by the will, 
they inherited, and still own, seven hundred and twenty acres of first rate land in 
Palmyra, through which the great canal now runs, in the very garden of New 
York. They were a widow and children, to be sure ; but should Henry Welles, 
therefore, have left them to enjoy his property for sixteen years more, in addi- 
tion to the tzvcnty of his father's preceding, and then ask them what should be 
done about it? They were not defenceless ; but surrounded by the leaders of the 
Susquehanna Company, and a population ripe for violence. 

They were on lands excluded from the Confirming and Compromising laws ; 
a possession tortious, as to the real owners and rebellious as to the Common- 
wealth ; harvesting the Indian clearings for twenty years without right, on lots 
interspersed through an extensive flooded interval, opening to all the mischiefs 
of an interior and inimical possession. All the other [Connecticut] holders below 
the village were bought out by the owners with the view of having one useful 
farm for their twenty five thousand dollars; but these rejected all offers of pur- 
chase with defiance. The owner was entitled to recover ; the possessors deserved 
an ejectment. 

At a period tvhen this Commonwealth herself zvas almost at actual ivar zuith 
this same population, zvith zvhat face can she nozsj reproach Charles Carroll, or 
Henry Welles, for having recovered at that very period, under her ozvn title, and 
her ozvn lazvs, this dearly bought land from such "intruders" ; and that too zvith 
circumstances of liberality scarce ever knozvn in cases of ejectment? 

What would the Legislature of Pennsylvania of that day have done in like 
case? The supplementary Intrusion Law, passed February 16. 1801 (Section 6) 
provides that in all cases of ejectment against defendants holding under Con- 
necticut title, the plaintifif shall REC0Vf:R damages for the mesne profits of the 
land, dozvn to the time of entering judgment! 3 Smith's Laws, 459. 

The Legislature of Pennsylvania, then, instead of trying tO' purchase out, 
instead of giving house and lot. and further use of lands, release of crops, 
and exemption from costs, and a final donation, — the Legislature of Pennsylvania, 
then, would have taken house and lot, and crops and costs; and instead of dona- 
tion, would have taken verdict of damages for twenty years mesne profits, which 
no jury could have laid at less than one thousand dollars! 

This, then, was the judgment of Pennsylvania herself, by the lips of her 
Legislature of that day. This was the case they wanted to defend! This was 
the case the re-opening of which Henry Welles was so "anxious to prevent"; and 
this the "chance of defence." on the pretended value of which is predicated a Re- 
port that blackens the journals of Pennsylvania. 

It is not within these zvalls that anything should be spoken against this eject- 
ment ; seeing that the treatment which the defendant received from the hand of 
Henry Welles was so far different from the award of this House itself! 

But where is the precedent of an act arbitrarily wresting from any owner 
lands once legally and rightfully recovered, even where the circumstances have 
been most severe? Hundreds of ejectments have been carried into strict efifect 
in Pennsylvania. All ages and sexes have been turned out, and costs collected of 
their personal property; but not one instance is there upon record in which this 
Legislature has enacted restitution. Many ejectments have prevailed against 
conscientious equity; but what loser has ever been reinstated? Many have been 
the instances in which botli parties have innocently paid the Commonwealth for 
the same lands, and upon eviction of the later title from home and improvements, 
does the Commonwealth redress this real grievance? No: she does not even 
restore the moneys to the losing purchaser. 

So far as this gratuity of the state, for peace, was a matter of expediency, 
the non-recipients have no right to murmur: so far as it was a matter of grace, 
it was surely to be regretted that this family, being as proper objects as others. 



6S0 APPENDIX A 

could not have received a parity of I)enefits. But out of this grows no manner of 
claim on the properly of Menry Welles. 

If the heirs of Mathewsoii had on this ground applied for a donation from 
the state, to equal the sum the Pennsylvania owner would have recovered, had the 
land been certified, such ajiplication would have met with no remonstrance from 
Henry Welles: but appearing here with false pretences, that are an imposition on 
the llouse, it remains to be considered whether there is any more worthiness in 
these, than in the settlers occupying the residue of Athens township, or those of 
present Ulster, or those on Sugar Creek, Towanda. Wysox, Wyakising, Tunk- 
hannock and Lackawanna creeks, and many other settlements of date as early as 
those within the lines called Old Ulster, 

It was a misfortune to thousands in that country, that the Connecticut title 
did not prevail. It was a misfortune to the heirs of Mathewson that they were 
not left in possession of the lands on Tioga Point until ISin : but as Judge Huston 
says in his charge to the jury respecting this same land in Mathewson vs. Satter- 
lee, of which a certified copy is here, "you will consider whether the loss of that 
"land was not a misfortune common to such titles, and inevitable until the Com- 
"promising Law; a misfortune, but not the fault of any person." 

Whether this misfortune be deemed to consist in the loss of the land itself, 
or in the deprivation of an equal proportion of the State's bounty, in neither case, 
in no manner, can Charles Carroll or Henry Welles be held either blameable or 
responsible. They not only recovered less than their own, but made liberal gifts 
beside. If the Legislature be inclined to admit that any wrong has been done, 
they cannot but yield that it has been done, not by Charles Carroll or Henry 
Welles, BUT BY THE Commonwealth ok Pennsylv.\nia, whose laws dictated and 
adjudged it. If the Legislature make any such admission, it is one of vast amount; 
not confined to the Mathewsons alone, but inclusive of the whole Connecticut title, 
and branding more than forty years of the legislative, judicial, and executive his- 
tory of Pennsylvania. If the Legislature are as conscious of having wronged the 
Connecticut settlers as their proceeding of last session appears to admit, they can 
begin remuneration; but it must be with the Commonwealth's ])roperty, and not 
with the property of others. 

There are views that show far different treatment to be due from the Com- 
monwealth to the heirs of George Welles. The government that sells land and 
receives payment, becomes bound to provfde laws and executive force to invest 
the purchaser with possession. A failure to do so is a failure on the contract ; and 
the government so failing, in justice becomes responsible for the value of the 
property. 

Richard Caton, Ashbel Welles and George W^elles, through Josiah Lock- 
hart, were purchasers, under Pennsylvania, of Lottery Warrant No. 1. They 
found the Commonwealth confessedly unable to put them in possession of the 
premises she had sold them; and were compelled to buy possession from an in- 
truding power, holding under another state. These parties never received one foot 
of land from the Commonwealth for their sixteen thousand dollars. All they got 
possession of they bought of the Connecticut intruders, about four hundred acres ^ 
at nine thousand dollars, bringing it to thirty eight dollars and fifty cents per acre,' 
eight and twenty years ago. By this, principally, was George Welles ruined, and 
his widow and his fatherless children left entirely destitute, and dependent on 
the eldest son. By just principles, analogous to such as are admitted by all gov- 
ernments, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania nozu ozi'es the widow and heirs 
of George Welles for their one third of Lottery No. 1, principal and interest. 

This Committee have probably noticed, that the Act of 1799 has a clause 
which excludes all lands held by united titles front the operation of the Act. 
This was intended to ]ircvent such Connecticut settlers as might have bought un- 
der the state from holding by the one title, and recovering compensation for the 
other; and is in itself conclusive evidence that the act was meant to quiet occu- 
pants, and not to acknowledge title in Connecticut. The reasoning of this provi- 
sion could have no just application to the cases in which Pennsylvania patentees 
had been obliged to buy the Connecticut title, for the sake of getting that posses- 
sion which the state was in duty bound to give them : therefore is it not presum- 
able that Henry Welles might have procured the passage of the Act of 1810, 



HENRY WELLES' DEFENCE 631 

Zi^'itlioiit that provision, and thus Carroll and Wcdles have heen enabled to hold 
by certificate the lands covered by their Connecticut deeds, and have obtained 
compensation for their Pennsylvania title to the same lands? This would have 
been clearly equitable; but the journals show that no such thing was attempted. 
The bill was reported by him with the prohibitory clause contained, and passed 
so; by which it appears, that Henry Welles, the interested Henry Welles, who 
bent all his legislative advantages to profit, did not even attempt to make use of 
this legislative opportunity to secure a just remedy for the indisputable rights of 
his own father ! 

OFFERS TO SUBMIT THE COMPLAINTS TO A JURY. 

Before closing a defence which, in this extraordinary procedure, must stand 
Charles Carroll, Richard Caton, Joseph Hopkinson and Henry Welles in substitu- 
tion of their constitutional rights of public trial, before judge and jury, under 
rules of evidence, and general laws, with counsel to advocate, — and which is there- 
fore more full than otherwise need be — let the Committee advert to certain indi- 
cations in the journal of last session, volume 1. It has been seen that the allega- 
tions set forth by the petitioner, and on which his claim rests, are two: 

1. That the parties in interest were fraudulently dispossessed. 

2. That they were precluded from recovering under the act of 181 () by the 
proviso. 

By the journal of March :il, 1825, pages 684 and 687, two several amend- 
ments appear to have been offered to Bill No. 471 then before the House, each 
containing the same proposition : the first rejected, yeas 33, nays 37; all the active 
friends of the bill voting in the negative. The second was in improved shape, and 
is as follows : 

"A motion was made by Mr. Meredith and Mr. Ritner, to amend the same by 
"striking therefrom these words, 'the judges of the court of Common Pleas of the 
"county of Bradford,' and inserting in lieu thereof these words : 'That the court 
"of Common Pleas of the county of Luzerne, shall upon petition of the heirs and 
"devisees of Elisha Mathewson, deceased, and upon thirty days notice thereof to 
"Henry Welles of the county of Bradford, cause an issue to be framed for the 
"purpose of trying whether the said heirs and devisees were put out of the pos- 
"session of certain lands in the township of Ulster and county of Bradford (now 
"held by the said Henry Welles and others, and claimed by the said heirs and de- 
"visees, as Connecticut claimants,) by the fraud of the said Henry Welles; in 
"which issue the said heirs and devisees shall be plaintiff and the said Henry 
"Welles shall be defendant; and if upon trial thereof, the jury shall find that the 
"said heirs and devisees were put out of possession by fraud as aforesaid, and if 
"the Court shall approve of the verdict, then in that case the judges of the Supreme 
"Court sitting for the Northern District, shall — " etc. 

This repeated offer to meet the allegation of fraud on fair trial before court 
and jury, was rejected by a vote of 37 to 37 ; all the active partisans of the bill vot- 
ing in the negative! There must have been some very plausible reasons rendered, 
or the many conscientious persons who joined the negative could not have been 
slurred over this open abandonment of their most important ground. A moment's 
reflection must have convinced every right intentioned man, that if the two zealous 
advocates of the bill had believed that there was truth in the allegation, they 
would have hastened it to a fair trial before court and jury. 

As to the second allegation, that the petitioners were excluded by the proviso: 
il appears on journals, page 692, that a motion was made by Mr. Ritner and Mr. 
McCreery to amend by the following addition: "Provided however, that notwith- 
"standing the repeal of the said 7th section of the Act aforesaid, it shall be the duty 
"of the said Commissioners to decide upon the same principles, and none other, 
"than if the Compensation Act of the 4th day of April 1799, and its supplements, 
"had been extended to the townships of I'.edford and Ulster." Rejected; yeas 33, 
nays 38. Friends of the bill in the negative again. 

Here, then, the advocates of the bill abandoned the second allegation also : 
admitting that the proviso was declarative, its existence in the letter of no effect, 
and that the petitioners could not have recovered under the pre-existing system. 



622 APPENDIX B 

Notzi.'itlistaiidiiig this complete retrocession of the tivo several grounds on 
which the claim professed to stand, the bill passed by a majority of six. 

When that vote passed the House, the whole subject lay before it in thi? 
BROADEST DAY. Well warned, therefore, that such [action] may be repeated, it 
becomes this respondent's duty, not only in protection of his own individual in- 
terest, but further and higher still, in preservation of the character of this Com- 
monwealth, to arrest the process of so deep a shame, by every means within his 
power. This duty has been fulfilled to exhaustion, and here must terminate. 

It is now seven years this prosecution has been pursued with unremitting 
energy. If such bill passes, no man who votes for it will be proud of its reception 
at the hands of the Judiciary. Small county partyism cannot reach it there. The 
journals of this House may be loaded with falsehoods that confute themselves, 
like those that have preceded : they tarnish history only, and blacken the dishon- 
ored monuments upon which they are graven down. 



APPENDIX B. 



CONSTANT MATHEWSON'S REPLY TO HENRY WELLES' DEFENCE. 
AS PUBLISHED IN THE "BRADFORD SETTLER."* 

Mr. Bull: — I noticed in your paper of the 28 of Sept. (a few days preceed- 
ing the Election), a voluminous and elaborate defence of Gen. Henry Welles, by 
the nearest friend and dear Brother, Charles F. Welles, Esq. 

As my name was then before the public as a candidate for the Legislature, 
and this defence is deeply fraught with malignity in its spirit, and falsehood in its 
letter, bearing on its face an intention to defeat my election, being well aware tbat 
the concern between General Welles and myself was entirely distinct from that of 
the election, and that the merits of my claim was as well understood by the public 
as was the integrity of Charles F. Welles as a Newspaper scribbler — I had con- 
cluded in my own mind to sufifer this wonderful production to pass unnoticed. But 
on a second perusal of this tissue of misrepresentation, and on the reflection that 
the author's character may not be as well understood abroad as it is in the im- 
mediate circle of his acquaintance, and as his scrawl was calculated and intended 
to operate not only against my Election, but against a fair investigation of my 
controversy with his Brother, I conceive it my duty to make a few remarks in 
reply. I shall not undertake to follow him through all the meanders of his capri- 
cious whims, I will not trouble the public by noticing his peevish fretting at the 
enmity of the people against his brother, or his anger at the Committee of the 
House of Representatives that reported in my favor in the Session of 1824-5, I will 
pass over his billingsgate style in charging that Hon. Committee with reporting a 
tissue of falsehoods, &c. and confine myself to the detection of a few of the very 
many misrepresentations that he has undertaken to palm oflf on the public as facts. 

The friend of Henry has endeavoured to excite the sympathies of the people 
by a representation of the immense sums of money paid by George and Ashbel 
Welles and Richard Caton in the acquirement of the title and possession of the 
Lands on Tioga Point, he avers that the partners paid $16000 to Josiah Lockhart 
for the Pennsylvania title and $9000 to those Connecticut claimants of whom they 
purchased amounting to $2.')000. a pretty sum of money to be sure. Now Charles 
F. Welles, Esq. I cannot conceive how this mighty sum of money if paid to others 
can effect the claim of my father's family to the lands that justly belong to them; 
but this asseveration of yours that they did thus pay and it caused your father's 
bankruptcy is either true or false; if true, they paid an illjudged price for the Penn- 
sylvania title with a view of speculating on the hard toils of the poor yankees and 

* Defence as here mentioned was only the substance of paper prepared by C. F. Welles, 

published as noted on pages 170, 471, ante. 



CONSTANT MATHEWSON'S LETTER 623 

more for the possessions than they were worth; and if false it must naturally be 
concluded that the whole of your defence of your Brother is of the same tenor. 
Presuming as I do that there is some mistake in your statement, I beg leave Esq. 
Charles F. to ask you a question or two. 

Sir, after your father, your Uncle Ashbel, and Richard Caton had made their 
purchase of Mr. Lockhart and paid $4,000 and after the whole tract was assigned 
over in 1800 to Mr. Carroll, (Mr. Lockhart having no Mortgage on the premises,) 
did not the Welleses and Caton become bankrupt ; whereby Lockhart was pre- 
vented (he or his heirs) from ever receiving one cent more than the $4,000 for the 
whole tract of 1030 acres. I think you would be compelled to answer this query in 
the affirmative, if so then this statement in the scale of truth is found to possess 
exactly three-fourths by alloy, and I really consider that such adulterated truths 
are very little better than spurious coin and ought not to be suffered to pass 
current. 

In respect to the $9,000, which you say you paid to the Connecticut settlers 
by the partners, as it appears to me a greater sum than the settlers ever realized 
from them ; suffer me to enquire, whether a very considerable portion of the $9,000 
w-as not expended in wharfing the Susquehanna River, or in other words in the 
establishment of what was denominated ]V dies' folly (see p. 361, ante). 

I do not consider your representation of the partners purchasing the right of 
all the settlers below the village of Tioga Point, except what belonged to Elisha 
Mathew^son and a seven acre lot of Abraham Decker of any consequence; I only 
notice it to show your proneness to misrepresentation ; For it was a fact that there 
was a forty acre lot belonging to the late Col. Elisha Satterlee, and a ten acre lot 
of Joseph Tyler which are now in possession of Gen. Henry Welles and held by his 
favourite section of the compromising law of 1810, which were never purchased 
of the original claimants by the partners, and I presume by no one since. The 
friend of Gen. Welles states that I aver that the suit of Ejectment instituted in 
favour of Charles Carroll against my Mother was brought by Henry Welles with- 
out tht authority of Mr. Carroll ; I do not deny this averment ; I have stated that 
he has acted under an assumed agency without any authority from Mr. Carroll. 
But Esq. Charles F. declares that the letters of Messrs. Carroll, Caton and Hop- 
kinson, respecting this concern, set their word in opposition to my word and the 
report founded on it that this suit was brought without the intervention of Henry 
Welles and thereby insinuating that my word and the report of the Committee are 
false. "Without the intervention of Henry Welles" ! — Henry Welles did in person 
declare before the Committee that after making arrangements with Mr. Carroll 
for a part of the land in controversy, that he called on Mr. Hopkinson in Phila- 
delphia, took out the writ against my Mother in the name of Mr. Carroll, procured 
himself a deputation, that he served the process himself for the economical pur- 
pose of saving cost. Is this an intervention or is it not? When this concern was 
before the Legislature in 1824-5 Mr. Roberts the advocate of Henry Welles read 
to the Committee of the whole on the investigation of his substitute a letter from 
Mr. Hopkinson stating that he never knew Henry Welles in this concern only as 
the agent of Mr. Carroll ; and the same Mr. Roberts while investigating the subject 
of the bill on the floor of the House read a letter from Mr. Carroll stating that he 
never knew He'y Welles as an agent in this concern; Yes, Mr. Carroll, (this first 
of living men), has solemnly declared that he never knew Henry Welles as his 
Agent; consequently he did not authorize him to commence the suit (See note 
end), that Gen. Welles did commence the suit is proved by his own declaration. I 
think therefore that my character or that of the Hon. Committee in point of verac- 
ity is in no great danger of sustaining a very heavy shock by the base Calumny of 
Charles F. Welles. 

This friend of the General states that my Father in his life time was offered 
by Caton and Welles four or five hundred pounds for his lots and that my father 
refused to sell ; if this is true it would appear that they viewed my father's rights 



624 APPENDIX B 

something more tlian a mere nonentity as Charles F. Esq. represents it; but when 
I consider the source of the declaration I am inclined to believe that they never 
made my father any such offer ; for he avers that after my Father's death my 
Mother declared that she never vvould sell, and defied the owners to bring suit. 
This broad assertion of his is of no further consequence than to shew his ingenious 
faculty at fibbing; T am fully authorized to state that it is totally without founda- 
tion in truth. 

The General's friend has made a long commentary on the subject of the lots 
possessed by my father being held under the survey of Athens township made sub- 
sequent to the Decree of Trenton. The township of Old Ulster was granted to 
Buck, Gore, (Mathewson), Smith and others, in 1775; it was surveyed but not 
allotted, in consequence of the proprietors being generally called into the service 
of their country in the war of the Revolution ; at the close of their toils in war 
they or their heirs or assigns turned their attention to their located township of 
Old Ulster for the acquirement of a livelihood in peaceful life. But as the north 
line of the state was then run, they found a gore of land between their township 
and the state line on the north of about two and one-half miles in breadth, and 
another gore of a similar breadth, on the south between Old Ulster and Cloverick 
townships ; they were, therefore, induced to associate with others and obtain a 
further grant from the Susquehanna company to include two townships ; in May 
17SG. Since the decree of Trenton they surveyed, and plotted out the townships 
of Athens, and New Ulster, each comprehending about one half of the township 
of Old Ulster ; 'Tis true that my Father's lots were located in Athens, but in that 
part of Athens which was formerly Old Ulster; so that notwithstanding the high 
drawn figure of Charles F. Welles it is clearly to be understood that in justice the 
heirs of my father had and still have as equitable a right to the benefit of the law of 
1810 as any other individual proprietor in Old Ulster Township; even a right as 
equitable as Gen. Henry Welles himself had to the lot he purchased in the year 
ISOS of Stephen Badlock of about forty-four acres. It may not be amiss to re- 
count some of the General's ingenious management in this concern for the in- 
formation of the public and to show his tender mercy for the funds of the com- 
monwealth. 

I have before me a certificate of Mr. Stephen Badlock, which proves that 
Gen. Welles called on him at his residence in Spencer in the State of New York 
in February, 1808 ; and informed Mr. Badlock that he had the Pennsylvania title 
to a forty- four acre lot (lying a little above the village of Tioga Point and within 
the bounds of the Carroll tract) which was then owned and in possession of said 
Badlock by virtue of the Connecticut title, but the General assured Badlock that 
he could hold the lot by virtue of the Pennsylvania title which he then had; the 
General however, generously offered him one hundred dollars in neat cattle and 
whiskey for his title and possession. Mr. Badlock states that he being unwilling 
to lose his land with his labour on it, accepted the proposal and gave him a deed 
conveying all his title dated February .'ith, 1808. Now if Gen. Welles owned the 
Pennsylvania title to this lot as he positively asserted to Mr. Badlock, he must 
have been excluded from any benefit of his Conn, title by virtue of the 7th section 
of the compromising law of 1810. But in the sequel I find that the proviso in that 
law is well calculated to draw money into the pockets of himself and associates 
holding the Penn. title on the Lockhart tract, not only to the distruction of his 
neighbors but out of the treasury of the commonwealth : For it can be shown by 
legal records that while the commissioners under the act of 1810, were adjusting 
the respective titles to the land in Old Ulster that the Gen. appears before them, 
not as a Penn. owner to the Badlock lot, but as a Conn, claimant by virtue of his 
deed from Badlock, and the land was certified to him at $2.40 per acre amounting 
to $10.'). 60 which sum he had to pay into the Treasury of the state ; but as his asso- 
ciate Mr. Caton was not content to receive this sum, he prosecuted the common- 
wealth. Gen. Welles, the owner of the Penn. title as he himself declared to Mr. 
Badlock was one of his principal witnesses, and the general's particular friend 



COXSTAXT .MATHEWSOX'S LETTER 625 

appraiser. And by this management as does appear on record it awarded that 
Richard Caton should receive from the Treasury twenty-five dollars per acre 
amounting to eleven hundred dollars for this same Badlock lot ; deduct the $105.60 
paid by Welles from the $1100 received by Caton we find a balance of $994.40 — a 
handsome speculation this to be made out of a forty-four acre lot which was ob- 
tained of the poor Conn, claimant for the paltry sum of $100 in whiskey and beef 
for his house and fifteen acres clearing. Whether this $994.40 was pocketed by 
Mr. Caton or the Gen. or whether they divided the spoil, I do not know, of this I 
leave the publick to judge. 

Another comment of Charles F. Welles may require some explanation ; he 
states that his brother Henry took a seat in the House of Representatives in the 
Ses. of 1809-10, and was elected as far as respected the interest of his neighbouring 
constituents, the Connecticut settlers in possession, for the very purpose of carry- 
ing into effect their petition for an extension of the compromising law to the 
townships of Bedford, Ulster and Athens ; those that felt this interest voted for 
him because he was a Penn'a owner, and therefore more likely to have effect in 
the Legislature. He says it is worthy of remark that at the time of Henry Welles' 
election in 1809, only about fifteen months after the ejectment of Elizabeth Math- 
ewson, when all the true circumstances were fresh in memory, that no word of 
accusation was ever spoken against him in that campaign either by the Mathew- 
sons or any other person thro' out all his repeated elections &c. I ask, did they 
dream of his cunning proviso f After C. F. Welles has recounted the wonderful 
energies of his Brother in overcoming the torrent of opposition to the measure, he 
tells us his brother bore down all opposition and succeeded in carrying the law 
into effect, and he is careful to notice to the world that not even the settlers in 
possession would ever enjoy the benefit of that law had it not been for the mighty 
exertions of his brother Henry. I presume that no living person appreciates the 
brilliancy of Gen. Welles' talents higher than I do ; for it is my real, candid opinion 
that if he were divested of very many of the foibles to which mankind are subject 
more especially his sly arts, that he would be a useful and respectable citizen. The 
general's friend has, however, in my humble opinion, misrepresented the senti- 
ment of the election of 1809. I deny that he was elected in consequence of his 
peculiar situation and capacity to carry into effect the petition of the people for 
an extension of the compromising law. I will briefly state the facts as they oc- 
curred ; in the session of 1808 the petition of the people for an extension of the 
compromising law to the townships of Bedford, Ulster and Athens was presented 
to the House by Col. Sam'l Satterlee, then the representative of the people from 
this District. It was referred to a Committee, of whom Mr. Satterlee was chair- 
man, who made a favourable report detailing in full the situation of the people 
and their claims and the justice and necessity of extending to them this law of 
compromise agreeably to their petitions, (see Journal H. R. for 1808-9.) to this re- 
port was attached a Resolution for the appointment of a Committee to bring in a 
bill embracing the object prayed for. 

While this report was under consideration, a motion was made to postpone 
it to the consideration of the next Legislature, as neither Mr. Satterlee or any other 
friend to the measure were apprised of any particular design, this motion was not 
rigidly opposed, and the motion for postponement carried, and it has since been 
discovered that this motion emanated from the influence of Mr. Palmer of the 
Senate to whom Gen'rl Welles wrote to guard the rights of the Pennsylvania 
claimant in possession. Is it likely that the Connecticut claimants in possession, 
for the express purpose of gaining their rights, elected Gen. Welles, this peculiar 
guardian of the rights of Pennsylvania claimants? No, it was not the cause of his 
election ; he procured his election by his own sycophantic solicitations. I am au- 
thorized to say that previous to the election of 1809, he in the most pressing man- 
ner solicited Mr. Satterlee to decline as a candidate, and use his influence in his 
favor, professing perpetual political friendship thereafter in case of compliance, 
and I conceive it was the declination of Mr. Satterlee and his zealous influence 



G2G APPENDIX B 

in favour of Gen. Welles that caused his election in 1S()9; tlie people were offended 
at Satterlee for the. course he took, hut voted for Welles for the reason that there 
was no other Republican (as the Gen. was then called) before the public. I have 
been told by those better informed than myself that there was no such wonderful 
obstacles to encounter in the passage of this law that has caused so much excite- 
ment, but might have been thrown aside and conquered by other men, even Conn, 
claimants, and the law carried into effect with the same facility that it was done 
by this champion of the Penn'a claimants in possession; and that too without the 
proviso contained in the 7th section of the act ; which section does not affect 
the interest of one individual Pa. claimant, except the same Gen. Henry Welles 
as owner or agent who reported the bill and voted for it in violation of the express 
rules of the House. This Gen. Welles has done for the purpose of depriving my 
deceased father's family of their honest livelihood and converting it to his own 
aggrandizement. 

It seems that Charles F. Welles, Esq. considers himself fully competent to de- 
cide on the constitutionality and propriety of the measures of the Legislature and 
assumes the right to condemn or approve as will best suit the interest of his brother 
the Gen. A man possessing such a supremacy of capacity and power ought to 
make truth his guide — but there are but few sentences of Charles F. Welles' de- 
fence of his brother but bears the impress of misrepresentation on its face. He 
frowns indignantly on a majority of the House of Representatives in their Session 
of 1824-5 for rejecting two amendments to the bill (which passed in favour of the 
Mathewsons) No. 471 — one was offered by Mr. Meredith, which he states provided 
that issue should be joined between Constant Mathewson and Henry Welles be- 
fore Judge Scott in Luzerne county to try the fact whether the heirs and devisees 
of Mathewson were put out of possession by fraud, and if on trial the jury should 
find that they had been so dispossessed, then the Judges of the Supreme Court 
should grant certificate to Mathewson. He says, that Mathewson's friends with him 
sitting by, ( his brother home, but it was believed prepared the amendment previous 
to his departure) refused to risque a trial of the truth before an impartial jury; 
thus abandoning on the Journals and in the face of the House his first accusation. 
As this misrepresentation of Mr. Meredith's amendment is intended to make an 
unfavourable impression on the public mind against me, my friends and my claim, 
I will state the substance of the amendment as it was offered ; it provided libertj'' 
for me to institute three separate suits before the courts of Luzerne against three 
individuals, viz : Richard Caton, Henry Welles and Obediah Spalding. In a suit 
against Caton and Spalding they would very properly plead that they had com- 
mitted no fraud and were not accountable for Welles' transactions ; in a suit 
against Welles it would be pleaded that he did not receive his deed until the 15th 
of June, 1814 — years after the commission of the fraud, consequently entirely out 
of the common course of judicial procedure and out of the cognizance of the 
Court — the half an eye may see that. This amendment was intended and would 
in fact render the bill nugatory. 

Mr. Ritner's amendment was in the h.ind writing of Gen. Welles, 
although as his friend states he was at home, yet he had the art to prepare it before 
his retirement; it is perhaps correctly stated thus: "Provided, however, that not- 
withstanding the repeal of the seventh section of the Act aforesaid, it shall be the 
duty of the Commissioners to decide upon the same principles, and no other than 
if the compensation act of 4th April, 1799, and its supplements, had been extended 
to the townships of Bedford and Ulster." This says the General's friend is placing 
the question on the same footing, as if the proviso had never existed. Let us see 
again whether in this instance friend Charles has stated the truth or whether he 
has again falsified with a view of misleading the honourable unsuspecting mind. 

It is a well known fact that the .\ct of 1810 with its proviso, (the offspring of 
Gen. Welles' ingenuity) was not a supplement to the act of 1799 — it was a separate 
act unconnected with it. If this amendment had included the act of 1810 there 
would have appeared some fairness on the face of it, the bill No. 471 then under 
consideration was supplementary to tb.at act, but as it was totally unconnected with 
the act of 1799 and its supplements, it would if adopted have totally destroyed the 
effects and force of the supplement in my favour. Thus every observing mind will 
perceive the deceitful art practised by Gen. Welles to defeat the calls of justice. 



HENRY WELLES' SPEECH 627 

Charles F. Welles, Esq. I have extended this notice of your misrepresentation 
of my conduct and motives in the unpleasant controversy I am compelled to sustain 
with your Brother in hope of the acquirement of my family's just and equitable 
right, to a greater length than I intended ; yet I have left much of your sophistry 
unnoticed and unanswered ; I think I have stated sufficient to prove to every candid 
mind that your brother's efiforts to rear a fortune on the ruin of my deceased 
father's family — and supported by an assumption of might and misrepresentation 
— and as I hope and believe that the subject will hereafter receive a fair and candid 
examination and that truth and justice will eventually prevail, I shall at present 
leave the concern to the consideration of the public. 

Constant Mathewson. 
Athens, Nov. 26, 1826. 



Editor's Note. — The Welles' and their advocate Mr. Roberts appear to puff 
both heat and cold as best suits their purpose ; by Mr. Carroll they prove no agen- 
cy; but the Gen. and Mr. Roberts both declare he was an agent and undertake to 
prove it by Mr. Hopkinson's letter — look at a paragraph in Mr. Roberts' substitute 
for the committee's report on the subject — it reads thus: — "Mr. Carroll, a pur- 
chaser under Mr. Lockhart, began to occupy his land in 1798 — Mathewson's lots 
were located in different parts of the tract, and the annual overflow of the grounds 
by the waters of the river, made it difficult to keep up division fences. The ground 
was occupied as a common field, and the crops greatly damaged by cattle. The mo- 
tives for negotiating with the Mathewson family for withdrawal from possession, 
were obvious and imperious. To effect this, Mr. Welles as agent for Carroll, of- 
fered the most liberal inducements, and at length succeeded in making an ar- 
rangement, &c." 



APPENDIX C. 



HENRY WELLES' SPEECH. 

Copy of- a document in the handwriting of Henry Welles, un- 
dated ; evidently a draft of an address written to be delivered before a 
committee of the Senate. It is probably the one referred to by Henry 
Welles in a letter of 1818, noted on page 451 ; and is here printed as 
an evidence of his good faith in the office to which he had been elected. 

Mr. Chairman : — The circumstances which have given existence to the 
bill under consideration have arisen out of a controversy of long standing, and 
one connected with the origin of the Government. 

The foundation of the Wyoming controversy is the interference of the char- 
ters of the two states of Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The tenor of those two 
instruments is such as to clash with each other, and mutually to cover one degree 
of latitude, running the whole length of the state of Pennsylvania. The subject 
was considered one on which intelligent and honorable men might differ, and did 
differ. Conflicting settlements were formed. Tliose deriving their title from the 
state of Connecticut were regular and systematic in their operations. The juris- 
diction of that state was as effectual from about the year 1770 until 1787, as in any 
part of Connecticut itself. The settlement was called Westmoreland, had its 
representation in the General Assembly of that state, and a regular judicial orga- 
nization. It also raised its full quota of troops during the Revolutionary War, 
which were received as of the Connecticut line. It defended the then frontier 
with remarkable bravery and effect. 

Pennsylvania, both as a government, and by means of its individual citi- 
zens, was not idle in the meantime, nor did they abandon their claim. After many 
unpleasant and indeed bloody scenes, a tribunal was erected under the authority 



&2S APPENDIX C 

of the existing national Confederation, witli the iiower and for the purpose of 
settling the controversy. That tribunal convened at Trenton in December. 17S2; 
and after a session of fourteen days upon a trial managed by great talents, the 
council decreed that the jurisdiction and the right of soil l)elonged to the stale of 
Pennsylvania. lUit at the same time the Commissioners, in a letter to the Supreme 
Executive Council, strongly rcconmiended the settlers who had so nobly protected 
that part of the frontier of the state, to the justice of the Government; not merely 
from that circumstance, but also [because] those settlers had come upon the land 
in question in the full belief of the justice and legality of their title, as derived 
from the state of Connecticut. And when it is remarked that the doubt was such 
as to require a solemn judicial decision to ascertain the rights of the parties, it 
may well be imagined that an honest difference of opinion may exist, and the 
settlers of that day and their representatives rescued from the imputation of being 
squatters and intruders. It was remarked at that day by many, that the over- 
whelming influence of the great state of Pennsylvania bore heavily upon the ([ues- 
tion, and that also upon grounds of political convenience the decision was favor- 
able to that state. 

Without, however, wishing to waste time in the examination of this part of 
the question, as it has become a subordinate one, I will proceed to the trans- 
actions wdiich followed the Trenton Decree. 

Under the recommendation of the members of the Council, under a con- 
viction of the equitable rights of the settlers on the ground, and what perhaps 
was more weighty than all, a desire to introduce in a peaceable manner the juris- 
diction of Pennsylvania, the state passed what is called the Confirming Law, 
dated 2Sth March, 1787. 

The conditions of that Act were, as it respects the settlers, to give them 
their lots at the single and mere price of 20 shillings each, and the surveying 
fees. Under thes« views the settlers accepted the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, 
in the faith and belief of the fulfillment of the terms. Much of the land in ques- 
tion had been previously located by citizens of the state. The government, em- 
barrassed by the interference of the two sets of claimants, provided that the Penn- 
sylvania claimants should be satisfied by grants of land in other places, not at that 
time appropriated. Some accepted the conditions offered, and made locations 
very much to their advantage ; among whom was the late Gen. Meade. Others 
dissented : altercations and litigation took place : and the United States Circuit 
Court decided that the Confirming Law was unconstitutional and void : after 
which the same was repealed. Probably had the offered indemnity to the Penna. 
claimants been made in money instead of land, the retrograde movement might 
have been saved, and a great expense and trouble been avoided. 

From the time of the repeal in the year 1790, up to the date of the Compro- 
mising Law of 1799, the country was in a most distracted condition : hostilities 
were carried on and blood was shed: the settlers were embittered against the 
state, under the impression that its faith had been broken with them ; and much 
wrong and violence was committed on both sides. 

At this period, between the dates of the Confirming and Compromising 
Laws, the lands in question were surveyed on behalf of the Pennsylvania claim- 
ants, who are proposed to be quieted by this bill. Tt may be said that they ought 
to have avoided meddling with the land in question, under the knowledge that 
in equity and good faith it belonged to the settlers in the country. Certainly they 
should: they were not strictly justifiable in touching lands so situated: and it is 
a subject of great regret that the existing government had not only prohibited 
this class of claimants, but all others, from locating land in that disputed territory. 
Had she done so, the controversy would have been much more sim])le and easily 
settled. 

Yet although in equity the land belonged to the Connecticut claimants, and 
it ought to have been reasonably expected that it must be confirmed to them 
sooner or later, yet there was no legal impediment placed in the way of its 
being located by citizens of the state ; and under the whirlwind of land-specula- 
tion that swept over this country about the years 179;2-?>-4 and -5, the whole of the 
territory was located. 

Equitable as were the claims of the Connecticut claimants to these lands, 
and legal according to the rules and regulations in force among them, yet this 



HEXRY WELLES' SPEECH 62f) 

would not. and will not. avail them as a legal defence in our courts of justice. A 
distinction has been kept up by the legislature, in all her acts upon the subject, 
between those claimants whose titles accrued before the Confirming Law, and 
those acquired after it. For the former, a mode of compensation is provided by a 
trial by a court and jury: and nothing more is requisite for that class of claim- 
ants, than is provided by the existing laws. 

It is probably within the knowledge of all the members of this Committee, 
that the terms of the Compromising Laws are materially harder, and different 
from those of the Confirming Law. Yet so anxious were the Connecticut claim- 
ants to close and put an end to the quarrel, that they embraced the terms ofifered 
by the compromising acts with zeal and avidity. Instead of obtaining their farms 
at 20 shillings and the surveying fees, they were obliged to give $2.00 per acre 
for the first quality, and lower in proportion to its goodness. 

To their credit it ma\^ be said that the Pennsylvania claimants generally 
accepted the terms held out by the law, so far as it was provided for their redress. 
As was said before, all are provided for except those who made their locations 
after the date of the Confirming Law of 28th Alarch, 1787. 

Now, for the want of any other remedy, those claimants are obliged to 
sue in ejectment for the land they claim, and numerous suits are now pending: 
unwilling as they may be, it appears their only resource. The defence of the set- 
tlers will not generally avail them in a court of law. The date of the patents 
to the Pennsylvania claimants is earlier than [that of] those given to the Con- 
necticut claimants upon certificates given them by the Commissioners who exe- 
cuted the Compromising Law: and as things are now circumstanced, the decision 
must inevitably be in favor of the oldest title. Lentil the Legislature provides 
some other remedy, the courts must decide upon the common principle of law 
which gives the land to priority of title. 

In consideration of circumstances heretofore mentioned, it is not proposed 
to give to these people the same extent of indemnity as those of the earlier class : 
it is proposed to refund them their money with the interest: this amount is to 
be paid only where they exhibit evidence that they are fully, fairly and exclusively 
entitled to the land, except as against the Connecticut claimant. 

Now. Sir, when we take into consideration that these Connecticut settlers 
have embraced the laws of your making, have done all they were required to do, 
have proved themselves peaceable and obedient citizens, have patented their lands, 
and very generally paid the purchase money, }'OU are bound by every principle of 
justice and good faith to protect them. 

On the other hand you have taken, for the attainment of a great public pur- 
pose, the property of the Pennsylvania claimants, legally acquired beforehand, 
under j-our existing laws, and the practice of the Land Ofifice : and it is plainly 
due to them, to provide for their indemnity, and not to force them to incur the 
expense and odium of sacrificing innocent persons in the vindication of their 
rights. 

The merits of this case lies in a very narrow compass : — you have sold the 
land tz^'ice, and have received the purchase money and patenting fees tzvice : and 
most surely ought to do just what an honourable and honest individual would 
do in like circumstances. 

A great number of actions in ejectment upon these titles are now pending in 
the courts of Luzerne and Bradford counties, and in the circuit court of the 
United States. A large share of these actions were brought at the time when 
the statute of limitations was about coming into force in those counties. The 
settlers' hope of protection from that law is thereby destroyed, and they have 
no other redress than from the Legislature. After having gone thro' all the 
horrors of warfare and a contested title, all the hardships of settling a new coun- 
try, of paying in many instances considerable sums for the Connecticut claim, and 
finally acceding to the offers made by the state of Pennsylvania, taking certificates. 
paying the purchase money and patenting their lands, they find the whole un- 
availing, and themselves more completely defenseless than before. 

Prior to the passage of the Compromising acts, their numbers and unity 
were a safeguard, at least in their own estimation. Now. from the facility of 
enforcing legal process, from the larger inducement of the Pennsylvania claimant 
to urge his right, in consequence of the increased value of the land he claims, 



630 APPENDIX C 

owing to settlement and improvement, is not the settler in a most alarming con- 
dition? Can it be expected that the Pennsylvania claimant will abandon his 
right after paying his money to the State? Can it also' be expected that after 
having followed that right thro' all the trouble and expense of a lawsuit, and 
arrived to a judgment, execution and possession, he will accept from the settler 
his six pence per acre. and interest? Or is it fair to expect that the settler will again 
purchase out the claim of the individual, after having bought and paid for it 
two or three times? Is there not every reason to expect that the Pennsylvania 
claimant, on being denied any other indemnity, will push his claim to judgment 
and to final possession, and cause execution to issue against the adverse party 
for all the costs? The temptation to acquire a farm under the circumstances will 
not be resisted ; and what will you do with the Connecticut claimant when he 
comes here with a statement of his loss — and that loss perhaps twenty times 
greater than the amount you are now requested to pay to the Pennsylvanian, by 
the terms of this bill? 

There are as yet no judgments rendered by the courts; and all parties appear 
to pause, with the expectation of being saved the painful necessity of a contest ; 
and this is the stage of the contest in which we ought to interpose, and render 
justice to the parties. 

I find it impossible to ascertain the precise quantity of land in this predica- 
ment ; but it is generally agreed in Luzerne county to be about 40.000 acres ; and 
the rate of purchase money for the main part of it was fifty shillings per 100 acres : 
the more however the better, as there will be the less to pay for by the award 
of a jury, and the valuation in such cases is generally higher than the purchase 
money and interest. 

I look upon it as a matter of right for the Senate to pass this bill upon the 
plain principles of obligation. The government has made a treaty of peace with 
the people of that country : — for the establishment of that point I need only to 
refer gentlemen to the act of 4th April, 1799 ; it will there be seen in that light 
clearly. The State was to do certain things, stipulating carefully at the same time 
that the Connecticut claimants should do certain other things. The State was 
to purchase back from the Pennsylvania claimants the lands they had acquired, 
at certain fixed rates ; which if those claimants would not accept, they were by 
a subsequent act authorized to sue for the value thereof. At all hazards the gov- 
ernment was to repossess itself of the lands in question : that was the indis- 
pensable condition of the whole proceeding. That measure was all in all ; and 
after the grant which she had made twelve years before by her Confirming Law, 
she was bound to do it: and indeed, Mr. Chairman, in my humble opinion, bound 
in good faith, on lower terms to those settlers than she agreed to do by the act 
of '99 and its supplements. 

What were the settlers to do on their part? Why, Sir, they were required 
to accept titles under the terms and conditions specified in those acts. Have they 
not done so? Have they not most faithfully performed all that was required of 
them? Have they not ceased all opposition? Have you not broken a combination 
that was deemed so formidable as to have induced the government to entertain 
the idea of employing force for the termination of the controversy? Had you 
not an object in view worth far more than all you have expended in thus avoiding 
hostility and bloodshed? Surely you have. In adopting a pacific course, the gov- 
ernment exhibited its wisdom. That course was not only the most just and 
humane, but also the cheapest. A treaty was determined on : — the settlers em- 
braced the terms, ceased all opposition, submitted their claims to the court created 
for their examination, surrendered all their papers, accepted certificates; and 
generally have paid the purchase money and received their patents. Now, Sir, 
what is wanted is that the State carry into fulfillment her part of the treaty of 
peace thus solemnly and legally made. 

It is with pleasure I admit that she has done so in part ; and so far as re- 
spects the settlers it is precisely as obligatory on her to perform the remainder. 
1 cannot and will not doubt but it will be done. It only requires a knowledge of 
the subject to ensure the event; it is plain, undeniable justice. Your neglect or 
refusal to do this will amount to a crying injustice: how much more so even 
from the long delay, from the faith of your laws, from the pa\'ment of purchase 



HENRY WELLES' SPEECH 631 

money on the part of the settler, than if you had driven him ofif at an early day, 
before his improvements had become valuable. All must know that without the 
measure prayed for the title obtained from you is worth nothing : the right of 
the- Pennsylvania claimant is paramount to his. 

One gentleman, from Schuylkill (Mr. Frailey), compares the present case 
to that of lost warrants. Sir, I apprehend a radical distinction between such a 
case and the present one. As to lost warrants, it may be said that the price, 
being low. induced many to hazard the chance of making a few fortunate loca- 
tions, and buying a larger number of warrants than they were certain of finding 
land for. The applicant was supposed to know, and ought to have informed him- 
self, whether his warrant when obtained would be worth what it had cost him. 
The land-officers could not be supposed to know it. On consideration of the 
reduced price of warrants, it must be apparent that it is in but few cases that the 
warrantee is not a gainer by his adventure ; and when he happens to lose, he 
must be content with having drawn a blank. 

In this case, on the contrary, the holders of the lands in question have found 
lands, made their locations, perfected their title except as against the Connecticut 
claimant ; and now the State, stepping entirely out of its usual course of pro- 
ceeding, and with the special view to avert a great evil, passes acts which in their 
operation must deprive the Pennsylvania claimr.nt of his location. The State 
here interferes, and allots, in the most solemn legal manner, his h nd to another. 
Here is a positive act, and one he could not control or hinder. You recognize the 
Connecticut claimant as the lawful possessor of the land :— in what condition do 
you place the Pennsylvania claimant by this proceeding? Why, either to lose 
the land he claims, or pursue his right thro' a desperate lawsuit. In what condi- 
tion do you leave the Connecticut claimant? Why, liable to the evils attending 
the same desperate lawsuit, and which must result in his ruin. 

Another gentleman, from Delaware (Mr. Ewing). has remarked that these 
settlers deserve no consideration from the legislature, and that they came into 
the country as squatters, intruders, and usurpers of the rights and lands of others. 

Sir, this language would have been less exceptionable, if it was ever excus- 
able, when the confirming and compromising acts were passed. He says also 
that it would have been but just had these people been dispossessed by military 
force. I agree with him in part, that it would have been better to dispossess the 
inhabitants with the bayonet and the rifle. It would have been better for them in 
early days to have been driven thus off into a better country, and where it would 
have been safer to rely upon Acts of Assembly ! They would have been gainers 
in being thus dispossessed in the days when the fertile country in a neighboring 
State was vacant, and into which many then retired with great advantage to 
themselves. 

But after accepting your jurisdiction, your titles, after paying again and 
again for the lands they have cleared, after passing a long and dreary pilgrimage, 
I do protest against their being left unprotected by the state, and the compact 
made by her remaining unfulfilled. 



632 APPENDIX D 



List of Taxablcs in Tioga TozinisJiip, 1796. 

Name and Occupation. Residence. Valuation. 

David Alexander, Innkeeper Tioga $1324.00 

James Bostick, Miller Tioga 40.00 

Wm. Y. Burroughs Hudson. N. Y 1180.00 

Joseph Biles, Surveyor ' Tioga 200.00 

Andreas Budd Tioga 144.00 

Stephen Badlock Tioga 210.00 

Solomon Beebe. Physician Tioga .3.50.00 

David Bosworth > Tioga 190.00 

Obadiah Brown Tioga 532.00 

George Brown Tioga 234.00 

James Brink Tioga 74.00 

Benjamin Brink Tioga 364.00 

Chester Bingham Tioga 918.00 

James Brafifet Tioga 60.00 

Joseph Bennet, Carpenter Tioga 160.00 

Peras Boardwell Tioga 12.00 

Samuel Baker Tioga 6.00 

Elijah Buck Chemung, N. Y. 18.00 

Isaac Collins, Blacksmith Tioga 25.00 

Ezra Caswell Tioga 12.00 

Ambrose Collins Tioga 85.00 

Benjamin Cole, Jr Tioga 936.00 

Daniel Curtis, Joiner Tioga 248.00 

Isaac Cash. Carpenter Tioga 738.00 

Seeleye Crawford Tioga 12.00 

Benjamin Clark Tioga 1410.00 

Timothy Calva Tioga 12.00 

William Curry Tioga 288.00 

William Curry, Jr Tioga 60.00 

James Curry, Turner Tioga 60.00 

Ananias Conklin Tioga 60.00 

Siba Canfield, Blacksmith Tioga 90,00 

Stephen Cole Tioga 286.00 

Espy Crane, Book-keeper Tioga 152.00 

Israel Cranmer Tioga 27.00 

Jeremiah Cranmer Tioga 12.00 

Benjamin Cole Tioga 36.00 

Jane Curtricht Tioga 44.00 

Arnold Colt, Esq., Innkeeper Tioga 280.00 

Henry Decker, Shoemaker Tioga 280.00 

Peter Dingman Tioga 40.00 

Christopher Dutcher, Surveyor Tioga 100.00 

John Deakin Tioga 402.00 

Thomas Ellis Tioga 12.00 

Zephon Elower Tioga 60.00 

Reuben Fuller Tioga 652.00 

Stephen Fuller Tioga 60.00 

John Fuller Tioga 629.00 

Arnold Franklin Tioga 330.00 

John Franklin. Esq Tioga : 1490.00 

William Ferguson Tioga 388.00 

Josiah Green Tioga 333.00 

Eliphalet Gustin Tioga 484.00 

Samuel Gore Tioga 1348.00 

Obadiah Gore, Esq., Judge Tioga 3520.00 

Avery Gore Tioga 180.00 

Lemuel Gaylord Tioga 210.00 

Josepli Garvis Tioga 12.00 



TAX LIST OF 1796 633 

Name and Occupation. Residence. Valuation. 

Robert Gardner Tioga 12.00 

James Goble Tioga 39.00 

James Gordon. Joiner Tioga 232.00 

Matthias Hollenback, Merchant 948.00 

John Hutchinson Tioga 163.00 

Elijah Horton Tioga 490.00 

Elijah Horton. Jr Tioga 232.00 

Isaac Horton Tioga 182'.00 

Eli Holcombe Tioga 928.00 

Truman Holcombe Tioga 36.00 

Eli Holcombe, Jr Tioga 50.00 

Jonathan Harris Tioga 724.00 

Alpheus Harris Tioga 100.00 

Stephen Hopkins, Physician Tioga 300.00 

Samuel Hepburn, Merchant Tioga 300.00 

James Irwin, Alerchant Tioga 1816.00 

William Johnson, Shoemaker Tioga oO.OO 

John Jenkins (60 acres) 60.00 

Joseph Kinney, Esq., Justice Tioga 1138.00 

Eldad Kellogg Tioga 421.00 

Josiah Kellogg Tioga 12.00 

Benjamin Luce, Distiller Tioga 92.00 

William Laughry Tioga 1034.00 

Michael Laughry Tioga 12.00 

Wright Loomis ' Tioga 3150.00 

Augustus Loomis Tioga 80.00 

Samuel Lane Tioga 12.00 

Josiah Marshall Tioga 1100.00 

Toseph Mansfield, Distiller Tioga 50.00 

Nath'l P. Moody Tioga 22.00 

Francis Mes Tioga 12.00 

David Markem Tioga 40.00 

Daniel Minier Tioga 556.00 

Henry McKinney Tioga 12.00 

Noah Murray Tioga 984.00 

Elisha Matthewson. Innkeeper Tioga 974.00 

Daniel McDufifee Tioga 1146.00 

Samuel McAIhoe Tioga 100.00 

Guy Maxwell Tioga 10.00 

Robert McAlhoe Tioga 700.00 

John Millet, Millwright Tioga 150.00 

Daniel Moore Tioga 454.00 

Johnston Miller, Cabinet-Maker Tioga 634.00 

Cornelius McDaniel Tioga 104.00 

John Newil Tioga 356.00 

John Newil, Jr Tioga 98.00 

Josiah Newil Tioga 98.00 

Abel Newil Tioga 330.00 

Nehemiah Northrup Tioga 746.00 

Ludlow Owens Tioga 165.00 

Widow Ovenshire Tioga 1 2.00 

Moses Park Tioga 12.00 

Jeremiah Parker. Carpenter Tioga 162.00 

James Parker Tioga 62.00 

Jesse Phelps, Schoolmaster Tioga 50.00 

Samuel Parker Tioga 24.00 

Ashel Powell Tioga 1 2.00 

David Paine. Shopkeeper Tioga 406.00 

Thomas Parks Tioga 444.00 

Daniel Roberts Tioga 50.00 

Matthew Rodgers, Distiller Tioga 20.00 



G34 APPENDIX D 

Name and Occupation. Residence. Valuation. 

John Reddington, RIacksmith Tioga 100.00 

David Riggs Tioga 256.00 

David Ross Tioga 12.00 

Jonathan Ransom Tioga 62.00 

Samuel vSwift Tioga 1754.00 

William Spalding Tioga 570.00 

John Spalding ( Barn, Mills, Distillery) Tioga 2068.00 

Simon vSpalding Tioga 888.00 

Josepli Si)alding Tioga 662.00 

John Spalding. "jr Tioga 286.00 

Michael Stoffelhcam Tioga 74.00 

Peter Snyder Tioga 607.00 

Jeremiah Sliaw Tioga 1026.00 

Jonas Smith Tioga 828.00 

Gideon Salisbury. Shoemaker Tioga 100.00 

Joseph Salisbury Tioga 100.00 

Adrial Simons Tioga 1178.00 

Jedidiah Shaw Tioga 812.00 

Bolina Snow Tioga 12.00 

Lockwood Smith Tioga 757.00 

Joseph Smith Tioga 670.00 

Tra Stephens Tioga 100.00 

John Shepard f2:)2() as., Sawmill, Gristmill, 

Tavern, &c.) Tioga 5630.00 

Elisha Satterlee Tioga 1366.00 

Benedict Satterlee Tioga 107.00 

Elias Satterlee, Shoemaker Tioga 100.00 

George Snell Tioga 800.00 

Peter Stevens Tioga 12.00 

John Swain Tioga 100.00 

William Tuttle Tioga 166.00 

Josiah Tuttle Tioga 62.00 

Schureman Travis Tioga 12.00 

Levi Thaver Tioga 124.00 

Solomon Tracv Tioga 1868.00 

Julius Touzier (Tozer?) Tioga 104.00 

Joseph Tyler Tioga 480.00 

Absalom Travis Tioga 75.00 

Sylvanus Travis Tioga 489.00 

Joshua VanFleet Tioga 50.00 

Leonard Westbrook Tioga 382.00 

Cherick Westbrook Tioga 192.00 

James Ward Tioga 12.00 

Morris Wilcox Tioga 12.00 

Ephraim Wright Tioga 183.00 

William Wvnkoop Chemung, N. Y 360.00 

William Wilson Tioga 18.00 

John Wilson Tioga 60.00 

Abel Yarington Tioga 10.00 

Ichabod Blackman Tioga 592.00 

Negro Chintz Tioga 336.00 

(Summary of Tax List, 1796.) 

Number of Resident Taxables, 163 ; non-resident, 6 ; Total 169 

Acres occupied on Seated Lands 2138 

-Acres of Unseated Lands 22231 

Horses, above 4 years 102 

Horned Cattle, do 373 

Total Assessed Valuation $71789. 

Joseph Kinnkv, Assessor. 
(Only nine "Llouses and lots of ground" are assessed in the foregoing com- 
plete list for the year 1796; the reason for this is not suggested.) 



APPENDIX E. 



635 



Tioga Point Tax List, 1808. 



Daniel Abbott 
George Adams 
David Alexander 
Oliver Arnold 
John Atwood 
Stephen Bates 
James Bidlack 
Samuel Bennett 
John Bensley 
Chester Bingham 
David Bosworth 
David Bosworth Jr 
Joseph Broughton 
John Brown 
John Brown (2) 
Elijah Buck 
Henry Burnham 
Benjamin Burt 
Ezekiel Campbell 
Joel Campbell 
Joel Campbell Jr 
Jonathan Campbell 
Nathaniel Campbell 
Samuel Campbell 
William Carner 
Eliphalet Clark 
Nathaniel Clapp 
Simonson Clapp 
Howard Comfort 
Thomas Conner 
William Conner 
Samuel Connet 
Benjamin Cook 
Adam Crans 
Andrew Crans 
Philip Crans 
Henry Decker 
Jeremiah Decker 
Jacob Dent 
William Dent 
Elijah Depue 
Jacob Dewitt 
Elnathan Ellis 
Daniel Elwell 
Nicholas Euston 
James Farlan 
Joseph Farlan 
Barnard Farran 
Zephon Flower 
John Franklin 
Isaac Fuller 
Samuel Gaylord 
William Gere 
Alpheus Gillett 
Luther Gilmore 
Russell Goff 
Oliver Grant 
Billa Graves 
John Greaves 
Samuel Gree 



Lodvvick Green 
John Griffin 
William Hamilton 
Henry Hamin 
Joseph Hamin 
Henry Harmon 
Alpheus Harris 
Jonathan Harris 
Samuel Harris 
Joseph Harris 
Moses Hattield 
Stephen Hopkins 
Reuben Horton 
Samuel Horton 
John Hubly 
Benoni Hulet 
James Jacklin 
Isaac Jones 
Solomon Johnson 
Solomon Judson 
Richard Lamphire 
Samuel Lamphire 
Elnathan Loomis 
Theodore Loomis 
Wright Loomis 
Daniel McDuffee 
Neal McDuffee 
Rebecca McKinney 
Robert McElhoe 
Samuel McLowrey (2) 
Isaac Marsaless 
John Marsaless 
Elizabeth Mathewson 
Albert Mead 
Daniel Mead 
Eleazer Merrill Jr 
Solomon Merrill 
Elias Middaugh 
John Miller 
Daniel Moore 
Elijah Moore 
Jesse Moore 
John Moore 
John Moore Jr 
Jonathan Moore 
Johnston Moore 
Joseph- Moore 
William Moore 
Isaac Morley 
Abner Murray 
Samuel Naglee 
Abijah Northrop 
Nehemiah Northrop 
Daniel Orcut 
John Osgood 
Thomas Osgood 
Clement Paine 
David Paine 
Enoch Paine 
Daniel Park 
Daniel Park 2d 



Moses Park 

Asahel Pratons 

Anna Prentice 

Julia Prentice 

John Reddington 

Levi Rice 

Israel Rickey 

Nathan Roberts 

Saul Roberts 

David Ross 

Horatio Ross 

William Ross 

John Saltmarsh 

Daniel Satterlee 

Elisha Satterlee 

Nathaniel Satterlee 

Samuel Satterlee 

Benjamin Seeley 

Lewis Seeley 

Samuel Seeley 

John Shepard 

John Shipley 

Francis Smith 

John Smith 

Mrs. Francis Sneckenberger 

Abraham Snell 

Abraham Snell Jr 

Daniel Snell 

Henry Snell 

Mrs Margaret Snell 

John Snell 

Howard Spalding 

John Spalding 

Joseph Spalding 

John Squires Jr 

Nathaniel Squires 

Nathaniel Squires Jr 

Chester Stephens 

Mrs Sybil Stephens 

Job Stiles 

William Stewart 

John Swain 

Benjamin Taylor 

William Tharp 

Daniel Thurston 

Julius Tozer 

Absalom Travis 

Joseph Tyce 

Joseph Tyler 

Stephen Tuttle 

Daniel Vancamp 

George Walker 

Elisha Wiber 

Henry Wilson 

Jonathan Wilson 

Thomas Wilson 

William Wilson 

Joseph Wing 

John Wolcott 

Benjamin Wyncoop 



G36 APPENDIX F 



LIST OF REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS. 

xA.s no full list of Revolutionary soldiers of this locality has ever 
been incorporated in printed histories, we have made an efifort to com- 
pile one. Tioga Chapter, D. A. R., has furnished such as were known 
to them, and among Mr. Craft's notes is a list of all known to have lived 
in Bradford County. Clement Paine acted as agent for the pensioners, 
and among his papers was found a letter dated January, 1827, in reply 
to an application made for "Solomon Taladay and Silas Tyler." With 
the latter name we are unfamiliar; the first is that of the father of 
Arietta Talada Xorthrup, a resident of Athens in 1908. 

Company, regiment and length of service are given where known ; 
also place of burial and date of birth and death. Doubtless this list 
may be imperfect according to family records. Considerable data has 
been taken from early pension lists ; it was many years before any 
pensions were granted, and at first only granted to those who had be- 
longed to certain organizations, or were needy. Large numbers died 
before all were pensioned who bore an honorable part in the struggle. 
An efl^ort was made in 18T1. through the Athens Gleaner, to collect the 
names of all those who had lived in the county, from which we have 
also gleaned. It has proved impossible to obtain a complete list of 
soldiers of War of 1812, although it is a recorded fact that "the Tozer 
Company" was entirely recruited in this vicinity. 

t Pensioned under Act of 1818. t Pensioned under Act of 1832. 

Old Burying Ground, Athens. 
Jonathan Conkling. Samuel Hulett. 
tEIisha Matthewson, 1757-1805. fArchelaus Temple. 
Joseph Spalding, 1735-1842, Sergt., Col. Douglas' Regt., Conn. 
tSolomon Talada, 1758-1839, private, 5th Regt.. N. Y. 

Tioga Point Cemetery. 

tEIisha Satterlee, 1760-1826, private, Capt. Simon Spalding's Co., Wyoming 

Volunteers, 
tjulius Tozer, 1764-1852, Capt. Simeon Allyn's Co., 9th Regt., Conn. Mihtia. 

The Rest Cemetery, Sayre. 
Dr. Amos Prentice, 1748-1805, Surgeon, according to Prentice Genealogy. 
John Shepard, 1765-1837, Ensign, Capt. Van Dusen's Co., Conn. Guards. 

St.\te Line or Park Burying Ground. 
tThomas Park, 1749-1819. Corporal, Col. Willis' Regt., Conn. 
tSilas Wolcott, 1755-1834, private. Col. Saul's Regt., 13th Penna. Line. 

Franklin Burying Ground. 

John Franklin, 1749-1831, Ensign in train band, 24th Conn. Regt., 1776; 
Captain 10th Penna., 1778; Captain Wyoming Militia, 1780. 
Recorded in Penna. Archives, Second Series, Vol. XIV. p. .335. 

fZephon Flower, 1765-1855, private, Capt. Edgard's Co., Col. Sheldon's 2nd Regt.. 
Light Dragoons, Continental Troops, Conn. 



REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS 637 

Greene's Landing Burying Ground. 

William Watkins, 1st., Sixteen day enlistment, Lexington Alarm ; 2nd, private, 
Capt. T. Knowlton's Co., 3rd Regt., Gen. Putnam's Continentals. 

East Waveri.y Cemetery. 

William Knapp, 176.5-1846, private in New York Regt. (Saratoga Co.) 

Ellistown Cemetery. 

John Hanna, 1751-1845, private in three Penna. Companies, under Captains Potter, 

Williams and Nelson. 
John Hyatt, 1761-1853, no record of service given. 
Luke Saunders, supposed to have enlisted in Rhode Island. 

Milan Cemetery. 

^Joseph Smith, served in Penna. Regt., pensioner of 1832. 
Lockwood Smith, service known only from family records. 

Ulster Cemetery. 

^Christopher Simonton. Adrial Simons, no record of service given. 

fBenjamin Clark, Corporal, Capts. Durkee and Spalding, 1st Independent Co., 

Wyoming ; served seven years. 
Abram Parmeter, enlisted 1776 ; in battles of Stillwater and Saratoga. 

Springfield Cemeteries. 

Noah Murray, 1736-1811, enlisted April. 1775, Litchfield County, Conn., Col. 

Hinman's Regt. ; re-enlisted 1777, Sergeant, Capt. E. Hill's Co., Col. H. 

Swift's 7th Battalion, Conn. ; Germantown, Valley Forge, Monmouth. White 

Plains. 
itOliver Gates. 
^Benjamin MacAfee. 1760-1844, three enlistments from Sussex Co., N. J., under 

Capt. Ross, Col. Crow's Regt. ; Capt. David Dunham ; Capt. Freeman. 
Eleven or twelve more, names and records not certain. 

East Troy Cemetery. 

Nathaniel Allen, 1761-1839, 1st Regt., Suffolk County, Militia Minute Men. 

Canton Cemetery. 

Samuel Griffin, Fifer, Capt. Clark's Co., 1st Conn. Regt., 1776, served until 
surrender at Yorktown. 

Cemetery Above Chemung. 

Israel Parshall, Sr., 2nd Lieutenant, 3rd Co., 2nd Battalion, Northumberland 
Associators, commissioned January, 1776, under Col. J. Potter. 

fThomas Keeney, private, Capt. Bissell's Co.. Col. Pitkin, Conn. Troops, Hart- 
ford, Conn. ; pensioned for three years' actual service. 

tAlpheus Gillette. JJob Stiles. Records unknown. 

Sheshequin Cemeteries. 

Sheshequin has the largest quota of soldiers' graves, including all the cemeteries 

in the vicinity. 
fChristopher Avery, 1769-1830, enlisted 1781, private, Capt. Williams' Co., Col. 

Webb's Regt., Conn. Line. 
Samuel Bartlett. 1746-1810, Captain in General Ethan Allen's Brigade. 
Ichabod Blackman, 1762-1798, company not recorded ; in skirmish at Exeter, 

July 1, 1778. 
tBenjamin Brink, 1763-1845, private, Capt. H. Shoemaker's Co., Col. Chambers' 

Regt., Penna. 
fTimothy Culver, 1741-1829, Sergeant, three enlistments, Regts., Col. Wooster, 

Col. Elmore, Col. Welles. 
tJabez Fish, 1741-1814, private, Capt. J. Bidlack's Co., Wyoming Militia. 



G38 APPENDIX F 

John Christian Forbes, 1760-1853, impressed by British sailors; deserted and 
espoused American cause ; enHsted from Delaware. 

tStephen Fuller, 173 1-1 SI 3, Captain 1st Co., 24th Regt.. Conn. Militia. 

tObadiah Gore, 1744-1821, private. Col. Isaac Nichol's Regt., Orange County, 
N. Y., six years service; commissioned 1st Lieut, by John Hancock October, 
1776, and by John Jay, 1779. 

$Samuel Gore, 1761-1834, private, Capt. Aholiab Buck's Co.. Wyoming Militia, 
1777-1781. 

Elijah Horton. 1739-1821. private, Capt. Fox's Co., Col. Henley's Regt.. Con- 
tinental Troops, N. Y. 

Uoseph Kinney. 1753-1841. enlisted twice from Plainfield, Conn., wounded in 
battle of Long Island. 

Nehemiah Northrup, 1761-1842. service not known. 

tjared Norton, 1757-1842. service not known. 

Jeremiah Shaw, 1730-1815, service not known. 

Samuel Shores, said to be buried in Post Cemetery; record unknown. 

tJohn Spalding, 1764-1828. Fifer in his father's company; on Sullivan's Expedition. 

Simon Spalding. 1742-1S14, 2nd Lieut., Capt. S. Ransom's Co.. August, 1776; 
commissioned 1st Lieut. January. 1777; Capt. June. 1778, of two Inde- 
pendent Wyoming Companies ; sent to relief of Wyoming. 

tjohn C. Van Cise, 1756-1849, enlisted at Scoharie, N. Y. ; served seven years; 
in battles of Bunker Hill, Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth and Yorktown. 

tMoses Woodburn, 1764-1836, enlisted four times; private, Capt. Rathlwne's Co.; 
private, Capt. Douglass' Co., Col. Starr's Regt. ; marine, LT. S. Brig Lafay- 
ette ; marine, U. S. Brig Randolph; one of Major Andre's guards. 

East Smithfield Cemetery. 

tCromwell Child. tDavid Forrest, fSamuel Kellogg, Nathaniel P. Moody, 
JEbenezer Pease, fjared Phelps, fjames Satterlee, fSamuel Wood ; records 
not furnished bv secretarv. 



INDEX 



"The labour and the patience, the judgment and the penetration, which 
are required to make a good index, is only known to those who have gone 
through this most painful but least praised part of a publication." — Oldys. 

"But, laborious as it is. I think it indispensably necessary to manifest the 
treasures of any multifarious collection, facilitate the knowledge to those who 
seek it, and invite them to make application thereof." — Justin IVinsor. 



Aborigines of the upper Susquehanna 
before the coming of the white man. 
20 

Academy, proposed building mention- 
ed by Clement Paine. 345 

Academy, Athens, history of, 548-555 

Academy, used for church as well as 
school purposes, 554 

Act of Limitations, 450 ; repealed. 596 

Adjustment of titles. 400-431 

Aganuschian, see Aquanuskion 

Alexander. David. 329 ; deed describ- 
ing property. 330 

Algonquins. 21. 25, 27, 71 

Allen, Ethan, General, visits Wyoming 
and Athens, April 1786, to assist in 
erection of new state, 274 ; appointed 
on committee for granting town- 
ships, 280 ; original proprietor of 
Athens, 300 ; unable to effect pro- 
ject, 283 ; revisits Wyoming, May 
1787 (according to Miner), 286 

Allen, Ezra P., Doctor. 572 

Allen. Lathrop M.. 517 

Allen. Fayette, 517 

Alligewi, first inhabitants of the East. 
23; expulsion by Delaware and Iro- 
quois, 23 

Along the Old Stage Road— A Sum- 
mary of the settlers, early and later. 
575-585 

Andastes. 26. 43-51 ; called Minquas by 
the Dutch. 31 ; origin, name, loca- 
tion, towns, 43 ; Ragueneau's men- 
tion of in 1648. 45 ; Champlain's 
mention of, 45 ; wars, 46-50 ; Huron 
embassy to them, 47 ; mortal quarrel 
with Mohawks, 47 ; long able to re- 
sist Iroquois, 48 ; extermination,^ 49- 
51 ; possibly same as Onontiogas, 
49 ; Conestogas supposed to be rem- 
nant of Andastes. 49 ; Mohawks be- 
come friendly 1675, 49 ; letter of Sir 
Edmund Andros concerning them, 
49-50 ; supposed allusion to them by 
Brant, 50 

Anderson, John, the "honest Quaker 
trader." doubtless first white settler 
in Bradford County 1765, 115 

Annals of Early Athens. 481-518 

Appendix A. and explanatory^ note. 591 



Aquanuschioni. tribal name for Iro- 
quois, 22 

Aquanuskion, 21 

Archpeological research about Tioga 
Point, 195-209 ; village sites. 196- 
197; burial sites, 196, 197-198, 206- 
207 ; camp sites, 196-198. 205-206 ; in- 
vestigations of Harrison Wright. 
200, 201 ; investigations of Messrs. 
Murray and Ercanbrack. 201. 203. 
205. 207 ; investigations of Percy L. 
Lang, with map sketched by him. 
196. 197 ; potteries and flint factor- 
ies. 208-209 ; pottery, pipes, totems 
and gorgets plentiful at Tioga Point, 
199, 205, 207 ; some unusual orna- 
ments, rattles, etc., 201 

Ark, first to run river, 1797, 348 ; fur- 
ther mention, 521 

Athens, 3 ; different names for, 4 ; 
borough of, 4 ; Connecticut grant of, 
4 ; change of name, 4 ; protest 
against, 5 ; Pennsylvanians' name 
for, 4; township of, established, 6; 
division of. 6 ; application to court 
to establish name. 4 ; incorporated as 
a borough. 4 ; size of original town- 
ship. 6 ; size of present township. 6 

Athens, settlement decided on by that 
name, outlines fixed and application 
made to commissioners. 274: town- 
ship granted to John Franklin and 
William Jenkins, agents. 275 ; sur- 
veyed by Col. Jno. Jenkins. 275 ; re- 
corded in Susquehanna Company's 
book of deeds. 277 ; description of 
divisions for allotment. 278-279; map 
made by Zephon Flower from Jenk- 
ins' original notes and surveys, 278 ; 
vicinity filling up with half-share 
settlers. 283; rejected by Commis- 
sioner Cooper. 412; rejected by Leg- 
islature. 428; settlers apply under 
Old Ulster. 412. 429 

Athens Borough, incorporated, 4 

Athens. Lower, a true flood plain. 15 

Athens has a boom. 1840-50. 498; 
praised by Bradford Porter, 503 ; de- 
scribed by Sherman Day. the histor- 
ian, in 1843. 512 ; described in U. S. 
Gazetteer, 512 



639 



640 



INDEX 



Athens Gazette, edited by "Brick" 

Pomeroy, 573 
Athens Scribe and Advocate of Neiu 

York and Peniisylz'ania Improz'c- 

nients, first town paper, 49S, 573 ; 

extracts from, 503-50S 
Attawanderons, general name for 

southern Indians, 25 
Avery, Judge Charles, liistorian of 

Susquehanna valley, 1 :.'<>, !(')'.», 514 

Backus, Ehenezer, 321. 481 

Baird, Henry C. 5(55, 566 

Baker, Judge Caleb, discovers big 
horn in 17SS, 17 

Baldwin, Waterman, 190, 239, 305 

Baldwin, Thomas, 190, 191 

Banner, Democratic, presented to 
Athens in 1844, 511 

Banking system introduced, corre- 
spondence concerning application to 
Athens, 444 

Baptist Church, 559-560 

Bartram, John, the botanist, at Tea- 
oga 1743, 72; Observations. 212 

Bedford and Ulster rejected by com- 
missioners. 412 

Bedford and Ulster Act passed, work 
of Henry Welles, 428 ; commission- 
ers appointed to execute, 428 ; Athens 
having been struck out, settlers ap- 
ply under first grant of Ulster, 428, 
430, 431 ; sharp practice tried on 
commissioners. 430 ; conflicting 
Pennsylvania titles made use of, 
431 ; no certificate questioned, all 
Connecticut claims settled except 
Elisha Matthewson's, 431 ; addition- 
al information, 610 ; discussion of H. 
Welles' action as to proviso, 614 ; 
right of certificate of Henry W^elles 
and Mrs. Mathewson discussed, 615 

Biles. Joseph, deputy surveyor of Sus- 
quehanna Company. 230 

Bill No. 471, constitutionality dis- 
cussed, 616-621 

Bingham, Chester, 333; note 4, 400 

Bingham, William, 254, 257 

Bingham Lands. 257 

Bishop Asbury. consecrated by John 
Wesley, visits "old Tioga circuit" 
1807, 556 

Block. Adrian, earliest map maker in- 
cluding this region. 29 ; his figurative 
map. 29. 30 ; builds the yacht Onrest, 
30 ; explorations. 30 

Blood, John and Samuel, 518 

Boats, primitive, 521 

Boats, built. 521 

Bonaparte, Joseph, 218 

Bonaparte, Madam, visits Athens, 218 



P>ond of indemnity given by Henry 
Welles to Mrs. Mathewson, and re- 
ceipt, 602 

Bond of George and Henry Welles to 
Thomas Overton, 599 

Boundary Line of New York and 
Pennsylvania established, 259-261 

Braddock's defeat, effect of. 77 

Bradford County erected, first called 
Morris, then Ontario. 394-395 

Bradford County, early political his- 
tory, as gleaned from letters and 
old newspapers, 453-8 ; Federalists 
and Democrats, 453-4 ; newspaper 
war violent. 454-7 ; efforts to remove 
C. F. Welles from office successful, 
457 ; Welles-Matthewson controversy 
made a party issue. 455. 459 ; another 
heated campaign in 1825. 466; spir- 
ited campaign of 1826, 470 ; Welles 
and Mathewson wage newspaper 
war, 470-1; Samuel McKean active, 
454-7 ; wavers in loyalty to friends, 
457 ; libel suit, 458 

Bradford Gazette, started as Demo- 
cratic organ. Burr Ridgway editor, 
S. McKean. C. F. Welles and other 
politicians backers. 454; called by 
Franks "Chronicle of Slightness," 
455 ; C. F. Welles wields a vigorous 
and trenchant pen. 456 ; Henry 
Welles publishes card addressed to 
owners of JVashingtonian. 457; 
changed to Bradford Settler, 458 

Brant. Joseph, often in council at 
Tioga Point. 123. 143 

Breckenridge. Judge, opinion on In- 
trusion Law, 407 

"Brick" Pomeroy and his spicy ^Ithcns 
Gazette, 573-574 

Briggs, William, builder of famous 
Exchange Hotel, 488 

Bristol, James A.. 577 

Brodhead, T. R.. historian of note, 
29. 30 ; his discoveries at The Hague, 
30; letter to Pioneer Festival. 515 

Bronze insignia from a grave in Tioga 
Point. 67-68 

Brooks. Thomas L, 491 

Brule, fitienne. Champlain's account of, 
33-36; Suite's account of. note, 36; 
biography written by Butterfield, 
33; visits Carantouan (on Spanish 
Hill), 35; explores Susquehanna to 
the sea, 36 ; first white man after 
"the three Dutclinien" to visit Tioga 
Point and Bradford County. 35 

Bryant. Prince, builds first mills on 
Cayuta Creek in 1787. 331 ; not or- 
iginal applicant for Athens. 277 

Budd. Andreas, first cabin on Point. 
240; location, 240 



INDEX 



641 



Burial sites, Indian, 198-207 
Burial methods, Indian, 203 
"Burying ground," first in locality, 279 
Burgess, first of Athens, David Paine, 
494 

Cammerhoff, Moravian Missionary, 
passes Tioga 1750, 7.3 

Canal system proposed for Pennsyl- 
vania, and many meetings held, 531 ; 
canal convention leads up to pro- 
vision for system, 532 ; North Branch 
canal left to last ; delayed, suspended, 
work resumed, etc., 533 ; Junction 
Canal projected and built, 533-4; con- 
struction defective of North Branch, 
534 ; passenger packets run, 534 ; 
first boats of coal, 535 ; part of sys- 
tem sold, purchased by citizens, who 
organized as North Branch Canal 
Company, 535 ; general information, 
.536 

Canfield, John E., 501 

Carantouan and the Carantouannai, 
32, 34 ; its probable identity with 
Spanish Hill, 35, 43; Brule's expedi- 
tion to, 36 

Carantouannai, same as Andastes, 43, 
45 

Carner family, 497-8 

Carroll, Charles of Carrollton, his 
connection with Tioga Point, 359 ; 
joint interest with H. Welles in Ma- 
thewson's possessions, 606; their 
possession valid, 613 ; Carroll and 
Welles as Pennsylvania claimants, 
discussion at length of their rights, 
618-21; Carroll vs. Mathewson, eject- 
ment, 593 ; alleged discontinuance, 
602 

Catawba Indians, 72 

Caton, Richard, purchaser of J of Tio- 
ga Point, 353, 354 ; associated with 
Ashbel Welles, firm fails, 361 ; en- 
thusiastic about navigation of Sus- 
quehanna, 362 ; mortgages | of Point 
to Charles Carroll, assigns George 
Welles' ^ to Carroll, 361 ; many ex- 
planatory letters, 362. 363, 364, 367, 
370, 374; at the Point in 1802, 365; 
at Wilkes-Barrc to arrange for 
sheriflf's sale of Tioga Point, 371-2; 
positive that Tioga Point will be 
county town or capital of new state, 
362-364. 379. 395; instructive letter 
to Henry Welles in legislature. 448 

Caton's interest and its adjustment 
according to various Acts. 440 ; he 
employs Edmund Lockwood as 
agent, 440 ; correspondence with 
Henry Welles concerning recovery 
from Lockhart, 440, 441 ; many pro- 



posals to buy his interest, 442-4; 
brings suit against state according 
to law, 447 ; favorable verdict, valu- 
ation of $7,975.78 promptly paid, 448- 
9; last purchase of his lands by Guy 
Tozer and Francis Tyler, 476 ; gives 
deed of trust of Tioga Point lands 
for benefit of his creditors, 476 

Champlain, Samuel, voyage to New 
France 1608, 33 ; mentions Brule, 
33; his alliance with the Hurons, 
34; his story of sending for allies, 
34-35 ; story of Brule, 35 ; story of 
three ransomed Dutchmen, 35 ; his 
map. 37 ; explanatory index of map, 
.36-37 

Chemung, source of, 3 ; description of 
valley of, 5 ; buried valley of, 13 ; 
Indian origin of name. 16; French 
name for, 16 ; German name for, 16 ; 
fossils of Mammoth found along, 
17 ; earlier Indian name Tyoga, 17 ; 
Conongue another form of name, 
IS; called Cayuga Branch, 39 

Chemung Neighbors, 585 

Chemung Bridge erected, 526, 551 

"Chemung Period" and Chemung 
Rocks noted in every geology, 9-10 

Christian preachers, first known in val- 
ley, Sullivan's chaplains, 560 

Church history, 555-561 

City of tlie Plains, 4 

Clapp, Nathaniel, Sr., and family, 491 

Clapp, Nathaniel, Jr., merchant and 
active business man, 491 

Clark, Gen. John S., authority on 
early Indian matters, 25-6 ; student of 
early explorations, 29 ; his study of 
Brule, 33 ; gives much valuable in- 
formation to author, 29 

Collins murders Indian at Athens, 313" 

Commissioners, many appointed to ad- 
just titles. 402; Thomas Cooper most 
successful, 402-4 

Compensation Law and supplements, 
595 

Compensation Law in operation, does 
not reach Athens or Ulster, 427 ; 
meeting called by Dr. Rose to con- 
sider further appeal to Legislature, 
427 ; Henry Welles elected because 
likely to have influence, 428; frames 
well known "Bedford and Ulster 
Act" himself, but Athens is struck 
out during debate, 428 ; Henry 
Welles' action as to proviso discuss- 
ed, 514 

Compromise system, observations con- 
cerning application of, 611 ; policy 
and intention of Legislature, 611-13 ; 
state necessity for "quieting acts" 
discussed, 614, 616; reports of Judges 



642 



INDEX 



Yeates and Patterson concerning 
confirming and compromise laws, G17 

Compromise measnres all suspended, 
42S 

Comstock, Charles, 491-2 

Conestogas, or Canistokas, 21 ; sup- 
posed to be remnant of Andastes, 
99 ; massacred by whites, 99 

Confirming Law or Act, what it was, 
229 ; enactment adds fuel to the 
flame, 2S4 ; Col. Franklin advises 
non-conformity, 285 ; repealed, 595 

Congregational Church organized 1812, 
557 ; changed to Presbyterian, then 
Reformed Dutch, and now First 
Presbyterian Church, 557-9 

Conkling, Ananias, 339 

Connecticut, charter limits. 223 ; ter- 
ritory claimed, 222 ; note, 223 ; claims 
mentioned by Teedyuscung as pos- 
sibly renewing Indian wars, 89, 98 

Connecticut claim, persistency of, 
381 ; Connecticut settlers of Wyo- 
ming plan settlement at Tioga 
Point, 263 ; encouraged by New 
York men, 264 ; controversy did not 
come to an end at Wyoming, many 
inaccurate statements hitherto pub- 
lished, 233 ; controversy raged at 
Tioga Point for many years, 234 ; 
final settlement 1827, 474 

Connecticut title did not prevail gen- 
erally in Athens, 477 ; decision as to 
validity, 594, 612, 613 

Connecticut Gore, 296-9 

Conongue, Indian word for horn in 
water, IS 

Conoys, tribe of Indians living on 
Susquehanna, 102 

Conspiracy of Pontiac, 99 

Constitutions of U. S. and of Penn'a 
applied to rights of Pennsylvania 
claimants, 618 

Cook, David M., Sr., and family, 484 

Cooper, Thomas, appointed commis- 
sioner to adjust titles, 402; his "Ob- 
servations" valuable, 403 ; his opin- 
ion of Connecticut claimants, 409 ; 
pursues policy of conciliation, 409 ; 
letter concerning Athens and Ulster. 
411; report rejecting Bedford and 
Ulster, 412 ; suggests to inhabitants 
application to Legislature, note. 412; 
submits '"history of Ulster." 413-14; 
letters of 1803 concerning situation, 
note, 415, 418 ; hampered by Ellicott 
and protests, 419 

Corbin, Dr. John L.. 571 

Cornelius. Capt. Indian chief murder- 
ed at Tioga Point. 312 

Corollana. poem descriptive of the 
Susquehanna. 40-2 



Corss. Rev. Charles Chapin. 558 

Councils or treaties with Indians in 
1732-34-36, 73; Iroquois and Dela- 
wares hold one at Philadelphia 1742, 
75 ; Teedyuscung holds one with 
Delawares, Shawanese and Nanti- 
cokes 1755, 76 ; Newcastle holds one 
at Tioga 1756. 80; Gov. Morris 
holds one at Easton 1756. 82 ; sec- 
ond council at Easton, same year, 
85 ; Teedyuscung' s authority doubt- 
ed, 86 ; "Teedyuscung's Treaty" at 
Lancaster, May 1757, 87; many In- 
dians sent to attend, entertained by 
Moravians. 87 ; third treaty at Eas- 
ton 1757, 90; "Great Treaty" at 
Easton 1758, 95 ; several small coun- 
cils held at Pittsburgh 1760, 98; 
council at Easton, August 1761, 98 ; 
council for Ohio Indians 1762, 
Teedyuscung's last appearance, 99; 
conferences at Johnson Hall and 
Fort Pitt 1768. 101; "Congress of 
Six Nations" at Fort Stanwix, Sept. 
1768. Gov. Penn attends and con- 
summates "New Purchase," 101 ; 
various minor conferences later. 102 

Councils with Indians, later ; at Tioga 
Point. 171 ; one in 1785 to deliver 
goods promised to Indians at Fort 
Stanwix. 171-3; treaty conducted by 
Timothy Pickering. 174-181; Pick- 
ering holds second treaty at New- 
town instead of Painted Post, 182-7; 
Pickering holds treaty at Canandai- 
gua 1794, 188; invoice of goods fur- 
nished by Matthias Hollenback, 176- 
183 

Coxe. Tench, Secretary of the State 
Board of Property. 402 ; able sup- 
porter of Cooper as commissioner, 
402-3 

Creve-Coeur, 'a French writer, at Tioga 
Point. 21.3-4 

Croghan. G. M.. appointed Deputy 
Agent Indian Affairs. 87 

Crucifix found at Tioga Point. 66-8 ; 
two found at Owego. 68 

Cusick's Chronology of the Origuy In- 
dians, 24 

Davies, Thomas R.. 484. 485, 509, 510 
Decree of Trenton. 227 ; original let- 
ter of commissioners now in Athens, 
229 ; effect of decree. 263-4, 268. 270. 
273. 279 ; erection of new state, and 
settlement of Ulster and Athens di- 
rect outcome of decree, 270 
Deeds : Lockhart's of "Indian Arrow." 
356-8; Ashbel Welles to Richard 
Caton, 361 ; Caton to George Welles. 
366 ; partition deed between Welles 



INDEX 



643 



and Caton, :i66 ; warranty deed of 
Carroll and Harper to Caton, 372 ; 
Caton's trust deed for benefit of for- 
eign creditors, 476 ; deed of Mrs. Ma- 
thewson to H. Welles, 599 

Defence of Henry Welles, prepared by 
Cbarles F. Welles. Appendix A, 591- 
621 

Delaware Indians, 21-3 ; tribal name 
Lenni-Lenape. 23; their subjection 
by Mengwe, 23 ; ordered to remove 
from Delaware to Wyoming, 75 ; 
from Wyoming to Teaoga, 78 ; mi- 
gration to Ohio. 79 ; unfriendly to 
whites during French war, due to 
their treatment by the Iroquois, 82, 
89 ; great discontent on account of 
Connecticut settlements at Wyo- 
ming, 89 

Dcnison, Col. Nathan, original pro- 
prietor of Athens, 304 

Depositions in trespass suit of Henry 
Welles vs. Mrs. Mathewson, 597-605 

Diahoga, Moravians' name for Tea- 
oga, 5-71, 78, 84, 86, 94, 96, 97, 98; 
location described in Governor's 
proclamation, 77 

Dickinson, John, as President of Ex- 
ecutive Council, interested in land 
controversy, 270 ; protests against 
Armstrong, 274 ; original letter con- 
cerning Trenton commissioners' ap- 
peal is in Athens, 229 

Discoverers, strange use of term, 250 

Dongan, Thos., English Governor of 
N. Y., his insinuating methods with 
the Indians, 70 ; suggests erection of 
fort on Susquehanna in 1687, resent- 
ing territory claimed by Penn, 117 

Doran, John, 275 

Early Athens, annals of. illustrated 
by extracts from the Scribe, 507 

Early industries, mills and stills, 541-3 

liarly lawyers, 562-6 

Early newspapers, 573 

Early pastors, 556-9 

Early physicians, 567-572 

Early schools, 545 

Early temporary settlements in Brad- 
ford County, 115 ; earliest known is 
John Anderson's at Old Sheshequin, 
as noted by various Moravians, 115- 
116; several at Standing Stone, 116; 
Fox and Schufeldt later than An- 
derson, 116; many tory and loyalist 
settlements near Tioga Point, 116 

Earlv travelers through Tioga Point. 
210-218 

Ejectment suit of Carroll vs. Matthew- 
son, 597-9 



Eghohowin. King of Wolf Clan, many 
names, 103 ; husband of Queen Esth- 
er, 107 ; plants town at Old Sheshe- 
quin, 103 

Eighteenth Township. Athens laid out, 
274 

Ellistown neighbors, 584 

Ellsworth. Lemuel S., and family, 489 ; 
builds first private residence, 489 

Elsbree family, 579-580 

Elwell, Judge William, 565 

Ely. Joseph M., Sr., 517 

Enslin vs. Bowman, decisions as to 
validity of Connecticut title, 597, 612, 
613 

Ercanbrack, Jacob, 575 

Ercanbrack, George T., 575 ; xv. 

Erwin, Col. Arthur, 313; only holder 
of Pennsylvania lottery warrants 
who came on the ground. 314 ; har- 
assed by squatters and Connecticut 
claimants, 314 ; murdered, probably 
by an ejected squatter, 315; letter 
from Erwin to Gov. Mifflin, 316 : 
Governor's proclamation concerning 
assassination, 317; further informa- 
tion from old records, 318 

Evans. Lewis, his expeditions and 
maps, 38-9 ; at Tioga Point, 72, 212 

Evans, Thomas, 513 

Extent of original borough, 494 

Extent of present borough, note, 6 

Ferries and Bridges, 525-6 

Festivals or dances of Indians, 126 

Figurative Map found at The Hague, 
30 

Fires and Fire Companies, 543-4 

Fire Engine, first one purchased by C. 
N. Shipman still preserved. 544 

First white man to visit Tioga Point 
and Bradford County. 31 

Flower. Zephon, independent settler 
and first resident surveyor, 278 

Forbes, Justin, 484 

Forts, line of, erected, 79 ; Iroquois 
request one to be built 14 miles 
above Wyoming, 81 ; Gov. Dongan 
proposes erection in 1687 of fort 
near Wyalusing, 117 

Fort Stanwix Treaty, 101 

Fort Sullivan pictured, 157 ; companies 
left there, 158; order book of Thos. 
E. Gee, citations therefrom, 158-9 ; 
Sullivan's "elegant entertainment," 
Oct. 2. 161; fort demolished, 162; 
various relics in Tioga Point Mu- 
seum, 157 ; Col. Hubley's letters 
written in the fort, 155-6, 162 

Franklin, Benjamin, as President Ex- 
ecutive Council, interested in affairs 
at Athens, 281 ; writes to Zebulon 



644 



INDEX 



Butler concerning enforcement of 
Confirming Law, 285; letter con- 
cerning the arrest of John Frank- 
lin and Dr. Jos. Hamilton, 291 ; pays 
expenses of Denison's investigations 
concerning malcontents at Tioga, 
293 ; his inventory of scalps "delib- 
erate fiction," 169 

Franklin, Capt. John, organizes mili- 
tia company, 166; many scouting ex- 
peditions up the river. 167-8. 

Franklin. John, 26.)-S ; leading spirit 
among the Yankees, 267 ; traverses 
the country reciting wrongs of Con- 
necticut settlers, 268 ; actively con- 
cerned in grant of Athens, 274 ; ap- 
pointed clerk of committee to locate 
townships, 280; letter to Hamilton 
recommends enlisting adventurers, 
281; with Col. Jenkins visits As- 
sembly, interviews Benjamin Frank- 
lin, seems to repudiate New State 
scheme, 283 ; spurns election to As- 
sembly, 284; actively opposes Con- 
firming Law, 285 ; presents petition 
to General Assembly at Hartford, 
286 ; "brave to desperation," 289 ; 
signs orders to adherents, "Colonel 
Commandant," 289; warrant issued 
for his arrest, 290; imprisoned, 290; 
absence does not quell disorders, 
294 ; efforts to obtain release, 295 ; 
trials and release, 322-3 ; returns to 
Athens, keeps diary, 324-8; records 
from Bible, 329 ; commissioned high 
sheriff of Luzerne, 334; commis- 
sioned Lieut. Col. Militia, 334; sent 
to Assembly, 336; visits Connecti- 
cut Legislature, 348 ; on passage of 
Intrusion Law becomes again ag- 
gressive, 405; Cooper advises his ex- 
pulsion. 405; on account of hostility 
his apprehension suggested to ter- 
minate dispute, 408; Legislature di- 
vides county to get rid of him, which 
rouses indignation, 419 ; still chosen 
representative, 420 ; attempt to expel 
from Legislature fails, 420; his ar- 
dor cools, 420; close of life, death 
and disposition of property, 492 ; 
Franklin homestead still occupied by 
descendants, 493 

French Margaret, of Montour family, 
daughter mentioned, 85 

French princes of blood royal visit 
Tioga Point, 217 

French War, 75 ; fort at Niagara, 77 ; 
Susquehanna Indians favor French, 
76 ; Iroquois request them to stop 
mischief, 85 ; negotiations for peace, 
88 ; termination of war in 1759, 96 

Fritchcr family, 513 



Geological Ages, table of, 9 

Geology of the Valley, 7-16 

Gibson, John Bannister, made Presi- 
dent Judge of district including 
Bradford County, expected to live 
at Tioga Point, 451 

Giddings, Joshua R., born at Tioga 
Point, 505 ; correspondence and vis- 
its, 505-6 

Gohontoto, old Indian town at Wya- 
lusing, 44 ; evidences of great battle 
nearby, 46 

Greeley, Horace, visits Athens 1856, 
516 

Greene, Ludovick, and family, 376 

Grifiin family, 482, 577 

Guernsey, Sylvanus, first Academy 
preceptor, letter from, 550 

Haines, Townsend, able lawyer, ap- 
pointed chairman of committee on 
Welles-Mathewson controversy, 471 

Half Share movement planned by Sus- 
quehanna Company to resist decree 
of Trenton, 268 

Half Share men to go on ground pre- 
pared to "man their rights," 268 ; 
called Swift's Band, Wild Yankees, 
Franklin's Ravengers, 274. 276, 282, 
289, 291-2 ; great numbers pass 
through Wyoming in 1788, 294; 
many in possession, 295 ; said to be 
abductors of Pickering, 295 ; most 
of them settled about Burlington, 
and were under leadership of Frank- 
lin, Satterlee and Kingsbery, 402 ; 
resisted surveyors and tarred and 
feathered, 404 ; have tumultuous 
meeting at Sugar Creek, August 
1803, 418 ; sentiments expressed in 
letter to Col. Jenkins, 420 ; Cooper's 
opinion of them, 409 

Hamilton, Dr. Joseph, an incendiary 
spirit in controversy, 271 ; letters to 
Franklin, 272 ; his letters intercepted, 
280-8 ; arrested at same time as 
Franklin, 291 

Hancock family, 513 

Harper, Robert G., bids in Tioga Point 
for Caton. 372 

Harris, Alpheus, 444 

Harris, John, 263 

Harris. Jonathan, has lots assigned to 
Jenkins, 311; original share holder 
in Susquehanna Company, name 
signed to "Wild Yankee League," 
311 ; builds house on Point, refuses 
to sell Connecticut title to George 
Welles. ejectment contemplated, 
383 ; compromise effected, note, 383 ; 
locates at Milltown later, 383 

Harris, Samuel. 263, 331 



INDEX 



645 



Hartley, Col. Thomas, biography, 127 ; 
letters, 141-3 ; his expedition, 127- 
144 ; after his expedition urges Con- 
gress to advance on Chemung, 139- 
140 

Hartley Expedition (account largely 
prepared by Rev. David Craft), 127- 
144 ; expedition first suggested by 
General Armstrong, 127 ; entirely 
conceived and executed by Hartley, 
127 ; Esther's Town and Teaoga de- 
stroyed, 133 ; attacked by Indians 
near Wyalusing, 136 ; letter from 
Fort Augusta describing expedition, 
142 

Hayden, Sidney, 501 

Heckewelder, Rev. John, early Mo- 
ravian missionar}^ 23 

Hepburn, Samuel, 330 

Herrick, Edward, Sr.. later Judge, 445, 
562-563 

Herrick, Edward, Jr., historian and 
lawyer, 566 

Highways, development of, 519-537 

Hollenback, Matthias, 241 ; establishes 
stores at Tioga Point and Newtown, 
241-4; probable location, 245; all ac- 
counts still in existence, 243-4; John 
Hageman and Jacob Weiss his as- 
sociates. 244 ; makes purchase of 
land on Tioga Point from John 
Secord, 361 ; minute memoranda 
give dates, 243 ; death at his home 
in Wilkes-Barre, 243 

Hollenback's Store, first business ven- 
ture at Tioga Point, 243; first 
clerks, 245 ; used as name for town, 
245 ; price lists and customers. 247- 
252 ; stock of, 250 ; later history of 
from Maxwell and Tuttle letters, 
433-435 

Hopkins, Dr. Stephen, 321 ; biograph- 
ical sketch, 567-8 ; builds pretentious 
house, 421 ; entertains noted travel- 
ers, 217 

Home, Col. Abraham, appointed to 
enforce Intrusion Law. hated and 
despised, 404 ; appoints Thos. Smiley 
sub-agent, 404 ; letter to settlers, 
note, 404 

Hotels of early days, Irwin's Tavern, 
359; Old Red Tavern, 398; Salt- 
marshes', 398 ; Dr. Hopkins' "Hotle," 
398 ; Murray's Inn, 426 ; the old Ex- 
change, 488 ; Davies' Coffee House, 
509; Mansion House, 500 

Hoyt, Dr. Fred S., 571 

Hoyt, Hon. Henry, author of clear ac- 
count of land controversy, 222-233 

Hoyt family of Sheshequin and Ath- 
ens, 517, 576 



Hubley, Col. Adam, commander in 
Fort Sullivan, 155 ; letters written 
there, 156-162; reflection at close of 
expedition, 164 ; interesting pen and 
ink sketches in his journal, 150-1 

Hunsiker, Cornelius, 510 

Huron Indians, 21, 34, 35 

Hurlbut, Christopher, 252; location, 
253, 305 

Huston, Judge Charles, notes of evi- 
dence in Matthewson vs. Satterlee, 
603; charge to jury, 606 

Huston, Dr. Thomas T., 569-70 

Huston, Charles T., edits Gleaner, 574 

Independent Gazetteer of 1787, ac- 
counts of incendiary proceedings at 
Tioga Point and arrest of Franklin, 
292-3 

Indians, American, origin of, accord- 
ing to various writers, 20-5 ; Jesuit 
records of, 21 ; Moravian records of, 
21 ; antiquity of residence at Tioga 
Point, 25 ; customs and modes of 
living, 27-8 

Indian paintings and hieroglyphics, 
24 ; Indian meadows, 27 ; fruits culti- 
vated by them, 27 ; manner of wor- 
ship, 97 ; see vision at Tioga, 97 ; 
narrative of Indian girl Way-way, 
169-70; enumeration of last tribes 
living at Tioga Point, 169 

Indian Arrow, first English name for 
Teaoga, 258 

Indian burial place, curious one on 
Murray farm, 198; another, careful- 
ly planned, discovered on M. P. 
Murray's tozvn lot, investigated by 
Harrison Wright, 198 ; many graves 
since found, 202 ; age of burial plot, 
202 ; other burial place on the Point, 
204-6 

Indian chief disinterred in Murray 
garden, 203 

Indian Clans, 23 

Indian Councils, see Councils 

Indian implements found in this re- 
gion, 206 ; evidence of extensive 
manufacture, 209 

Indian murders by Stump, 101 

Indians murdered at Tioga Point, 312, 
313 

Indian Purchases, what they were, 226 

Indian raid near Lancaster, 87 

Indians resident at Tioga Point in 
1784-5, 169 

Indians resent coming of Connecticut 
settlers, 76 

Indian trails, many met at Tioga 
Point, 519-20 



646 



INDEX 



Indian war, called Cresap's, last before 
Revolution, 102 

Industries, many established in 1842, 
501 

Intrusion Law, meaning of, 232 ; pass- 
ed, barring out New Ulster and 
Athens, 330 ; proposed enforcement 
causes agitation, 336-40 ; rumors of 
a bill to aid enforcement 1797, 347 ; 
bill rejected by Senate, 348; render- 
ed more effective, supplementary act 
provides for commissioner to en- 
force, 404 ; called the Terror Act, 
note, 40(5 ; called the Swindling Act, 
406 ; constitutionality doubted by 
Judges Breckenridge and Yeates, 
407 ; protest from Tilghman, 408 ; 
supreme court pronounces constitu- 
tional. 411 ; supplements to law 
stronger than original, 596 

Irish families, many settle in this lo- 
cality. 514, 575 

Irish, Job, pettifogger, .391. 599. 600, 
601. 603, 607. 609 

Iroquois, 21 ; tribal name, 21 ; mean- 
ing of name, 23 ; emigration east- 
ward. 23 ; names for the different 
tribes in the League, 21 ; Mengue or 
Mingos another name for them, 22 ; 
various other names, 22 ; extent of 
territory in 17th century. 71 ; made 
Teaoga stronghold after routing the 
Andastes, 70-71 

Irwin, James, 334, 359 

Jenkins, John, prominent Wyoming 
settler. 274 ; called Superintendent of 
Surveys of Susquehanna Company, 
274 ; surveys township of Athens, 
274-5: address at Forty-Fort. 284; 
implicated in Pickering's abduction, 
295 

Jesuit Relations, earliest authority on 
Indians, 26 

Johnson, Sir William, sole agent of 
Indian affairs. dissatisfied with 
Pennsylvania. 86 ; Gov. Denny apol- 
ogizes and appeals for establishment 
of peace. 86 ; Sir William appoints 
Croghan Deputy Agent, 87 ; holds 
Congress of Six Nations at Fort 
Stanwix and effects treaty. 101 

Jones, Rev. Evan, missionary, brings 
Cherokee Indians to Athens, 560 

Junction Canal, projected and built to 
connect New York and Pennsyl- 
vania systems. 533 

KiFF, Dr. William. 570-1 

King Charles 11, charters granted by 
him to Connecticut and to William 
Penn, 223 ; opinion of attorney-gen- 
eral of England, 224 



Kingsbery, Joseph, comes to Sheshe- 
rjuin, 257 ; has agency for lands of 
Le Ray de Chaumont, 257-8 ; active- 
ly concerned in half share move- 
ment, as shown by letters, 406 

Kinney, Joseph. 237 ; deposition as to 
date of Sheshequin settlement, 238 

Kinney. Simon, ardent politician and 
County Treasurer, 454-5 

Kleynties. a Dutchman, generally sup- 
posed to be first white man to visit 
this locality, 31 ; note concerning 
him on Figurative Map, 31 

Land at Tioca granted by Iroquois 
to Munsies and Delawares, with 
proclamation of peace, 102 
Land Controversy, general outlines, 
queries and answers, 221-34 ; ex- 
haustive treatment by various au- 
thors, 222 ; territory claimed by Con- 
necticut, 222 ; charters granted by 
King Charles. 223 ; organization of 
Susquehanna Company. 224 ; Indian 
purchases. 226 ; seventeen townships 
laid out along Susquehanna, 227; 
Pennamite wars, 227 ; Decree of 
Trenton, 227; Confirming Act. 229; 
various rights granted to settlers, 
230 ; Intrusion Law, 232 ; Compro- 
mise Act, 232 ; statements of vari- 
ous authors as to close of contro- 
versy inaccurate, 233 ; did not end 
at Wyoming, but was transferred 
to Tioga Point and vicinity, 233 

Landowners' Association, Pennsyl- 
vania, organized. 253 

Landjobbers influence Legislature to 
reduce price of lands, 254 

Law passed 1802 "against Yankees 
sitting as jurymen to try Yankees on 
Intrusion Law." Governor's speech 
concerning same, 411 

Lawyers of early Athens. 562-7 

Lenni-Lenape, tribal name of Dela- 
wares. 23; meaning of word, 71 

Le Ray de Chaumont. account of him 
and of his lands, 257 

Letter of Josiah Lockhart concerning 
purchase of Tioga Point. 349 

Letters of Timothy Pickering concern- 
ing situation at Tioga Point. 288-94 

Letters of Richard Caton, 367-74 

Letters of Henry Welles, 374-395 

Lindsley. Col. Eleazar. 315. 320, 350 

Local land controversy, first suit tried 
in 1789. 313; Miller vs. Satterlee and 
Matthewson, 423 ; conflicting claims 
under Pennsylvania made use of by 
Connecticut settlers, 424 ; Matthew- 
son vs. Satterlee, 423; Welles-Math- 



IXDEX 



647 



ewson case, 382, 474, also Appendix 
A ; 1)rought to a close in 1827, 474 

Lockhart, Josiah, chooses Tioga Point 
as lotten- warrant No. 1, 258; pays 
for his choice a small sum, 259 ; let- 
ters to M. HoUenback, 262, 349; 
did not press claim, 353 ; sells the 
"Indian Arrow" to Richard Caton 
and George and Ashbel Welles, 356 ; 
deed to purchasers, 356-8 ; attempted 
enforcement of claim by other par- 
ties, 459 ; did not try to make title 
good, and Caton apparently brought 
suits, 441 ; his title generally prevail- 
ed, 477; died before titles were ad- 
justed, 441; warrant mentioned, 592 

Lockhartsburg. name given to Tioga 
Point by Josiah Lockhart, 262 

Lockwood, Edmund, 440-1 

Lord, John, settler at Sheshequin 1770, 
116; shelters Tories, 120 

Loskiel enumerates Indian tribes, 22 

Lottery warrants, first choice of lands 
in new purchase so disposed of, 258 ; 
first choice, Tioga Point, drawn by 
Josiah Lockhart, 258 ; all surveyed 
by Wm. Maclay, 359 ; only holder 
who came on the ground, 259 ; Mac- 
lay's survey antedates Connecti- 
cut's, 263 ; original warrant still in 
existence, 258 

Lowe, Isaac, 494 

Lowman, Jacob, first comes as a river 
hawker, 329 

Luzerne County established. 283 ; first 
election riotous meeting, 284 ; Jenk- 
ins' address soon after, 284 ; divided, 
394; a part set off to Lycoming to 
oust Col. Franklin, 596 

Lyon, Alanson, 513 

Lyon, Frederick R., 501 

Mails, first carried by post-riders or 
men on foot, 520 

Mammoth or Mastodon remains along 
Chemung and Susquehanna, 16-19 

Mansion House, built by Elias Math- 
ewson, 500 

Maquas or Mohawks, 21 ; meaning of 
name, 23 

Masons, Col. Proctor's Military Lodge 
at Tioga Point. 164 ; finding of iron 
square, 164 ; Rural Amity Lodge, 
No. 70, established, 572 

Matthewson. Elisha. 306-7, 309; aban- 
dons rights easily confirmed in 
Kingston for doubtful rights in Ath- 
ens, 594-5 ; builds Red Tavern, 336 ; 
makes exchanges and purchases on 
Point, 336 ; refuses to sell out to 
George Welles, 360, 382; dies stead- 
fast, leaving property in trust to 



wife Elizabeth, 382 ; estate and will, 
593 

Matthewson, Elizabeth Satterlee, 311; 
account of Wyoming massacre and 
Right, 124-5 ; notable record of her 
"Suffering Rights,"' 347; defends her 
husband's claim, 382; ejectment 
planned by Harper, 382 ; writ served, 
384 ; she appeals to Col. Franklin 
and Elisha Satterlee to defend suit, 
384, 593 ; Thomas Overton makes 
propositions for her town lot, 384-5 ; 
she accepts, and he makes contract 
with her, 385, 599 ; bond of indem- 
nity given her by Henry Welles, 385, 
602 ; deed of Point lots given Welles 
by her, 385 ; change of view brought 
about by Dr. Rose's actions, 386, 
607-8 ; action for trespass brought 
by Henry Welles, case tried and won 
by her, 388, 601-7, 608; claimed to 
be cheated out of her right of de- 
fence, 594 ; Henry Welles proposes 
to submit her complaints to jury, 
621 ; writ of ejectment served by 
Deputy Marshal, she defends with 
musket and teakettle, 390, 608, 609; 
Job Irish counsels her to agree, 609 ; 
her attempts later to prove posses- 
sion, 604 ; claim under Bedford and 
Ulster Act, being barred out by 
commissioners, remains quiescent, 
430 ; some years later renews contro- 
versy and appeals to Legislature, 459; 
relinquishes cause until made party 
issue, 469 

Matthewson vs. Satterlee, 423 ; Judge 
Huston's notes of evidence, 603; his 
charge to jury, 606; discussion of 
Matthewson rights, 604-6 

Mathewson, Constant, takes up con- 
troversy, doubtless at instigation of 
politicians, and appeals again to 
Legislature, 460 ; elected to Legis- 
lature, 470 ; has 13 votes for Gov- 
ernor in 1826, 471 ; withdraws bill 
and prays for relief, 471 ; wastes his 
portion of award in visionary 
schemes, 475 

Mathewson vs. Welles, fully treated in 
Appendix A. 591-622 

Mathewson, Elizabeth, 2nd, married 
Benjamin McKean, 483 

Maxwell, Guy, acts as clerk at Picker- 
ing treaties, 186; the Indians adopt 
him and his descendants, 186 ; in 
charge of Hollenback's store, 252 ; 
removes to Newtown in 1795, 252, 514 

Maxwell. Thomas, son of Guy, 179, 186 

McDowell, Daniel, 245-6 

McDowell, Judge John, 245, 514 



648 



INDEX 



McDufFee, Daniel, chines to Tioga 
Point as agent and probable pur- 
chaser of Erwin, 334; family still 
living on original purchase, note, 
314 

McDufTec, Rebecca, marries Horatio 
McGeorge, 502 

McDuffee. Ferdinand, Beau Brummel 
of the Point, 346 

McElhoe, Robert, purchases Patter- 
son's right. 239; sells it in 1805, 239 

McGeorge. Horatio T., 502 

McKean. Samuel, prominent politician 
of early Bradford. 454; attacked by 
JVasliiiigtoniaii, 456; from strong 
friend of C. F. Welles becomes bit- 
ter opponent, 457-8 ; his actions dis- 
closed in letter from Henry and C. 
F. Welles, 458 ; war of words ends 
in libel suit between former friends, 
458 ; triumphs again in heated cam- 
paign of 1825, 4()(; 

McKinney, Henry, early settler in vil- 
lage, 581 

McKinstry, John, 303 

Mengwe, Delaware name for Iroquois, 
23 

Merchants and shops of old Tioga 
Point, 431-2 ; extracts from account 
books. 431-2 ; amusing accounts of 
new merchants by Stephen Tuttle, 
433-4 ; imprisonment for store debts 
enforced. 435 ; merchants protest 
against hawkers, 435 

Methodist Church, 559 

Mile Hill, 15, 278 

Militia, organization, equipment, gen- 
eral training days, etc., 437-9 

Miller, William. 252 ; location, 253 

Milltown Neighbors, 582-3 

Minquas or Andastes, 21, 30 

Mirror of the Tina's, suppression of, 
455 

Montour family, puzzling history un- 
ravelled by Gen. John S. Clark, 107; 
first notice of M. Montour, note, 107 ; 
Madame Montour, 107-8 ; French 
Margaret, her daughter, and the 
mother of Queen Esther, 108 ; Cath- 
erine and Catherinestown, 109 ; older 
Montours prominent at treaties, 
108-9; tradition of Painted Post, 
114; mention of Andrew, 76 

Monsey Indians approve peace treaties 
of 1757, 92, 93 

Moore. Daniel, 252 ; location, 253 

Moore's Ferry established in 1785, 525 

Moravian missionaries in the Susque- 
hanna Valley, 71-3 ; mission estab- 
lished at Old Sheshequin. 105; diary 
and statistics of, 105-6; abandoned 
in 1772. 107 



Morley family, 424-5 

Morley, Alvin, 576 

Morley, Gad Harmon, 576 

Morley, Isaac, 3rd. narrative of. 424-5 

Morley's Mill, 542 

Morris. Robert. 254 

Murray, Noah, Universalist preacher, 

early Justice, etc., 324 
Murray, Abner, son of Noah, 425 
Murray. Noah, Jr., active citizen, 

school teacher and Justice, 491 
Murray. Elizabeth, daughter of Noah, 

Sr., 345 
Murray's Inn. erected by Abner, 426 
Museum-Library, given to town by 

Jesse Spalding. 555 

Nanticoke Indians, 22. 76; a southern 
tribe. 170; living at Diahoga, 78; at 
Chenango Point 1730, 23; revolting 
burial customs, 91 

Narrows of Susquehanna described by 
N. P. Willis, 5 

Navigation of Susquehanna River con- 
sidered a great project, 349; various 
surveys, appropriations and experi- 
ments. 520-525 ; finally decided im- 
practical, 525 

Neighbors east of the Susquehanna, 
5S0-2 

Nevins. J. W.. early Methodist preach- 
er. 513 

Newcastle, or Cashiowaya, sent on a 
mission to Indians by the Governor, 
79-80 ; returns bringing Teedyus- 
cung, 82 ; claims to be bewitched by 
Delawares. 83 ; great influence in re- 
storing peace, 83 ; authorized agent 
of Pennsylvania. 83 ; sent to Six Na- 
tions. 84 

"New Purchase" from Indians con- 
summated in 1784. 253 

Newspapers of early Athens, 573-4 

New State project, 269; well exploited 
in Colonial Records, 270 ; Ethan Al- 
len agrees to assist in erection, 274- 
80 ; settlement of Athens decided 
upon as part of scheme, 274 ; inter- 
cepted letters reveal scheme, 280-1 ; 
Benjamin Franklin interested, 281; 
names of conspirators, 280 ; various 
letters concerning scheme, 282-3 ; 
constitution drawn up by Oliver 
Wolcott, later Governor of Connec- 
ticut, 285 ; letters concerning scheme, 
280-91. 

Newtown battlefield marked, 585 

Nicholson, John, 254 

Nichols neighbors. 584 

Nitchsman, Susanna, first white pris- 
oner recorded as detained at Dia- 



INDEX 



649 



hoga, horrors of captivity cause her 
death, 77 
North Branch Canal, projected in 
1827, 5:52 ; surveyed and begun, de- 
layed, suspended, etc., o33 ; sold by 
state and purchased by organized 
company of private citizens, 535 ; 
towpath ultimately used for road bed 
of Lehigh Valley R. R., 536 

Old Pioneer Meetings, 514-6; insti- 
tuted by Thomas Maxwell and 
Judge McDowell "to save from 
oblivion history of settlement of 
Chemung and Susquehanna Val- 
leys," 514 

Old Time Sports, hunting, fishing, etc., 
538-40 

Oneida Indians, meaning of name, 23 

Onochsae, 44 ; at Meshoppen, 45 

Onondogas, 21 ; meaning of name, 23 ; 
called Entonhonorons by Champlain, 
34 

Onondoga or Onondaga, headquarters 
or council town of Iroquois, 72, 73. 
80 

Ontario County, set off from Luzerne, 
later name changed to Bradford, 395 

Original Proprietors of Athens, lists, 
explanations, etc., 300-311 

Oscolui, old Indian town at mouth of 
Sugar Creek, 44, 45 

Ovenshire, Samuel, purchaser of Pat- 
terson's location, family still in pos- 
session, 230 

Overton, Thomas, arrives at Tioga 
Point as agent of Jos. Wharton, 384 ; 
arranges to purchase Red Tavern, 
384-5, 599; Mrs. Matthewson with- 
draws from agreement and arrests 
him, 386; later lives at Ulster. 384 

Overton, William, son of Thomas, 487 

Page, Thomas. 577 

Paine, Clement, 332-4; interesting cor- 
respondence of, 338. 339, 342. 344, 
345, 399 ; active in improving town, 
399 ; protests against Intrusion Law, 
405 ; removes to Troy, note, 333 

Paine, David, 331-4; made clerk of 
Susquehanna Company, 333 ; letters 
of. 340-2 ; plans to erect house, 342 ; 
very active for Susquehanna Com- 
pany, 344 ; asks advice of Col. Jenk- 
ins concerning controversy. 347 ; val- 
uable comments on politics and con- 
troversy, 411 ; purchases Alexander 
property, 415 ; establishes first libra- 
ry in 1815. 481 ; home a centre of 
literary culture. 403 ; death. 574 

Park, Chester, 497 ; licensed to exhort, 
559 



Park, Dana, 497 

Park, Moses and Amos, 559 

Parks, Thomas, settled at State Line 
in 1783, 238 

Parry, William, 484-5 

Part I, History of Tioga Point Before 
Settlement by Whites, 3 

Part II, The Connecticut Claim, 220 

Part III, The Pennsylvania Claim, 352 

Part IV, General History, 1785-1860, 
479 

Patrick, Harris W., teacher, lawyer 
and "town builder," 500 

Patterson, Benjamin, first settler in 
Athens Township, 238 ; his location, 
239; sells possessory right to Mc- 
Elhoe, 239 ; buys Connecticut right 
of Waterman Baldwin, 239 ; moves 
to Chenango, 239 

Patterson, Judge, report on Confirming 
and Compromise Acts, 617 

Paxinosa, Shawanese chief, lived at 
Teaoga, as well as at Wyoming, 76- 
8 ; speaker in Newcastle's council, 
80 ; removes to Ohio 1758, 94 

Pennamite Wars, 227 

Penn family, their feudal methods in 
granting land, 235 ; grants under pre- 
emption deed of 1736, 236 ; grant to 
John Anderson in 1742, 236 

Pennsylvania claim to "Indian Ar- 
row," summary of value. 449 

Pennsylvania claims at Tioga Point, 
advance of, 349 ; coming of claim- 
ants to Tioga Point, 353 ; Lockhart's 
claim purchased by Richard Caton 
and George and Ashbel Welles, 353 ; 
transaction consummated, 356 ; copy 
of Lockhart's deed, 356 ; various 
legal transactions listed. 378 ; for 
further information see Welles-Mat- 
thewson Controversy, and Appendix 
A, 591 

Pennsylvania titles under Province 
and State, 235 

Perkins, Edward H., 486-7 

Perkins, George A., 485-6 

Physiography of the Valley, 7-16 

Physicians of early Athens. Hopkins. 
Huston, Kifif. Hoyt, Corbin, Allen, 
567-72 

Pickering. Timothy, appointed by 
Washington to conduct treaties, 
174 ; active in ending new state 
scheme. 294 ; seizure of as hostage 
for Franklin. 295 ; abductors acting 
under orders of Jenkins and McKin- 
stry. 295 ; deposition of Garret Smith 
and others as to plans for abduction, 
307; released. 295 



G50 



INDEX 



Pioneers, 200 

Pioneer Life. 537-43 

Pioneers, third generation, active cit- 
izens in 1860, 518 

Pike, John M., last proprietor of "Ir- 
win's Tavern," 513 

Political campaign of 1844 a lively 
one, Athens becomes banner town 
of Democrats, and has Ijanner pre- 
sented, 510-12 

Pomeroy, M. M. (Brick), 573 

Population of Athens in 1858, 518 

Post, Christian Frederick, worthy 
German, sent on mission to Western 
Indians, 94 ; sent on mission to Sus- 
quehanna Indians, 96 ; second mis- 
sion to Ohio, 97; visits Diahoga, 97 

Post routes and stage coaches, 529-31 

Pottery, Indian, in Murray garden un- 
usual, 199 ; group of buried pottery, 
202 ; discovery of place of manufac- 
ture, kiln, etc., 207 ; method of pro- 
cedure, 208 ; many forms and ma- 
terials used here, 209 

Prentice, Dr. Amos, 569 

Prentice, William, first lawyer and 
postmaster, 398 

Prisoners at Tioga Point, their nar- 
ratives, 77, 78, 84, 85, 113, 123, 124, 
125 

Proctor, Col. , sent by Wash- 
ington to northwest Indians, 182 ; 
his journal of the expedition, 190-4; 
at Tioga Point, 191 ; account of In- 
dian worship, 194 

Protestant Episcopal Church establish- 
ed, 560-1 

Province changed to State, 253 ; es- 
tablishes land offices for vacant 
lands, and for those in "new pur- 
chase," 253 

Proprietaries (Penn's agents) grant 
early warrants, 106, 236 ; obliged to 
relinquish jurisdiction to State, 253 

Pumpelly, James, 365 ; his survey of 
Tioga 'Point, 366 

Queen Esther, true story of, 107-8 ; 
plants a town some distance north 
of Sheshequin, exact location easily 
decided. 109; her personality, 111- 
14; description of town and castle, 
111-13; town destroyed, 112; savage 
behavior at Wyoming, 111-12; Mrs. 
Whittaker's account, 113; pleasant 
story of Esther, 114; interesting rel- 
ics of Esther's town in Museum, 112, 
205 

"Quieting Acts," various ones given, 
381, 596; disdained by Connecticut 
settlers, 381 



R.M'TS in common use to ship lumber 
and produce, 521; perils of running 
the river, 522 

Raids on frontier not ended by Sul- 
livan Expedition, 166; last one the 
attack on Roswell Franklin's home, 
168; Indians incited to raids by 
scalp bounty, Benjamin Franklin's 
"deliberate fiction," 169 

Red Jacket, 178-9, 181, 187 

Reeves, Joseph B., 501 

Religious meetings of interest in Milan 
and Ulster, 560 

Report of committee to Legislature 
"respecting the territorial contro- 
versy at Wyoming," recommend a 
military force to be posted at "point 
of Tioga," 344 

River craft, from dug-out to steam- 
boat, 521-5 

Roads, first public ones, 527-8 

Roberdeau, Gen. Daniel, a friend to 
George Welles, 355 

Rochefoucauld-Liancourt, Due de la, 
visits Tioga Point 1795, 214 

Roman Catholic Church, 560 

Rose, Dr. Robert, arrives as agent for 
Pennsylvania landholders, 386; en- 
courages Connecticut settlers, 386 ; 
friendly to both parties, 388 ; first 
came as agent of commissioners, 
418 ; has surveyor at work, 419 ; calls 
meeting 1808, and proposes applica- 
tion to Legislature, 427 

Round Top, view from, 4 

Rural Amity Lodge, No. 70, 572-3 

Saltmarsh Family, 397, 398, 494 

Sapoonies, Indian tribe, origin un- 
known, 72, 169 

Sasque-sahannocks, see Susquehanna 
Indians 

Satterlee, Daniel, 547 

Satterlee, Elisha, aggressive Connec- 
ticut man at Wyoming, 286 ; leader 
of Swift's and Satterlee's Band, 304 ; 
proclamation concerning him and 
comrades, 273 ; strong adherent of 
Col. Franklin, 309-310; assists in 
laying out Athens, 274 ; settles here 
in 1788, 294 ; continues to defy Penn- 
sylvania, 424; a leader of the Wild 
Yankees, 412; biography, 306-8; or- 
iginal spelling Sattcrly. 308 ; ex- 
changes use of lots with Matthew- 
son, 422-3 ; Mrs. Matthewson brings 
suit against, long litigation, deposi- 
tions valuable historically, 423 ; Judge 
Huston's notes of evidence, 603-6; 
applies for Pennsylvania title, 430 

Satterlee, Dr. Elias, executor of Elisha 
Matthewson, 382, 385, .599 



INDEX 



651 



Satterlee, Benedict, early school teach- 
er at Tioga Point, 547 

Satterlee, John Franklin, .308 ; becomes 
influential citizen, 452 ; buys Irwin 
Tavern, 453 ; an opponent of the 
Welleses, changes twice, seeks 
friendship, 463 

Satterlee, Orrin Day, 508 

Satterlee, Samuel, petitions Legisla- 
ture to include Bedford, Ulster and 
Athens. 393 ; letter to Henry Welles, 
393 

Satterlee vs. Matthewson, instituted, 
423; depositions valuable historical- 
ly, 423 ; verdict rendered by Chief 
Justice Huston, 450 ; see also Ap- 
pendix A 

Sawyer family, 513, 517 

Sayre. 4 

Schotts, John Paul, 302 

School History, 545-55 

School Lands, 545-7 

Schools, 547-8 

Scouting parties between Wyoming 
and Tioga Point, 120-2 

Scull. Nicholas, makes maps for the 
proprietaries, 39 

Second New State scheme, 335 

Secord family, 117-9 ; tory sentiments. 
117 ; first settlers at Tioga Point. 
118; commissary for British troops 
before descent on Wyoming, accord- 
ing to Jane Strope Whittaker. US; 
transfers property to Matthias Hol- 
lenback, 119; lives at Niagara after 
war, 118 

Seneca Indians. 21 ; meaning of name, 
23 

Settler, first in vallev. John Anderson, 
105 

Settlers, first permanent in valley, at 
New Sheshequin, 237 

Settler, first in township. Patterson, 
238 

Settler, first permanent in township. 
Snell. 239-40 

Settlers' Bill or Cause. 449; settlers' 
plea, written by C. F. Welles, "high- 
ly spoken of." 449 ; remarkable 
speech by Henry Welles, possibly on 
this bill, 450. and Appendix C 

Settlers' Rights, Suffering Rights, 
Original Rights, Half Share Rights, 
meaning of, 230 

Seventeen Townships, what and where 
located, 227 

Shamokin. now Sunbury. strategic 
point, held by Iroquois. 74 

Shapley, William. 501 

Shawanese Indians, original home, 
23 ; removed to Diahoga by order of 
Iroquois. 78 



Shepard, John, 245-6 ; clerk for M. 
Hollenback, 246 ; later large land 
owner, miller, merchant, etc., 246; 
early proprietor in Athens, 311; 
later settles at Milltown, 246 

Shepard, Job, notes, 246, 490 

Shepard, Isaac P., descendant of John, 
58, 246 

Shepard. Charles Henry, 58, 246 

Sheshequin, town planted there, of 
Munsies or Monsies, 103 ; originally 
called Schechschequanink, meaning 
of word, location, 103 ; Moravian 
mission established in Old Sheshe- 
quin 1768, 104 ; another Indian town 
across the creek, 104 ; John Roth's 
diary at the mission, 105 ; John An- 
derson's trading house there 1769, 
105-6 ; arrival of first surveyors of 
proprietary warrants. May 1769, 105 ; 
appeal to Governor Penn for re- 
dress, 105 ; statistics of the mission, 
106; death of Echgohund and es- 
tablishment of Queen Esther's town, 
107; abandonment of mission 1772 
107 ; settlement of New Sheshequin 
over the river, 237 ; name of Old 
Sheshequin changed to Ulster, 401 

Sheriff's sale of Tioga Point, purchas- 
ed for Charles Carroll. 372 

Shikellimy. or Swatana, famous Onei- 
da chief, 71-4 ; appointed interpreter 
or agent in connection with Conrad 
Weiser, 71 ; visits Teaoga en route 
to Onondoga, 72 

Shipman, Chauncey M., enterprising 
business man, erects fine house and 
stores, 496-7; leaves Athens in 1859, 
496 

Silver Lake settlers, disappointed, re- 
move to Athens, 482 

Smiley. Thomas, 404, 405 

Smith. Lockwood, 271, 401, 414, 429, 
578 

Smith. Capt. John, explorations and 
writings. 26 

Smith. William, son of Lockwood, 271 

Smith, Dr. Wm. Hooker, acts as spy. 
273; intercepts letters. 280; offers to 
arrest Connecticut conspirators. 280 ; 
writes letter of accusation, discover- 
ed and obliged to fly, 282 

Snell. Jacob, first permanent settler in 
Athens Township, 239 ; comes in 
1784, 239; their first and later loca- 
tions, 240 ; son Abraham first white 
child born in township. 241 ; posses- 
sory rights only, 241 ; Connecticut 
rights purchased. 431; trouble in se- 
curing Penn.sylvania title, 431 

Societies, improving of various sorts, 
organized, 503 



(152 



INDEX 



Soldiers' Monument erected, 555 

South Waverly, 4 

Spalding, Joseph, original proprietor 
of old Ulster, 319; settles on pur- 
chase west of Chemung, 319; sells 
to Isaac Morley, 320 

Spalding, John, ;2nd, son of Joseph, 
319, 320 

Spalding, John, son of Simon of She- 
shequin, 320 

Spalding, Simon, 237; with compan- 
ions makes first permanent settle- 
ment in this valley at Sheshequin, 
238 ; names of his companions, 237- 
238 

Spalding, William Witter, 320 

Spalding, Robert, 320 

Spalding, A. Hanson. 5S1 

Spangcnberg, Moravian missionary, 
visits Teaoga in 1737 and 1745, 71-2 ; 
reports Teedyuscung as cause of 
troubles in 1756, 83 

Spanish Medal, dated 1558, dug up at 
Tioga Point, 67-8 

Spanish Hill, 51; location, 52; earliest 
recorded descriptions of, 52 ; Roche- 
foucault's account, 52 ; Alexander 
Wilson's verse on the hill. 53 ; at- 
tributed to Mound Builders, 53 ; 
theories as to origin, 53-7 ; the hill 
a terminal moraine or drift mound, 
55 ; theories of I. P. Shepard, Prof. 
Ralph S. Tarr and Dr. Frederic 
Corss, 55 ; the irregular portions 
eskers, 56 ; fortifications on the hill, 
and various descriptions of, 57-8 ; 
possible covered way to water. 59 ; 
top leveled off. 59 ; General Clark 
locates Carantouan on the hill, 60 ; 
relics found there, 60 ; antiquity of 
occupation, 60 ; name and traditions, 
61-6 ; Clark's identification generally 
accepted, 60; many conjectures. 61; 
called Bspana or Hispan by Indians. 
62 ; possible Spanish expeditions. 
62; Indians' fear of the hill, 64; 
poem or elegy on the hill, 65 

Steamboats, efforts to introduce on 
Susquehanna unsuccessful, 522-4; 
account of trip to Wilkes-Barre by 
N. P. Willis. 524 

Stephens. Ira. 306-8 

Stephens. Chester. 308 

Stephens, Jedediah, 308 

Stephens, Phineas. 308 

Stephens, Uriah, 309 

Stickler. Joseph and Charlotte Snell, 
present Soldiers' Monument to Ath- 
ens, 555 

Store houses, many built at Tioga 
Point, 432 



Stuart, Charles B., enterprising en- 
gineer of Erie road, located tempor- 
arily at Athens, 498, 499 ; interested 
in intellectual development, 503 

Sullivan Expedition assumes its prop- 
er place in history, as a great epi- 
sode of the Revolution, 144-5 ; plan- 
ned entirely by Washington, 146; ar- 
rangements create alarm along 
frontiers, 148 ; forces assembled and 
preparations begun, 148-9; expedi- 
tion leaves Wyoming, 150; sketches 
in Col. Hubley's journal, 150-1; ar- 
rival at Teaoga, arrangement of 
camps, 152-3 ; construction of Fort 
Sullivan, 153-4 ; letters from Fort 
Sullivan, 155-6 ; soldiers of the ex- 
pedition knozvn to be buried at Ti- 
oga Point, 157; reports of the suc- 
cess of expedition and return march, 
160-1; return of the expedition, 161; 
banquet and rejoicing, 161 ; destruc- 
tion of the fort. 162; return to Wyo- 
ming, 161 

Sullivan, John, biography, 146-7; 
Washington's letter offering him 
command of expedition, 147 ; Sulli- 
van's replies to letters protesting 
against expedition, 149 ; rises to 
every emergency, proving worthy of 
trust, note, 146 ; much of interest 
concerning him, note, 147; praises 
his soldiers and joins in general re- 
joicing, 160 

Surveys, first orders of. 236 ; chamber 
surveys, difficulties resulting there- 
from. 235 ; first ones in this locality, 
three warrants. 236 

Survey of Tioga Point by Wm. Mac- 
lay, hitherto unpublished. 259 

Survey of Athens Township, with 
field notes, by John Jenkins, 275-6 

Survey of Lockhartsburg, by James 
Pumpelly. 366 

Susquehanna, source of, 3 ; buried val- 
ley of. 13 ; its first discoverers. 32-3 ; 
origin and meaning of the name. 32; 
Otsego Lake the source of. 38 ; nar- 
rows of the river described by Wil- 
lis, 5; poem, descriptive of, 40-1 

Susquehanna, navigation of. 349 ; rafts 
from Tioga Point reach Baltimore 
1792. 356 

Susquehanna, declared public high- 
way 1771. 520; schemes to improve 
navigability. 520, 521 ; Caton's mis- 
taken idea of possible navigation. 
522 ; friends of "river interest" op- 
pose canal scheme, obtain appro- 
priation. 523 ; hope of navigability 
abandoned. 524 



INDEX 



653 



Susquehanna Company, organized in 
Windham, Conn., in 1753, and com- 
mittee appointed to view land, etc., 
224 ; purchase of Indians a tract of 
land called Wyoming, 225 ; large 
company formed and settlers repair 
to Wyoming, which becomes the 
seat of heated controversy until De- 
cree of Trenton, 225 ; meeting at 
Hartford 1785, 268 ; meeting at 
Hartford, May 1786, appoints com- 
mittee to locate townships, 280 ; 
"last grand movement" according to 
Miner, meeting at Hartford. Decem- 
ber 1786, 283 ; meeting, December 
1787, 294; stirred to activity 1794, 
meeting at Athens called, 334; 1,200 
men attend, 335 ; great activity in 
granting townships, 336 ; active in 
defiance .of Intrusion Law, 337 ; 
meeting at Athens 1796, 342-4; 
meeting of proprietors at Wyalus- 
ing. May 1807, 406; result, leaders 
indicted for conspiracy, account of 
suit by Thos. Duncan. 407 ; books of 
the company in Franklin's posses- 
sion in 1801, 408 ; remained in his 
keeping and in his home after 
death, until 1862, 408 ; now in Con- 
necticut Historical Society, 408 ; 
Franklin furnishes copies of rules, 
etc., to commissioners, 408 ; meeting 
at Athens, October 1801, 409 ; meet- 
ing at Athens, May 1802, 410; ap- 
peal to Pennsylvania landholders, 
410 ; some settlers under meet at 
Wyalusing, February 1803, again at- 
tempt compromise with landholders, 
and are scorned, 415-417 ; the cause 
abandoned after Bedford and Ulster 
Act, 420 

Susquehanna Indians, sometimes call- 
ed Sasquesahannocks, earliest men- 
tion by Capt. John Smith and Jesu- 
its, 26, 43 ; probably same as An- 
dastes, 43 

Sutcliff, Robert. English traveler, vis- 
its Tioga Point, 216 

Swift, John, 304-5 

Swift's Band, 304 

Sword, old, found underground at 
Sheshequin, 67-8 

Tachnechdorus, son of Shikellimy, 
76 

Talleyrand passes through Tioga 
Point, 218 

Teaoga, 5 ; persistence and significance 
of the name, 25 ; Red Jacket's pro- 
nunciation, 26 ; first visited by white 
men, 32 ; much troubled by French 
1757, 92; the southern door of "the 



Long House," 70 ; Cayuga sachem 
stationed here, 72 ; Bartram de- 
scribes site of town, 72 ; becomes a 
Delaware stronghold during French 
and Indian War, 77 

Teedyuscung. Reichel's description of, 
75 ; his influence in the French war, 
76; holds council of war 1755, 76; 
his apostacy and fiendish raids in 
1754, 77 ; makes Teaoga or Diahoga 
his stronghold, 77 ; comes with forty 
Indians to council at Easton 1756, 
82 ; claims to be king of ten na- 
tions, 82 ; Six Nations displeased 
with him, 85 ; failed to keep his 
promises, 83-4 ; his authority doubted 
by Weiser, 86; again proclaims him- 
self king at Easton treaty 1757, 
makes imperious demands, 90 ; re- 
quests white man's town, with priv- 
ileges at Wyoming, 90 ; Six Nations 
oppose publicly at treaty, 91 ; at last 
faithful in establishing peace, 91 ; 
deserts Tioga in 1757 and settles at 
Wyoming 1758, 91, 92 ; visits Gov- 
ernor at Philadelphia and reports 
peace accepted, 93 ; not well known 
by Six Nations, repudiated by them, 
95, 96 ; his hut at Wyoming burned, 
and he burned to death 1763. 99 

Tekeni, Indian word from which Tea- 
oga was derived, 26 

Teukghanacke, Andaste town, now 
Tunkhannock, 44 

Thompson. James, active in promoting 
town interests, 581 

Thurston, Rev. Curtis, 558 

Teoka, same as Teaoga. 5 ; meaning 
of word. 25-6 

Territorial Law passed. 403, 596 

Teuka, Indian word similar to Teoka. 
26 

Tiaogu, Newcastle's name for Teaoga, 
77. 80 

Tilghman, Edward, protests against 
Judge Yeates' decision on Intrusion 
Law, 408 

Tioga Point, geographical and scenic 
description, 3, 4, 5 ; various names 
for, 4 ; Indian names for, 5, 25, 26 ; 
Red Jacket's dictum as to the Point, 
26 ; physiography and geology of, 
7-16; fossils of, 11; terminal mo- 
raine easily distinguishable here. 14 ; 
kettle holes near, 14 ; first white man 
visitor. 29; key of the upper Susque- 
hanna valley, 26 

Tioga Point, the rendezvous of the 
Indian, the Tory and the Wild Yan- 
kees. 296 ; natural stopping place for 
emigrants into New York State, 397 



654 



INDEX 



Tioga Point in early daj^s of Revolu- 
tion, 120-6 ; rendezvous for Indians, 
British, Tories and deserters, 120; 
valley used as a fortress, and all 
captives held here, 120-3 ; descent 
upon Wyoming organized here, con- 
tinues to be rendezvous for coun- 
cils, etc., after Hartley's expedition. 
144 ; many raids from here to Wyo- 
ming, Cherry Valley and other 
points, 144 

Tioga Point Railroad projected 1841, 
49S 

Tioga Point, written up for A'rtc York 
Courier 1841, 498 

Titles, adjustment of, 397 

Tompkins, Isaac, 481-2 

Tories along the Susquehanna. 116-9; 
Secord family prominent among 
them, 117-8; Secord located at Ti- 
oga Point 1778, 118 ; Lord and Hop- 
kins at Sheshequin shelter deserters 
from American army, 120 ; twenty- 
five Tories captured, 121 ; known to 
be in force at Tioga Point and She- 
shequin in 1778, 122 ; Tories give 
warning of descent on Wyoming. 123 

Towanda, probable derivation of name. 
25 

Town meeting, earliest on record. 421 

Tozer. Julius, head of Athens family, 
340 

Tozer Company, War of 1812, 436 

Trading posts and traders, 189-90; 
Anderson's at Old Ulster, 105 

Trenton Commissioners, private letter, 
now in Athens, 228 ; correspondence 
of Pickering and John Dickinson 
concerning same, 229 

Troops to be sent to Tioga. 294 

Troup, Robert, agent of Pulteney es- 
tate, letter concerning Tioga Point, 
379 

Turnpikes, origin and development of, 
528 ; Cayuga and Susquehanna es- 
tablished, 529 

Tuscarora Indians, 21 

Tutelows. at Wyoming and Teaoga, 
72-3 ; Shamokins, 74 ; meaning of 
name, 23; visited by Zeisberger on 
present Tutclow Creek 1767, 100 

Tuttle, Stephen, comes to Tioga Point, 
398 ; valuable letters, 398 

Tjder, Francis, becomes prosperous, 
purchases farm still held by descend- 
ants. 483 

Tyler, Hugh, 566 

Tyler, Joseph, original proprietor of 
Athens, victim of land cont rover sv. 
319 



Ulster, Old, application for grant, 271 
Ulster, location of first grant disputed, 
400 ; Jenkins" map generally accept- 
ed, 400 ; another map recently found 
gives different location, 401 ; ac- 
count of these grants, 401 ; Tench 
Coxe's opinion, agrees witli map in 
American Philosophical Society, 
408 ; Cooper's "history of the town- 
ship," 413-14 ; provided for by spe- 
cial act, 428 ; Athens settlers apply 
under, 428 ; commissioners under 
Bedford and Ulster Act unal)le to 
find original survey, 428 ; careful de- 
positions taken, which establish 
bounds satisfactorily to commission- 
ers, 429 ; all certificates to Athens 
settlers granted under "Old Ulster,'' 
431; third grant divided in 1819, east 
part named Sheshequin, 431 
Universalist Church, 560 

Van Horn vs. Dorrance, important suit 
to test titles, report of Judge, 617 

Walker. Nathaniel Flower, 302 

Walker, Zephon Flower, 493 

Walking Purchase. 74-5 

Ward and Halsej^'s claim against Con- 
necticut Gore, 297 

Ward, Christopher L.. writes poem for 
pioneer festival, 515 

Warner, Dr. Adonijah, 568 

Warner, Samuel, and family, 4S2 

Warrants, list of those in Athens 
Township, 255 

War of 1812 agitates neighborhood. 
Clement Paine offers gratuity to vol- 
unteers, heads subscription list, 435- 
6; Julius Tozer, Sr.. raised a com- 
pany, which bore his name, in 
Swift's and Dobbins' Regiment. New 
York Volunteers, 436 ; incomplete 
list of names, 436 ; Samuel Tozer's 
letter describing battle at Fort Erie. 
436 ; Capt. Julius Tozer wounded, 
436 

jrasliiiigtoiiiaii, a scurrilous sheet, 
started as organ of Federalists, un- 
scrupulous editor employed, 454; 
varied opinions as to real founders 
of paper, 454 ; called Peter's Pat- 
terns, 455; fight to prevent publica- 
tion, 455 ; attack Welles brothers 
fiercely, 455 ; response in Gazette, 
456 ; the W^elles-Matthewson contro- 
versy used as a weapon, 456 ; editor 
generally denounced, 456 ; issues 
cease with election of Findley, 457 ; 
like a serpent leaves its trail. 459 

Wat kins. John, 577 

Wavcrly, 4 



INDEX 



655 



Weiser. Conrad, not first white man 
at Tioga Point, 29 ; appointed Indian 
agent, 71 ; visits to Diahoga, 71-2 ; 
active in many Indian councils, 78- 
98; death, 99 

Weiser, Conrad, narratives of different 
journeys past Tioga Point, 210-12 

Weld, Isaac, at Tioga Point, 214 

AVeller families, Jacob's and Freder- 
ick's, 578 

Welles, Ashbel, .353 ; locates at Balti- 
more, 355 ; becomes partner of Rich- 
ard Caton 1796, 356 ; purchase of J 
"Indian Arrow," deeds his i to Ca- 
ton, 361 ; comes to Athens in 1800, 
355 ; removed to Owego, and later 
to Binghamton, and elected member 
of New York Assembly, 355 ; addi- 
tional history, 478 

Welles, Charles Fisher, shares broth- 
er's responsibilities, 446 ; holds vari- 
ous county offices, 447 ; wages polit- 
ical war, assumes defence of broth- 
er, 465 ; repairs to Harrisburg to 
espouse Henry's cause, 467 ; appears 
with Mathewson before committee, 
467 

Welles. Charles F., Jr., 508, 534, 536 

Welles, George, 353, 354 ; owner of ^ 
of Indian Arrow, 356 ; resumes ship 
trade, 355 ; arrives at Tioga Point, 
359 ; purchases various Connecticut 
claims, 360 ; makes vain advances to 
Elisha Matthewson, 360 ; opens 
"Welles and Caton store," 360; 
builds Welles' Folly, 361 ; mortgages 
his ^ to Caton. 361; letter to Gov- 
ernor McKean, 368 ; writes indig- 
nant letter to Caton, 372-3 ; builds 
house, occupied by four generations 
of family, 380 ; victim to cold fever, 
dies 1813, 381 

Welles, George O., 566 

Welles, Henry, son of George, enters 
on the scene, 369 ; runs the river, 
369, 370 ; proposes to purchase fath- 
er's interest, 371 ; at Baltimore, 374 ; 
letters to Caton, 374, 375, 376, 383, 
384, 385. 387, 389. 391, 392. 393, 395 ; 
proposed to purchase by exchange, 
374. 593 ; arrangements for same, 
with explanations. 374-7 ; list of legal 
transactions by which his purchase 
is consummated, 378 ; letter to 
Troup's agent concerning communi- 
cation. 379 ; controversy with Mat- 
thewsons, 382-90; 430-71; 591-622; 
elected to Legislature, 393 ; letters 
from Harrisburg to father, 394, 395, 
396 ; writes to Caton concerning lot 
on Academy square and receives re- 
ply. 422 ; frames Bedford and Ulster 



Act, 428 ; appointed on Governor's 
staff, title, General, 457 ; keeps his 
possessions, 474 ; dies suddenly, De- 
cember 1833, 475 ; some account of 
his descendants, 476 
Welles, Prudence, asserts her mater- 
nal privileges, 464-5 
Welles, Sarah Spalding, 446, note, 461, 

475 
Welles, Raymond M., 518 
Welles' Folly, built in 1799, 361 
Welles and Shipman Foundry started, 

516 
Welles-Matthewson and Mathewson- 
Welles controversy, first step, 382- 
474, 591-622; apparently settled by 
sale to Thos. Overton, etc., 384-5 ; 
Dr. Rose renews the storm, 386 ; 
Overton's payments declined, 386 ; 
Henry Welles' possession under deed 
from Mrs. Matthewson, 509, 601, 
606, 607 ; brings trespass suit. 388, 
608 ; "hard quarreling" sets in, 388 ; 
writ served under protest, 390, 608- 
609 ; contradictory statement of 
Job Irish, counsel for Mrs. Mat- 
thewson, 391 ; matters again seem 
adjusted in 1808, 391 ; Mrs. Mat- 
thewson's application under Bedford 
and Ulster Act disputed by Henry 
Welles and rejected by commis- 
sioners in 1810. 430 ; made a party 
issue in election of 1818 ; Mrs. Mat- 
thewson petitions Legislature twice, 
459 ; being unsuccessful, her son 
Constant takes a hand, 460 ; petition 
referred to special committee, re- 
monstrances presented. 461 ; Henry 
Welles builds house on a contested 
lot, 461 ; committee report bill, re- 
jected. 462; Constant Mathewson 
elected to Legislature, his bill again 
presented, provokes discussion and 
heated argument, 463 ; passes House, 
rejected by Senate, 464; copy of bill, 
464 ; the mother of Henry Welles 
takes up his cause, appeals to 
Charles to defend his brother, 464-5 ; 
Charles undertakes the work, 465, 
also Appendix A ; partial defense 
printed and Constant Mathewson re- 
sponds, supposedly by McKean's 
hand, 466 ; political aspect again to 
the front, 468 ; defense convinces 
committee of illegality of bill, 469 ; 
Henry Welles sues Mathewson for 
libel, notable depositions, 469 ; Zeph- 
on Flower's accompanied bv de- 
scriptive map, 470 ; Henry Welles 
accused of framing act to help his 
cause, 471 ; whole question to gratify 
ancient grudge of party men, 472 ; 



656 



INDEX 



committee report same old bill, ask- 
ed for more careful report, given, 
and laid on table. 473 ; Legislature 
declining to repeal seventh section, 
title of bill altered, 473 ; Townsend 
Haines presents careful statement, 
leading to passage of act for relief 
of heirs of Elisha Matthewson, 474 ; 
commissioners make valuation and 
pay Matthewson heirs $10,000, thus 
ending controversy. 474 ; newspapers 
favor Tienry Welles, 474 

White Gate. 367 

Wilawan, meaning of, 19 

Wilawana. first mention by Zeisberger, 
100 ; established by Monsey Indians 
1767, 100; Meethan, a chief, and 
some Indians visit Governor 1770, 
report themselves as from "Wila- 
waning or Big Horn," 102 

Wild Yankees, name given to half- 
share men, 230 

Wild Yankees, fill valley from Wyo- 
ming to State Line, 289 ; paper sup- 
posed to be their Leagues. 291 ; call- 
ed by Alexander Patterson, Frank- 
lin's Ravengers. 292 ; called Swift's 
or Swift's and Satterlee's Band, 304 

Willis. N. P.. gives amusing account 
of steamboat trip on the upper Sus- 
quehanna. 524 

Williston. Horace, Judge, 564 

Williston. Horace, Jr.. made agent of 
Caton's and Carroll's lands, 494; life 
history, 494-6 

Wilson. Alexander, the ornithologist, 
writes poem descriptive of journey, 
Easton to Niagara, 215 

Wilson, Uriah, and son James, 483 

Wisner, Dr. William. 556; extracts 
from his book concerning Athens, 
556 



Wisner, W. C. Jr., 556 

Wolcott, Erastus, eccentric character, 
579 

Wolcott, Silas, pioneer of Litchfield, 
580 

Worden, O. N., first editor, 573 

Wright. Foster and Jason K.. 576 

Wyoming, or Wyomink, called by In- 
dians Seahoantowano, 76-7; seat of 
Connecticut controversy until De- 
cree of Trento'n. 225 

Wyoming, first massacre, 99 ; second, 
or famous one, 123 

Wyoming, descent on, planned for 
1777, 123 ; final preparations made at 
Tioga Point, feast of white dogs, 
war paint, war songs, departure of 
the fleet. 123-4 ; number of British 
and Tories, 123; flight from Wyo- 
ming, story of Elizabeth Satterlee, 
124-5 ; return of the party, laden 
with booty, to Tioga Point, 125 

Wyoming, events there after Decree 
of Trenton, 273-4 ; arrival of Ethan 
Allen to assist Connecticut settlers, 
274 ; removal of controversy to Ti- 
oga Point, 234 

Yankee-Pennamite See-sav^, 387 
Yeates, Judge, opinion on Intrusion 

Law, 407 ; his report in Enslin vs. 

Bowman, concerning "rights of 

property," 617 

Zeisberger. David, Moravian mission- 
ary, passes Diahoga 1737, 1745, 1750, 
1753, 72-3 ; reports no Indians at 
Diahoga in 1766, 100; visits Wila- 
wane 1767, 100 






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